Modelling quantum photonics on a quantum computer
Modelling of photonic devices traditionally involves solving the equations of
light-matter interaction and light propagation, and it is restrained by their
applicability. Here we demonstrate an alternative modelling methodology by
creating a "quantum copy" of the optical device in the quantum computer. As an
illustration, we simulate quantum interference of light on a thin absorbing
film. Such interference can lead to either perfect absorption or total
transmission of light through the film, the phenomena attracting attention for
data processing applications in classical and quantum information networks. We
map behaviour of the photon in the quantum interference experiment to the
evolution of a quantum state of transmon, a superconducting charge qubit of the
IBM quantum computer. Details of the real optical experiment are flawlessly
reproduced on the quantum computer. We argue that superiority of the "quantum
copy" methodology shall be apparent in modelling complex multi-photon optical
phenomena and devices.
Anton N. Vetlugin Cesare Soci Nikolay I. Zheludev