Predicting Noise in a Trapped-ion Quantum Simulation of a Lattice Gauge Theory

Abstract:A recent trapped-ion experiment realised a lattice gauge theory in which the internal states of the ions carry the gauge field and their vibrations carry bosonic matter. In that experiment, a charge moving around a loop was frozen in place by Aharonov--Bohm interference. The noise of such a device is usually simulated after the measurements have been made. Here we show that it can be predicted before the machine is run. For each quantity that the experiment measures, we derive, from the reported noise rates alone, a formula for how it decays together with a bound it can never exceed. The results reveal a simple pattern. The local conservation law of the theory is a parity of the vibrational mode, so heating violates it at a rate that grows as the mode warms, and the violation accelerates rather than accumulating steadily. At zero electric field, each of the three noise processes of the device leaves its own fingerprint. Heating affects only the conservation law, motional dephasing only the interference, and qubit errors only the stored flux and the frozen state. Once the electric field is switched on, the frozen state begins to leak, and we write an exact formula and a guaranteed bound for that leak.

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Quantum Algebra (math.QA)

arXiv:2610.03823 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2610.03823v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.03823 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.