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Science

Simulating quantum walkers Quantum walks are the quantum mechanical analogs of classical random walks, describing the propagation of a quantum walker across a lattice, and find application in developing algorithms for simulating quantum many-body systems. Gong et al. used an 8-by-8 two-dimensional (2D) superconducting qubit square lattice containing 62 functional qubits to show how multiple (two) walkers traverse a 2D qubit array, interfering as they go. The authors were also able to program the paths that the walkers follow, demonstrating a Mach-Zehnder interferometer in which a single or multiple quantum walkers coherently traverse two paths before interfering and exiting at a single port. The results illustrate the potential for superconducting-based quantum processors in simulating large-scale quantum systems. Science , abg7812, this issue p. 948

Quantum walks on a programmable two-dimensional 62-qubit superconducting processor