Quantum Simulation of Thermalization in Fundamental Physics

Xiaojun Yao, PhD

The Standard Model of particle physics governs dynamics ranging from the large-scale universe to the microscopic scale happening inside a high-energy collider. Its mathematical structure is based on Abelian and non-Abelian gauge theories. Perturbative and Euclidean lattice methods have been very successful in describing experimental data in their applicable regimes. However, many problems in real time or at high density are beyond the scope of these methods. Thermalization of non-Abelian gauge theory, in particular the strong interaction theory QCD, is such a problem. This problem is not only interesting theoretically, but also highly relevant to our understanding of the data coming from the relativistic heavy ion collision experiments. With the recent developments in quantum technology, the Hamiltonian lattice approach has resurfaced as a non-perturbative tool and drawn a large amount of attention and interest. Significant progress has been made in an array of problems. In this talk, I will focus on the problem of non-Abelian gauge theory thermalization and explain why we think quantum computing is necessary for solving this problem ultimately. Then I will give an overview of some recent progress made by using advanced classical computing for small lattices and present some results obtained from quantum computers for large lattices. In the end, I will give an outlook for the future.

To participate in this event virtually via Zoom, go to https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/98793953632.