Scientists were able to simulate the traverse field lsing model (TFIM) using the D-Wave 2048-Qubit 2000Q Quantum Computer. (Image credit: D-Wave)
D-Wave scientists have recently announced that they were successful in modeling a quantum system using their 2048-Quibit Quantum Computer. More specifically, they used the platform to predict phase transitions in the quantum mechanical system known as the traverse field lsing model- a mathematical model of ferromagnetism in statistical mechanics.
The scientists were able to study the lsing model on 3D cubic lattices with dimensions of up to 8 X 8 X 8, at equal to 512 quantum spins. According to the scientist's paper (Phase transitions in a programmable quantum spin glass simulator), “They tuned the amount of frustration within the lattice and varied the effective transverse magnetic field, which revealed phase transitions between a pragmatic, an ordered antiferromagnetic, and a spin-glass phase.”
The lsing model showing the spins arranged in a 3D lattice, allows each spin to interact with its neighbors. (Image credit: D-Wave)
While this breakthrough is significant regarding technological advancements in quantum computing, it doesn’t demonstrate straight QC power. What it does though, is allow the scientists to explore the behavior of system designs without entirely understanding how they function. Think of this breakthrough as a tool for initial conceptualization and invention, like using CAD to model a rough design, and then throwing it into a simulator to see if it works.
The D-wave scientists state their work is essential in several aspects, including demonstrating phase transitions is “strong” evidence the 2000Q QC can perform quantum simulations, the 3D system (although different from straight qubits), functions as expected, and has motivated new work into correlating quantum-mechanical DOF in the vicinity of observed phased transitions.
CEO of D-Wave Vern Brownell is impressed with the outcome of the simulation, stating, “This work represents an important milestone for quantum computing, because it is the first time physics of this kind has been simulated in a scalable architecture at such a large scale. It also provides unprecedented validation for annealing quantum computing, which is the basis of D-Wave’s quantum technology.”
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