Solving non-Hermitian physics for optical manipulation on a quantum computer.

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics
• Optics
• Non-Hermitian systems

Background:

• Intense laser light enables microscopic particle trapping, but optical forces are nonconservative and require non-Hermitian theory.
• Non-Hermiticity in optical systems leads to unique phenomena like exceptional points, complicating the study of large particle clusters.
• Analyzing the dynamics of optically bound particles presents significant challenges due to the inherent non-Hermiticity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable quantum approach for predicting the dynamics of optically trapped particles.
• To address the challenges posed by non-Hermitian physics in optical trapping systems.
• To experimentally demonstrate non-Hermiticity and exceptional points in optical force fields.

Main Methods:

• A scalable quantum approach based on the linear combination of unitary operations was developed.
• The method was applied to predict particle trajectories in optical force fields.
• Experiments were conducted using a nuclear magnetic resonance quantum processor.

Main Results:

• The study successfully predicted the trajectories of optically trapped particles.
• Non-Hermiticity and exceptional points were experimentally revealed for single and multiple trapped particles.
• The developed quantum approach demonstrated scalability and stability.

Conclusions:

• The novel quantum method provides a promising pathway for large-scale optical manipulation.
• The findings offer new insights into non-Hermitian dynamics in optical systems.
• This approach facilitates the study of complex phenomena in optically trapped particle systems.