Insight
Nature Physics Insight – Quantum Simulation
- Insight issue:
- April 2012 Volume 8, No 4
Before the advent of digital computers, sophisticated orreries were used to predict the positions and motions of astronomical bodies. Today, we are witnessing the renaissance of devices that simulate, rather than calculate, the evolution of complex many-body systems. Quantum simulators — which use one controllable quantum system to investigate the behaviour and properties of another, less accessible one — hold the promise of tackling problems that are too demanding for classical computers. Over the past few years, significant progress has been made in a number of experimental fields, as reviewed in this Insight, which also considers where quantum simulation might take us.
Commentary
Goals and opportunities in quantum simulation - - pp264 – 266
J. Ignacio Cirac and Peter Zoller
doi:10.1038/nphys2275
The long-term promises of quantum simulators are far-reaching. The field, however, also needs clearly defined short-term goals.
Full text - Goals and opportunities in quantum simulation | PDF (172KB) - Goals and opportunities in quantum simulation
Reviews
Quantum simulations with ultracold quantum gases - pp267 – 276
Immanuel Bloch, Jean Dalibard and Sylvain Nascimbéne
doi:10.1038/nphys2259
Experiments with ultracold quantum gases provide a platform for creating many-body systems that can be well controlled and whose parameters can be tuned over a wide range. These properties put these systems in an ideal position for simulating problems that are out of reach for classical computers. This review surveys key advances in this field and discusses the possibilities offered by this approach to quantum simulation.
Abstract - Quantum simulations with ultracold quantum gases | Full text - Quantum simulations with ultracold quantum gases | PDF (1,545KB) - Quantum simulations with ultracold quantum gases
Quantum simulations with trapped ions - pp277 – 284
R. Blatt and C. F. Roos
doi:10.1038/nphys2252
Experimental progress in controlling and manipulating trapped atomic ions has opened the door for a series of proof-of-principle quantum simulations. This article reviews these experiments, together with the methods and tools that have enabled them, and provides an outlook on future directions in the field.
Abstract - Quantum simulations with trapped ions | Full text -Quantum simulations with trapped ions | PDF (1,545KB) - Quantum simulations with trapped ions
Photonic quantum simulators - pp285 – 291
Alán Aspuru-Guzik and Philip Walther
doi:10.1038/nphys2253
Quantum optics has played an important role in the exploration of foundational issues in quantum mechanics, and in using quantum effects for information processing and communications purposes. Photonic quantum systems now also provide a valuable test bed for quantum simulations. This article surveys the first generation of such experiments, and discusses the prospects for tackling outstanding problems in physics, chemistry and biology.
Abstract -Photonic quantum simulators | Full text - Photonic quantum simulators | PDF (1,545KB) - Photonic quantum simulators
Progress Article
On-chip quantum simulation with superconducting circuits - pp292 – 299
Andrew A. Houck, Hakan E. Türeci and Jens Koch
doi:10.1038/nphys2251
Lithographically fabricated micrometre-scale superconducting circuits exhibit behaviour analogues to natural quantum entities, such as atom, ions and photons. Large-scale arrays of such circuits hold the promise of providing a unique route to quantum simulation. Recent progress in technology and methodology are reviewed here, and prospects and challenges discussed.
Abstract -On-chip quantum simulation with superconducting circuits | Full text - On-chip quantum simulation with superconducting circuits | PDF (265KB) - On-chip quantum simulation with superconducting circuits
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