RySQ in a nutshell:

RYSQ will enable a leap in the use of quantum simulations, paving the way to breakthroughs in the solution of specific but important problems in the fields of condensed matter and biology.
 

Target breakthrough:

The targeted scientific breakthrough is to implement and exploit QS based on Rydberg atoms, because their outstanding versatility allows to address not just one but a whole family of quantum simulations, by exploiting different aspects of the same experimental and theoretical tools.

In practice, the two main quantum simulator prototypes existing today use either ultracold atoms or trapped ions, which possess the complementary advantages of a very large number of interacting objects (atoms) and of very strong interactions (ions). The proposed RQS offer the stimulating possibility of combining both advantages, by manipulating large numbers of strongly interacting particles. Within RYSQ, approaches and methods developed for other Rydberg atoms applications, like spectroscopy or quantum computing, are going to be exploited for the first time to realize quantum simulation devices. The field of Rydberg quantum simulation is just starting, and RYSQ plans to build a comprehensive foundation to it

Long-term vision for new technologies

The long-term technological vision of QS is twofold: on the one hand, to create computational devices that can be used for the exploration of otherwise unsolvable scientific questions, some of which possibly yet to be asked; and on the other hand to exploit the answers thus obtained in order to build technologies, beyond ICT, that can address societal challenges of global significance like energy production and transport.

Specific objectives of RySQ

(A)  to build and run experimental multi-purpose platforms for quantum simulations based on Rydberg atoms; this is an “enabling” objective, aiming at the design and implementation of specific tools.

(B)  to exploit for the first time the power of Rydberg Quantum Simulators (RQS) in a range of important problems, see table below; this is an “enabled” objective, constituting the core outcome of the project.

The main research lines towards those objectives are

Challenges: (a) developing solutions using quantum technologies for (b) ultimately addressing real world problems, with (c) a potential for disruptive change.

Scope: (d) R&D in quantum simulation in order to (e) address a class of problems that is beyond the reach of classical computing, and (f) contribute to answering questions in fundamental or applied sciences.

Through its unique approach, RYSQ brings capabilities of quantum simulators to an entirely new level, in terms of simulation power as well as in terms of relevant problem classes that can be addressed, providing today’s best available technologies to answer the challenges set by the FET Proactive call in Quantum Simulations.

The RYSQ objectives have ground-breaking nature in two directions, distinct but tightly interconnected: objective (A) aims at realizing physical tools not previously available for quantum simulations, which in turn will enable to target under objective (B) applications beyond the reach of classical computers and of current quantum simulator platforms.

Project work plan

Graphical presentation of the components of the project: the three “enabling” work packages WP 1/2/3 will provide technologies and tools to the three “enabled” (applied) work packages WP 4/5/6, and receive feedback from them. This cross-fertilization process, which will take place in dedicated meetings each year, will represent the major Milestones of the project (see below)

In addition, the major Milestone each year will be a synthetic assessment of the whole project outcome, with particular attention given to cross-WP results in the current period, and cross-fertilization of WP for the next period. The list of milestones is summarized by the following table and the associated Gantt chart, showing that this yearly self-assessment will be a major event in the project, which will be carried out in a general project meeting, typically a few months before the review meeting. A summary of it will be included in the report.

Results and Dissemination

the full list of PR activities can be found here

The full list of papers can be found here