Researchers at the National University of Singapore have succeeded in simulating higher-order topological (HOT) lattices with great accuracy using digital quantum computers. These complex lattice structures play a crucial role in understanding advanced quantum materials with robust quantum states that are in high demand for various technological applications. The study of topological states of matter and their HOT counterparts has garnered interest from physicists and engineers due to the discovery of topological insulators, which conduct electricity only on the surface or edges while remaining insulating in the interior. Devices made from such materials have the potential to enhance transport or signal transmission technology due to their unique mathematical properties which allow electrons to flow along edges without being impeded by defects or deformations in the material.
Through many-body quantum interactions, a team led by Assistant Professor Lee Ching Hua from the NUS Faculty of Science has developed a scalable method to encode large, high-dimensional HOT lattices into simple spin chains found in current digital quantum computers. This approach harnesses the vast amount of information that can be stored using quantum computer qubits while minimizing the resources needed for quantum computing in a noise-resistant manner. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for simulating advanced quantum materials using digital quantum computers, offering new opportunities in topological material engineering. The study has been published in the journal Nature Communications, showcasing the significant progress made in the field.
Assistant Professor Lee highlighted the importance of finding new applications for quantum computers, as existing breakthrough studies are limited to highly-specific tailored problems. The team’s approach allows for the exploration of the intricate signatures of topological materials on quantum computers with unprecedented precision, even for hypothetical materials existing in four dimensions. Despite the limitations of current noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices, the team has managed to measure topological state dynamics and protected mid-gap spectra of HOT lattices with unparalleled accuracy using advanced in-house error mitigation techniques. This achievement demonstrates the potential of current quantum technology to delve into new realms of material engineering.
The ability to simulate high-dimensional HOT lattices on quantum computers opens up new paths for research in quantum materials and topological states, offering a potential route towards achieving true quantum advantage in the future. The team’s success in accurately measuring the dynamics and spectra of HOT lattices highlights the capabilities of current quantum technology in exploring advanced material engineering. By overcoming the challenges posed by noisy quantum devices, the researchers have laid the foundation for further advancements in quantum simulations, potentially leading to groundbreaking developments in technology and scientific research. The study marks a significant milestone in the field of quantum computing and material science, showcasing the potential of digital quantum computers in advancing our understanding of complex quantum materials.
