Can physics be simulated by a universal computer? Classical physics, maybe; but what about quantum physics? Feynman's suggestion to build a computer out of quantum mechanical elements is now an active area of experimental research. While a large scale quantum computer is perhaps not practical for a long time to come, quantum simulators that can simulate a range of specific quantum problems are practical. In this talk, I will describe a trapped ion quantum simulator that we are building at IQC and the department of Physics and Astronomy. The trapped ion simulator is most suited to solve interacting spin models, for gaining fundamental insights into quantum many-body physics.
Rajibul Islam
