Quantum computing for quantum tunneling

We demonstrate how quantum field theory problems can be practically encoded by using a discretization of the field theory problem into a general Ising model, with the continuous field values being encoded into Ising spin chains. To illustrate the method, and as a simple proof of principle, we use a (hybrid) quantum annealer to recover the correct profile of the thin-wall tunnelling solution. This method is applicable to many nonperturbative problems.

Automated summary

This study shows how quantum field theory problems can be encoded into Ising models and solved using a quantum annealer. The method is applicable to many nonperturbative problems.