Scientists developed a hybrid quantum simulator capable of overcoming limitations and modeling complex physical phenomena, bringing us closer to universal simulation
By combining digital control with analog simulations, scientists have created a new and powerful quantum simulator that exceeds traditional limitations. This hybrid system allows the precise manipulation of quantum states while naturally modeled real -world physical phenomena, enabling advances in areas such as magnetism, superconductors and even astrophysics.
Advance in quantum simulation
Physicists who work in the Google lab have developed a new type of digital-analytical quantum simulator, capable of studying complex processes with unprecedented accuracy and adaptability. Two researchers from the PSI (Paul Scherrer Institut) Theory and Data Center have played a crucial role in this advance.
Consider the simple act of spilling cold milk in hot coffee – how does it spread and mix? Even the most advanced supercomputers face difficulties to model this process with high accuracy, as underlying quantum mechanics is incredibly complex.
In 1982, Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman proposed an alternative: instead of using classic computers, why not build quantum computers that can directly simulate quantum physical processes?
Now, with rapid advances in quantum computing, Feynman’s view is closer than ever to come true.
A milestone in quantum computing
Together with Google researchers and universities from five countries, Andreas Läuchli and Andreas Elben, two psycho physicists, have successfully built and tested a new type of digital-analyst quantum simulator.
This represents a milestone because your simulator calculates physical processes not only with unprecedented accuracy; Its concept is also particularly flexible, meaning that it can be applied to many different problems – from solid state to astrophysical state. Their discoveries were published today in the renowned scientific journal Nature.
Combining analog and digital
A key aspect of the new quantum processor is that the 69 quantum bits superconductors in the quantum chip developed by Google allow both digital and analog modes of operation. Digital quantum computers perform their operations using universal quantum ports, similar to logical doors on classic computers.
The difference is that, thanks to quantum overlap, QBits can assume not only states 0 and 1, but also a multiplicity of intermediate states.
Although these purely digital quantum computers are already very powerful, their potential as quantum simulators is still limited. On the other hand, analog quantum simulators depend on the direct simulation of physical processes, realistically modeling interactions between different particles, for example, to study solid magnetic properties.
These two approaches – digital and analog – were first combined for the first time in an experiment that brings together the strengths of both worlds.
Simulating complex physical processes
For this, physicists define discrete initial conditions, such as introducing heat into a solid – this is digital mode. This allows initial conditions to be defined precisely and flexibly. In the analogy with the coffee cup, for example, it would be like a teapot dumping drops of milk specified and controlled in a hundred different places, all at the same time. The subsequent process by which the milk spreads to the coffee corresponds to the analog mode. The interaction between the QBits simulates physical dynamics, such as the propagation of heat or the formation of magnetic domains, as occurs in real solids.
“We can observe the quantum simulator while it reaches the thermal balance-or in the coffee analogy: milk is distributed to coffee and the temperature is equaled in the process,” says Andreas Elben, a tenure-track scientist in the psi. “Our research shows that it is possible to create superconducting Analog-Digital Quantum Processors in a chip and that they are suitable as quantum simulators,” says Andreas Läuchli.
Towards a universal quantum simulator
However, thermalization – the process of achieving thermal balance – is just one of the many fascinating questions that can be answered using the new quantum simulator. The concept demonstrated here pave the way for a universal quantum simulator and will be used in a wide range of different areas of physics. It goes beyond the capabilities of existing analog quantum simulators, each of which is suitable for a specific physical problem only.
One topic that can be studied in this way is magnetism, Läuchli’s specialty. Quibits in Google Quantum Chip are arranged in the format of a rectangle, and in the initial state the directions of their magnetic fields alternate rigidly.
But what happens if the chip is triangular? This can disturb the organized arrangement because the quibits cannot adjust their magnetic orientation in the regular standard they naturally adopt.
This phenomenon is known as frustrated magnetism and is of interest, for example, in connection with computer chips that alternate and stores bits based not on electron load, but on their magnetic spins. This leads to much higher memory density and higher computational speed.
Applications Expansion: From Superconductors to Black Holes
New applications are emerging in the development of new materials, such as high temperature superconductors, and even medications that can be used more accurately and cause less side effects.
Quantum simulators are also demanded in astrophysics. An example is the so -called information paradox, which states that no information can be lost in quantum physics.
However, astrophysicists believe that black holes actually destroy information about their formation – new types of quantum simulators can clarify this situation.
The future of quantum simulators
“Our quantum simulator opens the doors for new research,” promises Andreas Läuchli. Although the project with Google has come to an end, many other physical issues await it and your team at PSI.
In the Quantum Computing Hub of Ethz and PSI and beyond quantum computers and quantum simulators are being developed on various technological platforms, including imprisoned ions, Rydberg superconducting and atoms.
These systems will soon allow to study exciting issues proposed by quantum physics in PSI.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/02/17/avanco-da-computacao-quantica-desafia-os-limites-da-ciencia/
