Quantum simulator to unlock new electronic materials
Summary
This approach, tested on a processor with 16 qubits, allows scientists to explore material properties by simulating the behaviour of electrons in an adjustable electromagnetic field. With this new technique, researchers can investigate properties like conductivity, magnetization, and polarization, providing insights into the underlying physics of materials that could lead to innovations in electronics, such as enhanced semiconductors, insulators, and superconductors. Through precise modulation of these energy levels, photons were made to hop between qubits in a complex pattern, closely resembling the movement of electrons in a magnetic field. Looking ahead, this method could enable precise studies of complex phenomena in condensed matter physics, such as phase transitions that occur when a material shifts from conducting to insulating states. In this way, we can scan over many material properties or model parameters without having to physically fabricate a new device each time.” While this work served as an initial demonstration, it opens up numerous avenues for discovery, according to Rosen: “The beauty of quantum computers is that we can look at exactly what is happening at every moment in time on every qubit, so we have all this information at our disposal.