SU(2) gauge theory on digital quantum computers

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 2:30 pm - 2:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Jesse Stryker, The University of Washington

Results from the first digital quantum simulation of an SU(2) gauge theory are presented. This was done by analytically constructing gauge-invariant states and implementing a Trotterized time evolution operator for that basis on superconducting hardware. By using error mitigation techniques, electric energy measurements could be reliably extracted following one Trotter-Suzuki time step. This work is a small but important step toward determining what field-theoretic calculations will be possible using near-term devices.