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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Holographic Space-Time and Quantum Information

The formalism of Holographic Space-time (HST) is a translation of the principles of Lorentzian geometry into the language of quantum information. Intervals along time-like trajectories, and their associated causal diamonds, completely characterize a Lorentzian geometry. The Bekenstein-Hawking-Gibbons-’t Hooft-Jacobson-Fischler-Susskind-Bousso Covariant Entropy Principle, equates the logarithm of the dimension of the Hilbert space associated with a diamond to one quarter of the area of the diamond’s holographic screen, measured in Planck units. The most convincing argument for this principle is Jacobson’s derivation of Einstein’s equations as the hydrodynamic expression of this entropy law. In that context, the null energy condition (NEC) is seen to be the analog of the local law of entropy increase. The quantum version of Einstein’s relativity principle is a set of constraints on the mutual quantum information shared by causal diamonds along different time-like trajectories. The implementation of this constraint for trajectories in relative motion is the greatest unsolved problem in HST. The other key feature of HST is its claim that, for non-negative cosmological constant or causal diamonds much smaller than the asymptotic radius of curvature for negative c.c., the degrees of freedom localized in the bulk of a diamond are constrained states of variables defined on the holographic screen. This principle gives a simple explanation of otherwise puzzling features of BH entropy formulae, and resolves the firewall problem for black holes in Minkowski space. It motivates a covariant version of the CKN [1] bound on the regime of validity of quantum field theory (QFT) and a detailed picture of the way in which QFT emerges as an approximation to the exact theory

tensor network↗
DOE OSTI2021

Scattering in the Ising model with the quantum Lanczos algorithm *

Abstract Time evolution and scattering simulation in phenomenological models are of great interest for testing and validating the potential for near-term quantum computers to simulate quantum field theories. Here, we simulate one-particle propagation and two-particle scattering in the one-dimensional transverse Ising model for 3 and 4 spatial sites with periodic boundary conditions on a quantum computer. We use the quantum Lanczos algorithm to obtain all energy levels and corresponding eigenstates of the system. We simplify the quantum computation by taking advantage of the symmetries of the system. These results enable us to compute one- and two-particle transition amplitudes, particle numbers for spatial sites, and the transverse magnetization as functions of time. The quantum circuits were executed on various IBM Q superconducting hardware. The experimental results are in very good agreement with the values obtained using exact diagonalization.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

The multi-faceted inverted harmonic oscillator: Chaos and complexity

The harmonic oscillator is the paragon of physical models; conceptually and computationally simple, yet rich enough to teach us about physics on scales that span classical mechanics to quantum field theory. This multifaceted nature extends also to its inverted counterpart, in which the oscillator frequency is analytically continued to pure imaginary values. In this article we probe the inverted harmonic oscillator (IHO) with recently developed quantum chaos diagnostics such as the out-of-time-order correlator (OTOC) and the circuit complexity. In particular, we study the OTOC for the displacement operator of the IHO with and without a non-Gaussian cubic perturbation to explore genuine and quasi scrambling respectively. In addition, we compute the full quantum Lyapunov spectrum for the inverted oscillator, finding a paired structure among the Lyapunov exponents. We also use the Heisenberg group to compute the complexity for the time evolved displacement operator, which displays chaotic behaviour. Finally, we extended our analysis to N-inverted harmonic oscillators to study the behaviour of complexity at the different timescales encoded in dissipation, scrambling and asymptotic regimes.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Bootstrapping a stress-tensor form factor through eight loops

We bootstrap the three-point form factor of the chiral stress-tensor multiplet in planar $\mathcal{N}$ = 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory at six, seven, and eight loops, using boundary data from the form factor operator product expansion. This may represent the highest perturbative order to which multi-variate quantities in a unitary four-dimensional quantum field theory have been computed. In computing this form factor, we observe and employ new restrictions on pairs and triples of adjacent letters in the symbol. We provide details about the function space required to describe the form factor through eight loops. Plotting the results on various lines provides striking numerical evidence for a finite radius of convergence of perturbation theory. By the principle of maximal transcendentality, our results are expected to give the highest weight part of the gg → Hg and H → ggg amplitudes in the heavy-top limit of QCD through eight loops. These results were also recently used to discover a new antipodal duality between this form factor and a six-point amplitude in the same theory.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Quantum Simulation of Field Theories Without State Preparation

We propose an algorithm for computing real-time observables using a quantum processor while avoiding the need to prepare the full quantum state. This reduction in quantum resources is achieved by classically sampling configurations in imaginary-time using standard lattice field theory. These configurations can then be passed to quantum processor for time-evolution. This method encounters a signal-to-noise problem which we characterize, and we demonstrate the application of standard lattice QCD methods to mitigate it.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Reviving QFT in ( 2 + 1 )-dimensional de Sitter spacetime

We consider a conformally coupled scalar quantum field theory (QFT) on ( 2 + 1 )-dimensional static Einstein universe R × S 2 and write down the free theory Hilbert space. We explain that this theory is secretly a QFT in ( 2 + 1 )-dimensional de Sitter space because all the quantum observables experience “quantum revivals,” which naturally restricts the timelike R to the appropriate de Sitter time range. Our construction circumvents the causal obstruction to formulating QFT in de Sitter due to event horizons. There are not any in static Einstein. The “unitary gauge” description of the theory is realized by the zonal harmonics P ℓ ( n ^ · n ^ ′ ) . We verify that interactions with conformally invariant external sources are mediated only by these modes. Hence these modes comprise the complete basis of the “bulk” theory. When the theory is cut off in the UV, the basis dimension scales as the Bekenstein-Hawking formula. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

D’Amico, Guido (ORCID:0000000281831214)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Solidity without inhomogeneity: perfectly homogeneous, weakly coupled, UV-complete solids

Solid-like behavior at low energies and long distances is usually associated with the spontaneous breaking of spatial translations at microscopic scales, as in the case of a lattice of atoms. We exhibit three quantum field theories that are renormalizable, Poincaré invariant, and weakly coupled, and that admit states that on the one hand are perfectly homogeneous down to arbitrarily short scales, and on the other hand have the same infrared dynamics as isotropic solids. All three examples presented here lead to the same peculiar solid at low energies, featuring very constrained interactions and transverse phonons that always propagate at the speed of light. In particular, they violate the well known c$^2_L$>$\frac{4}{3}$c$^2_T$ bound, thus showing that it is possible to have a healthy renormalizable theory that at low energies exhibits a negative bulk modulus (we discuss how the associated instabilities are absent in the presence of suitable boundary conditions). We do not know whether such peculiarities are unavoidable features of large scale solid-like behavior in the absence of short scale inhomogeneities, or whether they simply reflect the limits of our imagination.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Wrong signs are alright

It has been shown that some Lorentz-invariant quantum field theories, such as those with higher-dimensional operators with negative coefficients, lead to superluminality on some classical backgrounds. While superluminality by itself is not logically inconsistent, these theories also predict the formation of closed time-like curves at the classical level, starting from initial conditions without such curves. This leads to the formation of a Cauchy Horizon which prevents a complete description of the time evolution of such systems. Inspired by the chronology protection arguments of General Relativity, we show that quantum mechanical effects from low energy quanta strongly backreact on such configurations, exciting unknown short-distance degrees of freedom and invalidating the classical predictions. Thus, there is no obvious low-energy obstruction to the existence of these operators.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Preparation for quantum simulation of the ( 1 + 1 ) -dimensional O(3) nonlinear σ model using cold atoms

The 1+1D O(3) non-linear σ-model is a model system for future quantum lattice simulations of other asymptotically-free theories, such as non-Abelian gauge theories. We find that utilizing dimensional reduction can make efficient use of two-dimensional layouts presently available on cold atom quantum simulators. A new definition of the renormalized coupling is introduced, which is applicable to systems with open boundary conditions and can be measured using analog quantum simulators. Monte Carlo and tensor network calculations are performed to determine the quantum resources required to reproduce perturbative short-distance observables. In particular, we show that a rectangular array of 48 Rydberg atoms with existing quantum hardware capabilities should be able to adiabatically prepare low-energy states of the perturbatively-matched theory. Furthermore, these states can then be used to simulate non-perturbative observables in the continuum limit that lie beyond the reach of classical computers.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

High-Energy Collision of Quarks and Mesons in the Schwinger Model: From Tensor Networks to Circuit QED

With the aim of studying nonperturbative out-of-equilibrium dynamics of high-energy particle collisions on quantum simulators, we investigate the scattering dynamics of lattice quantum electrodynamics in 1 + 1 dimensions. Working in the bosonized formulation of the model and in the thermodynamic limit, we use uniform-matrix-product-state tensor networks to construct multiparticle wave-packet states, evolve them in time, and detect outgoing particles post collision. This facilitates the numerical simulation of scattering experiments in both confined and deconfined regimes of the model at different energies, giving rise to rich phenomenology, including inelastic production of quark and meson states, meson disintegration, and dynamical string formation and breaking. We obtain elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections, together with time-resolved momentum and position distributions of the outgoing particles. Furthermore, we propose an analog circuit-QED implementation of the scattering process that is native to the platform, requires minimal ingredients and approximations, and enables practical schemes for particle wave-packet preparation and evolution. Furthermore, this study highlights the role of classical and quantum simulation in enhancing our understanding of scattering processes in quantum field theories in real time.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Learning the generating functional for variance reduction in lattice QCD

The generating functional in quantum field theory provides the natural framework for constructing correlation functions as derivatives with respect to source operators. We present a methodology that leverages machine-learned normalizing flows to reduce the variance of arbitrary $N$-point correlation functions of bosonic operators in lattice gauge field theory calculations by encoding a representation of the generating functional. We show that it is possible to systematically approach noiseless estimators of correlation functions in this framework. We demonstrate this methodology with applications to calculations of glueball correlation functions and Wilson loops in Quantum Chromodynamics and Yang-Mills theory. The results show up to three orders of magnitude variance reduction.

Abbott, Ryan [Columbia U.] (ORCID:0000000258778005↗
DOE OSTI2025

Probing celestial energy and charge correlations through real-time quantum simulations: Insights from the Schwinger model

Motivated by recent developments in the application of light-ray operators (LROs) in high energy physics, we propose a new strategy to study correlation functions of LROs through real-time quantum simulations. We argue that quantum simulators provide an ideal laboratory to explore the properties LROs in lower-dimensional quantum field theories. This is exemplified in the 1 + 1 -d Schwinger model, employing tensor network methods, focusing on the calculation of energy and charge correlators. Despite some challenges in extracting the necessary correlation functions from the lattice, the methodology used can be extended to real quantum devices. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fractional Statistics

The quantum-mechanical description of assemblies of particles whose motion is confined to two (or one) spatial dimensions offers many possibilities that are distinct from bosons and fermions. We call such particles anyons. The simplest anyons are parameterized by an angular phase parameter θ. θ = 0, π correspond to bosons and fermions, respectively; at intermediate values, we say that we have fractional statistics. In two dimensions, θ describes the phase acquired by the wave function as two anyons wind around one another counterclockwise. It generates a shift in the allowed values for the relative angular momentum. Composites of localized electric charge and magnetic flux associated with an abelian U(1) gauge group realize this behavior. More complex charge-flux constructions can involve nonabelian and product groups acting on a spectrum of allowed charges and fluxes, giving rise to nonabelian and mutual statistics. Interchanges of nonabelian anyons implement unitary transformations of the wave function within an emergent space of internal states. Anyons of all kinds are described by quantum field theories that include Chern–Simons terms. The crossings of one-dimensional anyons on a ring are unidirectional, such that a fractional phase θ acquired upon interchange gives rise to fractional shifts in the relative momenta between the anyons. The quasiparticle excitations of fractional quantum Hall states have long been predicted to include anyons. Recently, the anyon behavior predicted for quasiparticles in the ν = 1/3 fractional quantum Hall state has been observed in both scattering and interferometric experiments. Excitations within designed systems, notably including superconducting circuits, can exhibit anyon behavior. Such systems are being developed for possible use in quantum information processing.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Perturbative stability of non-Abelian electric field solutions

We consider SU(2) gauge theory with a scalar field in the fundamental representation. The model is known to contain electric field solutions sourced by the scalar field that are distinct from embedded Maxwell electric fields. We examine the perturbative stability of the solution and identify a region of parameter space where the solution is stable. In the regime where the scalar field has a negative mass squared, the solution has two branches, and we identify an instability in one of the branches.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Intermediate/High Energy Nuclear Physics

Our primary goals are fundamental descriptions of nuclear phenomena relevant to experiment. Our balanced program consists of developing and applying (1) QCD for high-energy nuclear collisions, and (2) non-perturbative many-body theory for strong interactions. We are developing first principles treatments of physical observables for present and future experiments at FRIB, RHIC, JLab, LHC and EIC. We are also developing and applying a non-perturbative framework for strongly interacting many-body systems including a covariant Hamiltonian framework for solving quantum field theory in non-perturbative domains. We continue close interactions with the Iowa State University relativisitic heavy-ion collider and electron-ion collider experimental group.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Quantum calculations of the cavity shift in electron magnetic moment measurements

The measurement of the anomalous electron magnetic moment g – 2 through quantum transitions of a single trapped electron is the most stringent test of quantum field theory. These experiments are now so precise that they must account for the effects of the cavity containing the electron. Classical calculations of this “cavity shift” must subtract the electron’s divergent self-field, and thus require knowledge of the exact Green’s function for the cavity’s electromagnetic field. We perform the first fully quantum calculation of the cavity shift in a closed cavity, which instead involves subtracting linearly divergent cavity mode sums and integrals. Using contour integration methods, we find perfect agreement with existing classical results for both spherical and cylindrical cavities, justifying their current use. Moreover, our mode-based results can be naturally generalized to account for systematic effects, necessary to push future measurements to the next order of magnitude in precision.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Comments on the Transplanckian Censorship Conjecture

We consider some aspects of the Transplanckian Censorship Conjecture (TCC), which states that for theories of quantum gravity there is a limit on the lifetime of dS or quintessence states not too different than the current Hubble horizon. If one accepts the de Sitter Swampland conjecture, then the former are ruled out. We consider some aspects of tunneling to an isolated ground state in the presence of time-varying fields, in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory in the absence of gravitation, and note that lifetimes are typically enormous; in fact, there is often a finite probability for the system to remain eternally in its original state. With gravity in a universe with superluminal expansion, while the field evolution may be slowed, Planck scale fluctuations would seem likely to grow to superhorizon size long before the universe decays. We argue that the TCC, if it is correct, requires that superluminal expansion occur only for a brief period in the history of the universe, and will be followed by a p = ρ phase.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fractional chiral hinge insulator

We propose and study a wave function describing an interacting three-dimensional fractional chiral hinge insulator (FCHI) constructed by Gutzwiller projection of two noninteracting second-order topological insulators with chiral hinge modes at half filling. We use large-scale variational Monte Carlo computations to characterize the model states via the entanglement entropy and charge-spin fluctuations. We show that the FCHI possesses fractional chiral hinge modes characterized by a central charge c = 1 and Luttinger parameter K = 1/2, like the edge modes of a Laughlin 1/2 state. The bulk and surface topology is characterized by the topological entanglement entropy (TEE) correction to the area law. While our computations indicate a vanishing bulk TEE, we show that the gapped surfaces host an unconventional two-dimensional topological phase. In a clear departure from the physics of a Laughlin 1/2 state, we find a TEE per surface compatible with (ln √2 )/2, half that of a Laughlin 1/2 state. This value cannot be obtained from topological quantum field theory for purely two-dimensional systems. For the sake of completeness, we also investigate the topological degeneracy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗