Theory Special Seminar: Quantum Computing for Plasma Physics via Second Quantization

Michael May

Princeton

Monday, November 25, 2024

2:00pm

NW17-218 Hybrid

Abstract: Quantum computing promises to accelerate simulations of finite-dimensional, linear, unitary systems, but the most basic equations of plasma physics, the Vlasov–Maxwell equations are infinite-dimensional, nonlinear, and symplectic. Each of these three differences poses nontrivial problems for the hope of a quantum advantage in plasma physics. We address them through the structure preserving method of second quantization applied to increasingly sophisticated systems: the quantum harmonic oscillator, the nonlinear three-wave interaction, and the Vlasov–Poisson system. We describe a new derivation of the finite-dimensional discrete quantum harmonic oscillator, which natively furnishes dimension ladder operators, allowing for dynamic resolution adjustment of quantum simulations of the oscillator. Next, we review work on the quantization of the nonlinear three-wave interaction, including analytical and numerical studies of the three wave instability and nonlinear oscillation. Finally, the talk will conclude with a discussion of recent results and ongoing research on the second quantized Vlasov–Poisson system and the possibility of its efficient quantum simulation.

Bio: Michael Q. May is a Ph.D. candidate in his final year in the Princeton Program in Plasma Physics. He received a B.A. in Physics and Religion from Williams College in 2017 and an M.Sc. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Edinburgh in 2018. After teaching high school physics for a year, he moved to Princeton and began research into modeling and PIC simulation of plasma micro-thrusters. His current research focuses on understanding quantized models of plasma physics for application to quantum computing. Michael has served on the executive committee of the Council for the Princeton University Community, as chair of the Plasma Graduate Student Committee, and the Plasma Physics representative to the Graduate Student Government.