Particle Detection on a Quantum Computer

The goal of this work is to develop a framework for simulating the process of particle detection on a quantum computer, which will be essential for performing realistic quantum simulations of Standard Model physics at scale. For simulating dynamical processes like hadron collisions, it will become increasingly impractical to measure the entire wavefunction as systems get larger and more complex. Thus, there is a need to develop methods that allow for the extraction of relevant physical properties using a limited subset of qubits. In this work, we use the Schwinger model, quantum electrodynamics in 1+1D, as a testing ground. We prepare a wavepacket and let it time evolve through a detection region, in which system qubits interact with detector qubits, allowing them to capture key information. This work represents a first step towards incorporating particle detection into large-scale quantum simulations of lattice field theories.