Starts 26 May 2026 11:00
Ends 26 May 2026 12:00
Central European Time
Joint SISSA-ICTP Statistical Physics Seminar: Quantum Simulation of Real-Time Scattering Dynamics in High-Energy Physics
Euler Lecture Room (Leonardo Building, terrace level) and via Zoom
Yahui Chai
(Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY)
Abstract:
Real-time dynamics is central to high-energy physics, underlying processes such as particle scattering and the extraction of parton distribution functions (PDFs). However, nonperturbative real-time simulation remains challenging for classical methods due to sign problems and rapidly growing entanglement, making quantum computing a promising alternative.
In this talk, I will present our recent progress on quantum simulations of particle scattering in (1+1)D lattice field theories. I will first discuss meson scattering in Z2 lattice gauge theory, focusing on the construction of stable particle creation operators and efficient quantum circuits. Using tensor network simulations, we observe both elastic and inelastic scattering, including particle production, entanglement growth, and the formation and breaking of extended flux strings. I will then present a hardware implementation of fermion scattering in the Thirring model on IBM Quantum devices with 40 and 80 qubits, where tensor-network-based circuit optimization and error mitigation enable results that closely match ideal simulations. Finally, I will briefly discuss ongoing directions, including resonance states in scattering and PDFs of the scalar meson in the Schwinger model.