Quantum simulation of the Dirac equation

R. Gerritsma, G. Kirchmair, F. Zähringer, E. Solano, R. Blatt and C. F. Roos ()
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R. Gerritsma: Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation, Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Otto-Hittmair-Platz 1, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
G. Kirchmair: Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation, Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Otto-Hittmair-Platz 1, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
F. Zähringer: Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation, Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Otto-Hittmair-Platz 1, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
E. Solano: Universidad del País Vasco - Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Apartado 644, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
R. Blatt: Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation, Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Otto-Hittmair-Platz 1, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
C. F. Roos: Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation, Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Otto-Hittmair-Platz 1, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Nature, 2010, vol. 463, issue 7277, 68-71

Abstract: Quantum particles aquiver The Dirac equation, proposed by Paul Dirac in 1928 to describe the behaviour of relativistic quantum particles, merges quantum mechanics with special relativity. A number of peculiar effects emerge from the equation, including a rapid quivering motion or 'Zitterbewegung', well established in theory but difficult to observe in real particles. Christian Roos and colleagues have developed a proof-of-principle quantum simulation of the Dirac equation using a single trapped ion set to behave as a free relativistic quantum particle. The high level of control of trapped-ion experimental parameters in this system makes it possible to simulate and study Zitterbewegung and other textbook examples of relativistic quantum physics.

Date: 2010
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DOI: 10.1038/nature08688

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