Northwest Quantum Nexus Seminar Series: Understanding the Computational Power of Physics

Join us for a discussion on the role that quantum computing can play in formalizing the question, “What is the
computational power of systems that obey the laws of quantum mechanics?” Nathan Wiebe will discuss how we
can understand this power through asking two types of questions:
 What classes of problems could be solved by exploiting the natural physical laws of a system?
 What subset of physical law can be simulated in polynomial time on a quantum computer?
Nathan will review recent results from Hamiltonian complexity, which gives a formal relationship between
computational complexity and the problem of preparing particular states of matter in physical system. He will
discuss the recent work he and his collaborators have performed to solve the converse problem of
understanding whether all reasonable physical processes can be simulated in polynomial time on a quantum
computer. He will include a specific example of simulation of the Schwinger model and how this simulation
method paves the way towards understanding whether the standard model of physics can be simulated in
polynomial time on a quantum computer or whether a more general computational model is needed to
understand the computational power of nature.
Hosted by the Northwest Quantum Nexus (NQN), a coalition led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Microsoft Quantum, and the University of Washington. These web-based
seminars feature experts on quantum computing and its applications, and support NQN’s goal of creating a
vibrant industry that will contribute to the economic vitality of the region.

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