Google Quantum AI and quantum physicists at Freie Universität Berlin publish groundbreaking results on Hamiltonian operators
Hamiltonian operators, named after William Rowan Hamilton, describe the temporal evolution of physical systems and are important in both classical mechanics and modern quantum mechanics. The question of how these operators can be learned from data could be decisive for the future development of quantum technologies.
Quantum technologies, in particular quantum computers, are regarded worldwide as the key technology of the future. These computers are not based on classical laws, but on quantum mechanical laws and use individual atoms or ions as computing units. Tech companies and countries are currently investing heavily in the research and development of such technologies.
A detective challenge in quantum research
The collaboration between Google Quantum AI, led by Pedram Roushan, and Jens Eisert’s research group at Freie Universität began with a call from a Google colleague who was having difficulty precisely calibrating the Hamiltonian operators of the Sycamore quantum chip. The initial methods were not sufficient; it was clear that only super-resolution methods could bring the necessary breakthrough. -These methods exceed fundamental limits of resolution under certain conditions," explains Jens Eisert.
But the implementation was anything but easy: -It took three years of intensive research before we understood how to make Hamiltonian learning robust enough to apply it to large-scale experiments-, explains the quantum physicist. The project also led to geographical changes in the team: Dominik Hangleiter moved to the University of Maryland, Ingo Roth moved to Abu Dhabi, and Jonas Fuksa joined Freie Universität Berlin.
Breakthrough and new application possibilities
The result is a breakthrough: the Sycamore chip, one of the most precise quantum computers in the world, has been calibrated more accurately than ever before. -The new method significantly increases the predictive power and precision in quantum technology and creates new possibilities for simulations in condensed matter," emphasizes Jens Eisert from Freie Universität Berlin.
Importance of interdisciplinary cooperation
This project also highlighted the essential role of both universities and high-tech companies in quantum technology. The combination of expertise from both areas led to results that could not have been achieved alone. (cxm)
Since its founding in December 1948, the academic ethos of Freie Universität Berlin has been determined by three values: Truth, Justice and Freedom.
