arXiv subjects

Pietro Silvi

Publications and source records attributed to Pietro Silvi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Preparation and detection of quasiparticles for quantum simulations of scattering

We introduce a method for the selective preparation and detection of quasiparticle wave packets, based on creation operators that generate dressed, localized excitations on top of interacting vacua of (quasi-)one-dimensional quantum lattice theories. This method exploits maximally localized Wannier functions (MLWFs) constructed from quasiparticle bands at intermediate system sizes, enabling the construction of unitary local dressed creation operators. The algorithm allows for species-resolved wave-packet preparation and detection, enabling the separation of known quasiparticle contributions from unknown resonances. We test this approach with matrix product states (MPS) on pure hardcore Hamiltonian QCD on a ladder lattice, detecting scattering outputs and mass resonances.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

When the center matters: color screening and gluelumps in dihedral lattice gauge theories

Confinement is one of the hallmarks of quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Yet, its first-principle characterization, even in simpler models, remains elusive. Through a combination of group-theoretical arguments and numerical analysis, we show that the physical consequences of confinement in a class of discrete non-Abelian lattice gauge theories (LGTs), the dihedral groups $D_N$, are intimately connected with the presence of a $\mathbb{Z}_2$ central subgroup. When the center is trivial (for odd $N$), static charges are screened by a gluon cloud, forming composite objects known in SU$(N)$ gauge theories as gluelumps. This finding implies that string breaking can occur through fluctuations of the electric field only, without the need to nucleate particle--antiparticle pairs from the vacuum. Furthermore, numerical analysis hints at finite-range interactions between the gluelumps in the continuum limit. Our results showcase how the rich and intricate physics typically associated with QCD can emerge in much simpler discrete non-Abelian LGTs, making them ideal settings to test this phenomenology both in numerical calculations and in near-term quantum devices.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2025

Optimal local basis truncation of lattice quantum many-body systems

We show how to optimally reduce the local Hilbert basis of lattice quantum many-body (QMB) Hamiltonians. The basis truncation exploits the most relevant eigenvalues of the estimated single-site reduced density matrix (RDM). It is accurate and numerically stable across different model phases, even close to quantum phase transitions. We apply this procedure to different models, such as the Sine-Gordon model, the $φ^{4}$ theory, and lattice gauge theories, namely Abelian $\mathrm{U}(1)$ and non-Abelian $\mathrm{SU}(2)$, in one and two spatial dimensions. Our results reduce state-of-the-art estimates of computational resources for classical and quantum simulations.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Many-body quantum dimerization in 2D atomic arrays

We consider a 2D atomic array coupled to different photonic environments, focusing on the half-filled excitation subspace, where strong photon interactions can give rise to complex many-body states. In particular, we demonstrate that the least radiant state in this sector is well described by a coherent superposition of all possible quantum dimer coverings: a resonating valence bond (RVB) liquid state. We discuss possible strategies to probe this exotic state, along with their limitations and challenges. Finally, we show that such a quantum dimer covering can also emerge as the ground state of the coherent Hamiltonian describing a 2D atomic array coupled to a photonic band-gap material.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Disorder-Free Localization and Fragmentation in a Non-Abelian Lattice Gauge Theory

We investigate how isolated quantum many-body systems dynamically equilibrate under non-Abelian gauge-symmetry constraints. By encoding gauge superselection sectors into static $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ background charges, we map out the dynamical phase diagram of a (1+1)D $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ lattice gauge theory with dynamical matter. We uncover three distinct regimes: (i) an ergodic phase, (ii) a fragmented phase that is nonthermal but delocalized, and (iii) a disorder-free many-body localized regime. In the latter, a superposition of gauge superselection sectors preserves spatial matter inhomogeneities in time, as evidenced by distinct temporal scalings of entropy. We highlight the non-Abelian nature of these phases and argue for potential realizations on qudit processors.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2025

Quantum Many-Body Scarring in a Non-Abelian Lattice Gauge Theory

Quantum many-body scarring (QMBS) is an intriguing mechanism of weak ergodicity breaking that has recently spurred significant attention. Particularly prominent in Abelian lattice gauge theories (LGTs), an open question is whether QMBS nontrivially arises in non-Abelian LGTs. Here, we present evidence of robust QMBS in a non-Abelian SU(2) LGT with dynamical matter. Starting in product states that require little experimental overhead, we show that prominent QMBS arises for certain quenches, facilitated through meson and baryon-antibaryon excitations, highlighting its non-Abelian nature. The uncovered scarred dynamics manifests as long-lived coherent oscillations in experimentally accessible local observables as well as prominent revivals in the state fidelity. Our findings bring QMBS to the realm of non-Abelian LGTs, highlighting the intimate connection between scarring and gauge symmetry, and are amenable for observation in a recently proposed trapped-ion qudit quantum computer.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2025

Optimal sampling of tensor networks targeting wave function's fast decaying tails

We introduce an optimal strategy to sample quantum outcomes of local measurement strings for isometric tensor network states. Our method generates samples based on an exact cumulative bounding function, without prior knowledge, in the minimal amount of tensor network contractions. The algorithm avoids sample repetition and, thus, is efficient at sampling distribution with exponentially decaying tails. We illustrate the computational advantage provided by our optimal sampling method through various numerical examples, involving condensed matter, optimization problems, and quantum circuit scenarios. Theory predicts up to an exponential speedup reducing the scaling for sampling the space up to an accumulated unknown probability $ε$ from $\mathcal{O}(ε^{-1})$ to $\mathcal{O}(\log(ε^{-1}))$ for a decaying probability distribution. We confirm this in practice with over one order of magnitude speedup or multiple orders improvement in the error depending on the application. Our sampling strategy extends beyond local observables, e.g., to quantum magic.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Entanglement transitions in a boundary-driven open quantum many-body system

We introduce a numerical framework for integrating Markovian dynamics on tree tensor operator (TTO) ansatz states. This framework enables the simulation of both transient and steady-state regimes of systems governed by the Lindblad master equation, while preserving positivity of the density matrix and providing direct access to entanglement monotones. We demonstrate its capability to probe entanglement in open quantum many-body systems and to distinguish it from other correlations by studying a boundary-driven XXZ spin chain. Our analysis uncovers entanglement transitions driven by both the coupling to the environment and the anisotropy, revealing a striking connection between spatial entanglement scaling and spin-current.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Digital quantum simulation of a (1+1)D SU(2) lattice gauge theory with ion qudits

We present a quantum simulation strategy for a (1+1)D SU(2) non-abelian lattice gauge theory with dynamical matter, a hardcore-gluon Hamiltonian Yang-Mills, tailored to a six-level trapped-ion qudit quantum processor, as recently experimentally realized. We employ a qudit encoding fulfilling gauge invariance, an SU(2) Gauss law. We discuss the experimental feasibility of generalized Mölmer-Sörensen gates used to efficiently simulate the dynamics. We illustrate how a shallow circuit with these resources is sufficient to implement scalable digital quantum simulation of the model. We also numerically show that this model, albeit simple, can dynamically manifest physically-relevant properties specific to non-abelian field theories, such as baryon excitations.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Finite-temperature Rydberg arrays: quantum phases and entanglement characterization

As one of the most prominent platforms for analog quantum simulators, Rydberg atom arrays are a promising tool for exploring quantum phases and transitions. While the ground state properties of one-dimensional Rydberg systems are already thoroughly examined, we extend the analysis towards the finite-temperature scenario. For this purpose, we develop a tensor network-based numerical toolbox for constructing the quantum many-body states at thermal equilibrium, which we exploit to probe classical correlations as well as entanglement monotones. We clearly observe ordered phases continuously shrinking due to thermal fluctuations at finite system sizes. Moreover, by examining the entanglement of formation and entanglement negativity of a half-system bipartition, we numerically confirm that a conformal scaling law of entanglement extends from the zero-temperature critical points into the low-temperature regime.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Digital quantum simulation of lattice fermion theories with local encoding

We numerically analyze the feasibility of a platform-neutral, general strategy to perform quantum simulations of fermionic lattice field theories under open boundary conditions. The digital quantum simulator requires solely one- and two-qubit gates and is scalable since integrating each Hamiltonian term requires a finite (non-scaling) cost. The exact local fermion encoding we adopt relies on auxiliary $\mathbb{Z}_2$ lattice gauge fields by adding a pure gauge Hamiltonian term akin to the Toric Code. By numerically emulating the quantum simulator real-time dynamics, we observe a timescale separation for spin- and charge-excitations in a spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ Hubbard ladder in the $t-J$ model limit.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Simulating (2+1)D SU(2) Yang-Mills Lattice Gauge Theory at finite density with tensor networks

We numerically simulate a non-Abelian lattice gauge theory in two spatial dimensions, with tensor networks (TN), up to intermediate sizes (>30 matter sites) well beyond exact diagonalization. We focus on the SU(2) Yang-Mills model in Hamiltonian formulation, with dynamical matter and minimally truncated gauge field (hardcore gluon). Thanks to the TN sign-problem-free approach, we characterize the phase diagram of the model at zero and finite baryon number as a function of the quark bare mass and color charge. At intermediate system sizes, we detect a liquid phase of quark-pair bound-state quasiparticles (baryons), whose mass is finite towards the continuum limit. Interesting phenomena arise at the transition boundary where color-electric and color-magnetic terms are maximally frustrated: For low quark masses, we see traces of potential deconfinement, while for high masses, signatures of a possible topological order.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2024

Tensor Networks for Lattice Gauge Theories beyond one dimension: a Roadmap

Tensor network methods are a class of numerical tools and algorithms to study many-body quantum systems in and out of equilibrium, based on tailored variational wave functions. They have found significant applications in simulating lattice gauge theories approaching relevant problems in high-energy physics. Compared to Monte Carlo methods, they do not suffer from the sign problem, allowing them to explore challenging regimes such as finite chemical potentials and real-time dynamics. Further development is required to tackle fundamental challenges, such as accessing continuum limits or computations of large-scale quantum chromodynamics. In this work, we review the state-of-the-art of Tensor Network methods and discuss a possible roadmap for algorithmic development and strategies to enhance their capabilities and extend their applicability to open high-energy problems. We provide tailored estimates of the theoretical and computational resource scaling for attacking large-scale lattice gauge theories.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2024

Strongly interacting photons in 2D waveguide QED

One dimensional confinement in waveguide Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) plays a crucial role to enhance light-matter interactions and to induce a strong quantum nonlinear optical response. In two or higher dimensional settings, this response is reduced since photons can be emitted within a larger phase space, opening the question whether strong photon-photon interaction can be still achieved. In this study, we positively answer this question for the case of a 2D square array of atoms coupled to the light confined into a two-dimensional waveguide. More specifically, we demonstrate the occurrence of long-lived two-photon repulsive and bound states with genuine 2D features. Furthermore, we observe signatures of these effects also in free-space atomic arrays in the form of weakly-subradiant in-band scattering resonances. Our findings provide a paradigmatic signature of the presence of strong photon-photon interactions in 2D waveguide QED.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Hadrons in (1+1)D Hamiltonian hardcore lattice QCD

We study 2-flavor Hamiltonian lattice QCD in (1+1)D with hardcore gluons, at zero and finite density, by means of matrix product states. We introduce a formulation of the theory where gauge redundancy is absent and construct a gauge invariant tensor network ansatz. We show that the model is critical in an extended subregion of parameter space and identify at least two distinct phases, one of which embeds the continuum limit location. We reconstruct a subset of the particle spectrum in each phase, identifying edge and bulk gapless modes. We thereby show that the studied model provides a minimal SU(3) gauge theory whilst reproducing known phenomena of (3+1)D QCD. Most notably, it features charged pions.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2023

Quantum Computing for High-Energy Physics: State of the Art and Challenges. Summary of the QC4HEP Working Group

Quantum computers offer an intriguing path for a paradigmatic change of computing in the natural sciences and beyond, with the potential for achieving a so-called quantum advantage, namely a significant (in some cases exponential) speed-up of numerical simulations. The rapid development of hardware devices with various realizations of qubits enables the execution of small scale but representative applications on quantum computers. In particular, the high-energy physics community plays a pivotal role in accessing the power of quantum computing, since the field is a driving source for challenging computational problems. This concerns, on the theoretical side, the exploration of models which are very hard or even impossible to address with classical techniques and, on the experimental side, the enormous data challenge of newly emerging experiments, such as the upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider. In this roadmap paper, led by CERN, DESY and IBM, we provide the status of high-energy physics quantum computations and give examples for theoretical and experimental target benchmark applications, which can be addressed in the near future. Having the IBM 100 x 100 challenge in mind, where possible, we also provide resource estimates for the examples given using error mitigated quantum computing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Probing phases of quantum matter with an ion-trap tensor-network quantum eigensolver

Tensor-Network (TN) states are efficient parametric representations of ground states of local quantum Hamiltonians extensively used in numerical simulations. Here we encode a TN ansatz state directly into a quantum simulator, which can potentially offer an exponential advantage over purely numerical simulation. In particular, we demonstrate the optimization of a quantum-encoded TN ansatz state using a variational quantum eigensolver on an ion-trap quantum computer by preparing the ground states of the extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. The generated states are characterized by estimating the topological invariants, verifying their topological order. Our TN encoding as a trapped ion circuit employs only single-site addressing optical pulses - the native operations naturally available on the platform. We reduce nearest-neighbor crosstalk by selecting different magnetic sublevels with well-separated transition frequencies to encode even and odd qubits.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Entanglement of formation of mixed many-body quantum states via Tree Tensor Operators

We present a numerical strategy to efficiently estimate bipartite entanglement measures, and in particular the Entanglement of Formation, for many-body quantum systems on a lattice. Our approach exploits the Tree Tensor Operator tensor network ansatz, a positive loopless representation for density matrices which, as we demonstrate, efficiently encodes information on bipartite entanglement, enabling the up-scaling of entanglement estimation. Employing this technique, we observe a finite-size scaling law for the entanglement of formation in 1D critical lattice models at finite temperature for up to 128 spins, extending to mixed states the scaling law for the entanglement entropy.

quant-ph↗