Quantum simulation of wave optics in weakly inhomogeneous media using block-encoding

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum algorithm that simulates wave optics in weakly inhomogeneous media by mapping the wave equation to a Schrödinger-like form and employing block-encoding for efficient quantum simulation.

Contribution

It presents a novel quantum algorithm utilizing block-encoding to simulate optical wave propagation in inhomogeneous media, enabling complex optical system modeling on quantum computers.

Findings

Successfully simulated 1D Gaussian beam propagation through a lens

Demonstrated spherical aberrations in the quantum simulation

Showcased flexible block-encoding for various optical setups

Abstract

We propose a quantum algorithm that simulates the propagation of a light field through a weakly inhomogeneous medium. The wave equation in the paraxial approximation in inhomogeneous material takes the form of the Schr\"odinger equation with a time-dependent Hamiltonian. This reduction is used to simulate wave optical dynamics on a quantum computer. Beam propagator operators for a short propagation distance are constructed using an efficient and flexible block-encoding that enables the simulation of various optical setups. The algorithm is showcased by simulating the propagation of a 1D Gaussian beam through a lens with a finite thickness, and the resulting spherical aberrations are demonstrated.