A joint effort by scientists from the University of Leeds in the UK, the Jülich Research Center in Germany and the Austrian Institute of Science and Technology (ISTA) is shedding light on a mysterious phenomenon that may help understand the “vacuum state” of our Universe.
Most current quantum research focuses on the use of quantum bits (qubits) to improve computational capabilities. However, a new study has applied quantum simulation to fundamental questions in theoretical physics. In particular, it is about understanding the nature of our Universe and its possible future.
Almost 50 years ago, scientists hypothesized that the Universe, though seemingly stable, might be in a state of “false vacuum,” an intermediate form that could transition into the more stable “true vacuum.” This transition, if it happens, will be catastrophic. Jean-Yves Desaules, a doctoral student at ISTA, compares it to a roller coaster where there are several valleys but only one “lowest” point is the most stable state. According to quantum mechanics, the Universe will eventually reach this state, which will cause global changes.
“This process could completely change the structure of the Universe. The fundamental constants would change and our world would collapse like a house of cards,” explains Zlatko Papic, professor of theoretical physics at the University of Leeds. Although it is difficult to determine the exact timing of this event. Scientists believe this will occur over a long period of time, potentially spanning millions of years.
From the Big Bang to doom
To investigate these processes, the team used a 5564-qubit quantum computer built by D-Wave Quantum Inc. that is used to solve complex optimization problems. The computer was connected to the JUNIQ computing infrastructure of the Jülich Research Center to analyze the false vacuum simulation by the quantum annealing algorithm. Theoretically the decay of the false vacuum will be accompanied by formation of bubbles passing to the state of the true vacuum. The researchers created a one-dimensional model to observe this phenomenon.
The simulation allowed us to see the “dance” of bubbles: their formation, growth and interaction. It turns out that the transition occurs through complex interactions rather than as an isolated event. Similar processes probably took place shortly after the Big Bang. This opens new ways to investigate the origin of our Universe.
“By leveraging the capabilities of a large quantum annealer, our team has opened the door to studying non-equilibrium quantum systems and phase transitions that are otherwise difficult to explore with traditional computing methods,” said Jaka Vodeb, a researcher at the Jülich Research Center.
This research also demonstrates that studying the Universe is not limited to large-scale projects like the Hadron Collider, but can be done with quantum technologies. In this way, quantum simulations become the key to unlocking the biggest mysteries of our world.
We previously reported on how Google’s quantum processor Willow performed computations in parallel Universes.
According to eurekalert.org
