Optimization of algorithmic errors in analog quantum simulations

Analog quantum simulation is emerging as a powerful tool for uncovering classically unreachable physics such as many-body real-time dynamics. A complete quantification of uncertainties is necessary in order to make precise predictions using simulations on modern-day devices. Therefore, the inherent physical limitations of the device on the parameters of the simulation must be understood. This paper examines the interplay of errors arising from simulation of approximate time evolution with those due to practical, real-world device constraints. These errors are studied in Heisenberg-type systems on analog quantum devices described by the Ising Hamiltonian. A general framework for quantifying these errors is introduced and applied to several proposed time evolution methods, including Trotter-like methods and Floquet-engineered constant-field approaches. The limitations placed on the accuracy of time evolution methods by current devices are discussed. Characterization of the scaling of coherent effects of different error sources provides a way to extend the presented Hamiltonian engineering methods to take advantage of forthcoming device capabilities.1 MoreReceived 19 January 2024Accepted 3 April 2024DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.109.052425©2024 American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasQuantum error correctionQuantum simulationRydberg gasesPhysical SystemsRydberg atoms & moleculesQuantum Information, Science & TechnologyAtomic, Molecular & Optical