In the realm of quantum computing and nuclear physics, a trio of researchers has made a significant stride. Bhoomika Maheshwari, Paul Stevenson, and P. Van Isacker, affiliated with the University of York and the University of Lyon, have developed a novel approach to simulate nuclear systems using quantum computers. Their work, titled “Single-step Quantum Simulation of Two Nucleons,” was recently published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
The researchers tackled a complex problem in nuclear physics: the nuclear shell model, which describes the arrangement of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus. This model is notoriously difficult to solve due to its exponential complexity, especially when dealing with many interacting particles. Quantum computing offers a promising avenue to address this challenge.
The team presented a numerical simulation using the subspace search variational quantum eigensolver (SSVQE) combined with an adaptive derivative-assembled pseudo-trotter (ADAPT) ansatz. This combination allows for the simultaneous optimization of multiple low-lying states of any nuclear system in a single run. In their example, they applied this method to a simple system of two identical nucleons in the $0p_{3/2}$ orbital, mapped to 4 qubits using the Jordan-Wigner transformation.
The ADAPT-SSVQE algorithm employs a symmetry-preserving double-excitation ADAPT operator pool, uniquely optimizing a weighted energy sum. This approach forces the simultaneous convergence of the two lowest states within the total angular momentum $M_J=0$ subspace. The researchers demonstrated the accuracy of their method by benchmarking it against exact diagonalization, confirming its potential for probing nuclear structure and pairing phenomena.
For the energy sector, this research could have significant implications. Understanding nuclear structure is crucial for various applications, including nuclear energy production and waste management. Quantum simulations could provide deeper insights into nuclear reactions, leading to more efficient and safer nuclear technologies. Moreover, the ability to simulate complex nuclear systems could aid in the development of advanced nuclear fuels and the design of next-generation nuclear reactors.
The researchers’ work represents a step forward in the application of quantum computing to nuclear physics. As quantum devices continue to evolve, methods like ADAPT-SSVQE could become invaluable tools for exploring the fundamental properties of atomic nuclei and advancing nuclear energy technologies.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.