High-energy physics with cold atoms: From the Schwinger mechanism to dynamical topological phase transitions.

Classical computers have an exceedingly hard time describing the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of quantum many-body models. The reason can be traced back to a generic growth of many-body entanglement over time, which is exponentially hard to represent in classical memory. An intriguing alternative, commonly known as quantum simulation, is to exploit the intrinsic entanglement in physical quantum devices, which are engineered to reproduce the desired many-body dynamics in a controlled environment. 
Here, I will present recent advances in a particularly rewarding target for quantum simulation, gauge theories that describe fundamental interactions of particles. I will briefly introduce existing proof-of-principle examples in programmable quantum computers, I will present promising prospects for near-term quantum simulation of relevant physical phenomena, and I will highlight the outstanding challenges that will have to be overcome to achieve fully-grown quantum simulation of gauge theories beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
 
About the research of the speaker: http://www.kip.uni-heidelberg.de/people/index.php?action=details&num=39647