Quantum computer simulates scattering across a range of energies

Calculating scattering phase shifts requires computing up to, a scaling challenge that has long limited accurate modeling of particle interactions. Researchers have now demonstrated a new method for simulating quantum scattering using wave packets localized within a discrete lattice volume, building upon the time-dependent scattering formalism of Tannor and Weeks. This approach allows for the computation of total and differential cross sections across a range of energies, and overcomes limitations of current quantum algorithms that struggle with reactions beyond simple elastic scattering. The work directly links a first-quantized lattice description to quantum hardware, opening a path to simulating complex reactions including those with internal particle structure. The spatial extent of a lattice directly impacts the simulation of low-energy quantum scattering, as a larger lattice is required to accurately model the asymptotic form of scattering wave functions. This work demonstrates a method for simulating scattering using wave packets localized on a finite lattice, enabling the extraction of scattering information across a broad energy range where the wave packets maintain significant support. Researchers found that a 64×64 spatial lattice, with a constant lattice spacing, was sufficient for modeling two-nucleon interactions governed by a Gaussian potential. The formalism employed is compatible with a…