Modelling quantum photonics on a quantum computer

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel approach to model photonic devices using quantum computers by creating a quantum analogue of the optical system, demonstrated through simulating quantum interference effects.

Contribution

It presents the first implementation of optical device modelling on a quantum computer, enabling accurate simulation of light-matter interactions and interference phenomena.

Findings

Successful simulation of quantum interference on IBM quantum computer

Reproduction of optical experiment details with high fidelity

Potential for modelling complex multi-photon optical systems

Abstract

Modelling of photonic devices traditionally involves solving the equations of light-matter interaction and light propagation, and it is restrained by their applicability. Here we demonstrate an alternative modelling methodology by creating a "quantum copy" of the optical device in the quantum computer. As an illustration, we simulate quantum interference of light on a thin absorbing film. Such interference can lead to either perfect absorption or total transmission of light through the film, the phenomena attracting attention for data processing applications in classical and quantum information networks. We map behaviour of the photon in the quantum interference experiment to the evolution of a quantum state of transmon, a superconducting charge qubit of the IBM quantum computer. Details of the real optical experiment are flawlessly reproduced on the quantum computer. We argue that superiority of the "quantum copy" methodology shall be apparent in modelling complex multi-photon optical phenomena and devices.