Charting the Path to a Quantum Leap: The Future of Quantum Computing in Particle Physics

A significant white paper has been released by experts highlighting potential applications of quantum-computing technologies in particle physics.

The preprint, which emerged from the “QT4HEP” conference held at CERN in November, is now available on arXiv.

With the rapid advancements in quantum computing, the paper explores how these technologies could address computing challenges not only in the Large Hadron Collider’s ambitious upgrade program but also in other colliders and low-energy experiments worldwide.

Comprising a working group of 46 members from CERN, DESY, IBM Quantum, and other institutions, the researchers have diligently identified areas within theoretical and experimental particle physics that could greatly benefit from quantum-computing solutions. By mapping these areas to specific “problem formulations” in quantum computing, the paper ensures that the particle physics community can fully capitalize on the immense potential of future quantum computers.

Alberto Di Meglio, head of the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (CERN QTI), Karl Jansen from DESY, and Ivano Tavernelli from IBM Quantum, all lead authors of the paper, emphasize the importance of discerning which particle physics problems are best suited for quantum computing, ensuring that the community is prepared for maximum utility.

Theoretical particle physics areas identified include the evolution of quantum states, lattice-gauge theory, neutrino oscillations, and quantum field theories. The applications considered encompass quantum dynamics, hybrid quantum/classical algorithms for lattice gauge theory’s static problems, optimization, and classification.

On the experimental side, the paper identifies areas related to jet and track reconstruction, extraction of rare signals, addressing Standard Model problems and beyond, parton showers, and experiment simulation. These are then linked to classification, regression, optimization, and generation problems.

Moving forward, the working group members plan to select specific use cases from the activities outlined in the paper. These chosen cases will be further pursued through CERN’s and DESY’s participation in the IBM Quantum Network and in collaboration with IBM Quantum under the “100×100 Challenge.” IBM Quantum has been a longstanding partner of CERN QTI and the Center for Quantum Technologies and Applications (CQTA) at DESY.

As part of the 100×100 Challenge, IBM will provide a tool capable of calculating unbiased observables of circuits with 100 qubits and depth-100 gate operations by 2024. This will serve as a crucial testbed for advancing selected use cases from particle physics and other research domains.