Framework for Quantum Simulations of Energy-Loss in Non-Abelian Gauge Theories: SU(2) Lattice Gauge Theory in 1+1D

Quantum simulations of energy loss are essential for understanding phenomena in non-equilibrium strongly interacting dense matter. We propose a framework for simulating energy loss and hadronization in non-Abelian lattice gauge theories on quantum computers. As a demonstration, heavy-quarks are moved on a 1+1D SU(2) lattice. To prepare the ground-state wavefunction in the presence of heavy quarks, we present scalable circuits that combine SC-ADAPT-VQE with Domain Decomposition, which leverages the heterogeneity of charge sectors across the lattice. The full simulation is executed on IBM’s quantum computer ibm_pittsburgh on 18 qubits with a transpiled CNOT depth of approximately 400. With various error mitigation techniques, the observables show good agreement with classical simulations.