Discrete-time quantum walks and gauge theories

TL;DR

This paper explores how discrete-time quantum walks can simulate gauge theories and fermionic matter, preserving gauge invariance on spacetime lattices and coupling to curved spacetimes, advancing quantum simulation of quantum field theories.

Contribution

It demonstrates how DTQWs can simulate Yang-Mills gauge fields and fermionic matter, maintaining gauge invariance and coupling to gravity, extending quantum simulation capabilities.

Findings

DTQWs can simulate continuum gauge theories on lattices.

Gauge invariance is preserved in the lattice schemes.

Coupling to curved spacetimes is achieved in 1+2 dimensions.

Abstract

A quantum computer, i.e. utilizing the resources of quantum physics, superposition of states and entanglement, could furnish an exponential gain in computing time. A simulation using such resources is called a quantum simulation. The advantage of quantum simulations over classical ones is well established at the theoretical, i.e. software level. Their practical benefit requires their implementation on a quantum hardware. The quantum computer, i.e. the universal one (see below), has not seen the light of day yet, but the efforts in this direction are both growing and diverse. Also, quantum simulation has already been illustrated by numerous experimental proofs of principle, thanks too small-size and specific-task quantum computers or simulators. Quantum walks are particularly-studied quantum-simulation schemes, being elementary bricks to conceive any quantum algorithm, i.e. to achieve so-called universal quantum computation. The present thesis is a step more towards a simulation of quantum field theories based on discrete-time quantum walks (DTQWs). Indeed, it is shown, in certain cases, how DTQWs can simulate, in the continuum, the action of Yang-Mills gauge fields on fermionic matter, and the retroaction of the latter on the gauge-field dynamics. The suggested schemes preserve gauge invariance on the spacetime lattice, i.e. not only in the continuum. In the (1+2)-dimensional Abelian case, consistent lattice equivalents to both Maxwell's equations and the current conservation are suggested. In the (1+1)-dimensional non-Abelian case, a lattice version of the non-Abelian field strength is suggested. Moreover, it is shown how this fermionic matter based on DTQWs can be coupled to relativistic gravitational fields of the continuum, i.e. to curved spacetimes, in 1+2 dimensions.