Sunday 04 May 2025
A team of physicists has made a significant breakthrough in simulating nuclear resonances on a quantum computer, paving the way for more accurate predictions and potentially revolutionizing our understanding of these complex phenomena.
Nuclear resonances are fleeting states of matter that form when a nucleus absorbs or emits energy. These events are crucial in many areas of physics, including nuclear reactions, radiation therapy, and even the study of atomic nuclei themselves. However, simulating these processes is notoriously difficult due to their intricate nature and the vast number of variables involved.
Traditionally, scientists have relied on classical computers to model these resonances, but the sheer scale of the calculations required has made it challenging to achieve accurate results. This is where quantum computers come in – with their ability to process complex information exponentially faster than traditional machines, they offer a promising solution.
The researchers employed a novel approach, using a technique called the θ-trajectory method to extract resonance positions on a quantum simulator. By leveraging noise-resilient protocols, they were able to accurately simulate non-Hermitian Hamiltonians – mathematical descriptions of physical systems that don’t obey the usual rules of energy conservation – and isolate the resonance energies.
To demonstrate the power of their approach, the team simulated the D- and G-wave resonances of α−α scattering potential using a basis size of N = 16. This is significant because these resonances are notoriously difficult to predict accurately, and even small errors can have major implications for our understanding of nuclear reactions.
The results were impressive – the quantum simulator produced resonance energies that matched classical benchmark values with remarkable precision. The achievement marks a crucial step towards simulating more complex systems and could ultimately lead to improved predictions in fields such as nuclear physics, radiation therapy, and materials science.
In addition to its direct applications, this breakthrough also highlights the potential of quantum computers to tackle some of the most challenging problems in physics. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with these machines, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge – and a deeper understanding of the intricate phenomena that govern our universe.
Cite this article: “Quantum Leap Forward: Simulating Nuclear Resonances on Quantum Computers”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Nuclear Resonances, Quantum Computer, Simulation, Nuclear Physics, Radiation Therapy, Materials Science, Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, Θ-Trajectory Method, Noise-Resilient Protocols, Basis Size
