Researchers at the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Quantum Physics (CCQ) have discovered why a classical computer was able to outperform a quantum computer on a complex task. By analyzing a two-dimensional quantum system of flipping magnets, they found that the system exhibits behavior known as confinement, which had previously only been seen in one-dimensional systems.
Confinement is a phenomenon where an individual magnet can exist in multiple states simultaneously, leading to entanglement between neighboring magnets. However, when confined within a closed system, the energy limitations cause the system to oscillate around its initial state, rather than becoming disordered. This natural consequence of the two-dimensional geometry led researchers to develop a simple and accurate mathematical model that describes this behavior.
The study provides insight into the line dividing the abilities of quantum and classical computers, helping scientists better understand where quantum computers might have an edge. The findings also offer a framework for testing new quantum simulations and provide valuable tools for experimental scientists. According to lead author Joseph Tindall, “There is some boundary that separates what can be done with quantum computing and what can be done with classical computers… Our work helps clarify that boundary a bit more.”
Source: https://phys.org/news/2024-10-classical-quantum-game.html