CINDY: Coherent gauge-invariant dynamics

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The first quantum revolution taught us the working principles of the quantum world. Now we are in the midst of a second quantum revolution, in which we learn how to exploit these new rules to build quantum computing devices that are more powerful than their classical counterparts. My program develops quantum technology for quantum simulations of so-called gauge theories.******Gauge theories play a central role in many branches of physics and describe the fundamental interactions between elementary particles. A prominent example is quantum chromodynamics which describes the interaction between quarks and gluons. Due to fundamental reasons, the calculation of dynamical processes within such theories is extremely hard. This limits simulations that can be performed on classical computers to date and inspired the idea to use quantum simulators.******My program aims at developing the concepts for this new type of simulator and to promote these novel ideas to proof-of-principle realizations in the lab. In my recent European collaboration, a hardware-adapted design I developed led to the first demonstration in this field [Nature 534, 516 (2016)], where a one-dimensional theory has been realized. While providing a first stepping stone in uncharted territory, it leaves big challenges open, including the quantum simulation of theories with ‘color'- degrees of freedom (as in quantum chromodynamics) and realizations beyond one spatial dimension. My program will address these two major research objectives.******Linking quantum technologies with high energy physics is a new and rapidly evolving field. I will leverage the leading edge established by my collaborators and me to establish a strong research line in this area in Canada. I moved from Europe to Waterloo this year. My expertise and network of world leading experts will spur a knowledge transfer to Canada and tap into a unique combination of international collaborations that will enhance the training of my HQP. In Waterloo, the first experiment to perform quantum simulations of lattice gauge theories is now under way. If my program can be started in a timely manner, the planned theoretical-experimental collaboration has the potential to do establish leadership in this area through proof-of-concept experiments with high visibility. In the long run, I will also establish new connections with researchers working on lattice gauge theories in Canada (e.g. with R. Lewis in Toronto) expanding the Canadian network for this research direction.******Cindy is a theory program for developing quantum simulations of gauge theories. Its 5-year goals are: to enable quantum simulation of non-Abelian gauge theories and gauge theories beyond 1D. The ultimate long-term vision is to tackle problems that can not be addressed with numerical methods, such as open questions relating to heavy ion collisions in particle accelerators, the physics of the early universe, or the interior of neutron stars.