Simulating a quantum system

Scientists have proven theoretically a novel way to build a simulator that can recreate the way atoms and particles behave in a quantum system. The proposed simulator is unique because it could let researchers control how individual particles move and interact with each other.

This ability to control individual parts of a quantum system is said to be key to the development of powerful quantum computers in the future.

The term "quantum system" is used to describe a system which is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics, as opposed to being governed by the classical laws of physics such as mechanics, gravity and Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Quantum mechanics comes into play when systems are the size of atoms or smaller, because on this very small scale the conventional laws of mechanics no longer apply.

Quantum computing devices of the future, which have not yet been successfully created, will rely on scientists harnessing quantum behaviour to create systems that can far exceed the speed and processing capabilities of current silicon-based computers.