Quantum Simulation of Noisy Quantum Networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method using noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices to simulate complex quantum networks, leveraging hardware imperfections to model real-world communication scenarios more effectively than classical methods.

Contribution

It presents a new approach that uses NISQ devices' inherent noise to simulate quantum networks with realistic imperfections, surpassing classical simulation limitations.

Findings

NISQ devices can simulate larger, more complex quantum networks.

Hardware noise can be exploited to model real-world imperfections.

Simulation framework improves scalability and flexibility.

Abstract

Complex quantum networks are not only hard to establish, but also difficult to simulate due to the exponentially growing state space and noise-induced imperfections. In this work, we propose an alternative approach that leverage quantum computers and noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices as simulators for quantum networks, including noisy quantum devices, channels, and protocols. Rather than considering noise as an undesired property that needs to be mitigated, we demonstrate how imperfections in quantum hardware can be utilized to simulate real-world communication devices under realistic conditions beyond classical simulation capabilities. Our approach allows NISQ devices with modest noise to simulate devices with more significant imperfections enabling large-scale, detailed simulations of quantum networks, where exact error models can be treated. It also improves over direct implementation and benchmarking of real networks, as waiting times for information transmission, locality, and memory restrictions do not apply. This framework can offer advantages in flexibility, scalability, and precision, demonstrating that NISQ devices can serve as natural testbeds for complex quantum networks, and paving the way for more efficient quantum network simulations.