A team from the University of Science and Technology of China has made a significant advancement in quantum simulation by observing an antiferromagnetic phase transition in the fermionic Hubbard model. This landmark study, published in Nature, marks the first time such a transition has been directly observed using a large and uniform quantum simulator.
The research team leveraged ultracold atomic quantum simulators to surpass the capabilities of classical computers in simulating the fermionic Hubbard model. According to Chen Yu'ao, a professor involved in the study, this achievement aligns with the second stage of quantum computing development set by the international academic community. The first stage, achieved through platforms like Google's Sycamore and China's Jiuzhang and Zuchongzhi series, focused on foundational quantum computing milestones.
Chen emphasized that the current primary goal is to develop dedicated quantum simulators capable of tackling complex scientific problems. The successful observation of the antiferromagnetic phase transition under doping conditions is a crucial step toward this objective. By refining flat-top optical lattice technology, the team achieved precise control over strength, temperature, and doping concentration, enabling clear and conclusive evidence of the phase transition.
Looking ahead, the third-stage goal in quantum computing is to create fault-tolerant universal quantum computers, supported by quantum error correction. This progression highlights the rapid advancements in the field and the collaborative effort to push the boundaries of what quantum technology can achieve.
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Antiferromagnetic phase transition observed in fermionic Hubbard model
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