Quantum computer simulates matter “popping into existence”

Researchers led by the Duke Quantum Center (DQC) have used a quantum simulator to observe string breaking dynamics connected to particle antiparticle formation, marking one of the earliest demonstrations of its kind in quantum physics.

The work, published September 23 in Nature Physics , shows how trapped ion quantum computers could become powerful tools for exploring some of the deepest questions in fundamental physics. The experiment simulated a process known as string breaking, in which two connected building blocks of matter are pulled apart until so much energy accumulates that new particles can effectively "pop into existence" when the connection breaks.