A Universe on the Brink?

Fifty years ago, physicists proposed that our Universe might be trapped in a false vacuum—a seemingly stable but ultimately precarious state. If a transition to a more stable true vacuum were to occur, it could trigger a rapid and dramatic restructuring of the cosmos. Though this event is believed to be unlikely within human timescales, understanding its underlying mechanisms remains one of the biggest challenges in modern physics.

Until now, studying this process has been nearly impossible. The mathematical complexity of quantum field theory makes traditional simulations highly demanding, and experimental observations are, of course, not feasible on cosmic scales. This is where quantum computing, specifically quantum annealing, comes in.

Quantum Annealing: A New Tool for Fundamental Physics

In our study, an international collaboration between the University of Leeds, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), we used a quantum annealer to mimic the behavior of bubbles in a false vacuum. Just as bubbles form in a supercooled liquid before it condenses, the Universe’s transition to a true vacuum would involve bubbles of stability appearing and expanding.

By configuring 5564 qubits on a D-Wave quantum annealer, we were able to simulate how these bubbles form, interact, and influence one another. The annealer allowed us to directly observe the intricate ‘dance’ of these bubbles—something that has never been seen at this scale before. Our simulations revealed that the formation of new bubbles is not an isolated event but a collective process influenced by many-body interactions, shedding new light on the dynamics of vacuum decay.

Implications for Cosmology and Quantum Computing

This research has far-reaching consequences. First, it provides new insights into early Universe physics, suggesting how phase transitions might have shaped the cosmos shortly after the Big Bang. Additionally, the ability to model such complex quantum phenomena using a quantum annealer marks a major step forward for quantum simulation.

Beyond cosmology, our findings have practical applications in quantum computing. Understanding how quantum bubbles interact could lead to advancements in error correction for quantum processors, improving their stability and performance. The study also showcases the power of quantum annealers to tackle problems that are otherwise intractable for classical computers.

Looking to the Future

This work is just the beginning. While our study used a one-dimensional model, the same annealer could be used to explore three-dimensional systems in the near future. Expanding the scope of these simulations will bring us even closer to understanding phase transitions in the Universe and beyond.

Dr. Jaka Vodeb, co-lead of the study, stated: “These breakthroughs not only push the boundaries of scientific knowledge but also pave the way for future technologies that could revolutionize fields such as cryptography, materials science, and energy-efficient computing.”

Professor Zlatko Papic, co-lead of the study, remarked: “We are developing new ways to observe and understand fundamental quantum processes. The ability to watch these transitions happen in real-time brings us closer than ever to unlocking the secrets of the Universe.”

As quantum computing technology advances, we expect even more breakthroughs at the intersection of theoretical physics and quantum simulation. Our research shows that some of the biggest questions about the cosmos may be answered not by multi-billion-dollar particle colliders but by innovative quantum machines operating in laboratory settings.

For more details, check out our full paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02765-w#citeas