- IonQ (IONQ, Financial) collaborates with the University of Washington to simulate a symmetry-breaking phenomenon using quantum computing.
- This marks the first quantum computer simulation of "neutrinoless double-beta decay," a process tied to the universe’s matter-antimatter imbalance.
- The project underscores quantum computing’s potential in advancing the understanding of fundamental physics.
IonQ (IONQ), a prominent player in the field of quantum computing, has successfully simulated a complex phenomenon known as "neutrinoless double-beta decay" using their advanced quantum computing systems. This breakthrough has significant implications for deciphering the universe's asymmetry between matter and antimatter.
The simulation, conducted in partnership with the University of Washington's InQubator for Quantum Simulation (IQuS), achieved a real-time observation of a "lepton-number violation." This rare occurrence has never been directly simulated on a quantum computer before, highlighting the potential of quantum computing to model cosmic phenomena that have eluded classical systems.
By employing IonQ's Forte Enterprise quantum system, researchers navigated this intricate process utilizing 32 qubits and introduced 4 additional qubits for error mitigation. The use of novel quantum circuit compilation techniques enabled a precise simulation involving 2,356 two-qubit gates.
This effort not only potentially answers pivotal questions about the matter-antimatter imbalance post-Big Bang but also paves the way for exploring other fundamental physics processes with quantum technology. The collaboration with the University of Washington and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Quantum Science Center represents a milestone in ongoing global research endeavors.
IonQ's CEO, Niccolo de Masi, stated, "By simulating a fundamental physics process so rare it's never been observed in nature, we're showing that quantum computers are not just theoretical tools. They’re engines of discovery.”
This achievement underscores IonQ's commitment to expanding the boundaries of quantum computing applications in fundamental physics, showcasing the company’s leadership position in this cutting-edge field.
