Evaluation of phase shifts for non-relativistic elastic scattering using quantum computers*

Simulations of quantum many-body scattering processes are essential in understanding many scientific fields, from astrophysical nuclear reactions to the physics inside particle colliders. However, classical simulations of scattering processes, even for the simplest nuclear reactions, require an extreme computational effort. Following Feynman’s idea on the efficiency of quantum computers, it is desirable to develop quantum algorithms for simulating complex many-body processes that could be computed on quantum hardware in the future.

 

The talk presents a quantum algorithm that evaluates non-relativistic phase shifts for elastic scattering processes. This algorithm implements only real-time evolution that can be easily implemented on quantum hardware. Numerical and actual quantum results from IBM quantum processors are discussed, showing its reliability.