Computing real time correlation functions on a hybrid classical/quantum computer

Quantum devices may overcome limitations of classical computers in studies of nuclear structure functions and parton Wigner distributions of protons and nuclei. In this talk, we discuss a worldline approach to compute nuclear structure functions in the high energy Regge limit of QCD using a hybrid quantum computer, by expressing the fermion determinant in the QCD path integral as a quantum mechanical path integral over 0 + 1-dimensional fermionic and bosonic world-lines in background gauge fields. Our simplest example of computing the well-known dipole model result for the structure function F-2 in the high energy Regge limit is feasible with NISQ era technology using few qubits and shallow circuits. This example can be scaled up in complexity and extended in scope to compute structure functions, scattering amplitudes and other real-time correlation functions in QCD, relevant for example to describe non-equilibrium transport of quarks and gluons in a Quark-Gluon-Plasma.

Automated summary

This talk explores using a hybrid quantum computer to overcome limitations of classical computers in studying nuclear structure functions in the high energy Regge limit of QCD. By expressing the fermion determinant in the QCD path integral as a quantum mechanical path integral over world-lines, computations can be performed using few qubits and shallow circuits in the NISQ era, with potential for scalability and extension to other real-time correlation functions in QCD.