Simulating one-dimensional quantum chromodynamics on a quantum computer: Real-time evolutions of tetra- and pentaquarks

Quantum chromodynamics (QCD)—the theory of quarks and gluons—has been studied for decades, but it is yet to be fully understood. A recent example is the prediction and experimental discovery of tetraquarks, which opened a new research field. Crucially, numerous unsolved questions regarding the standard model can exclusively be addressed by nonperturbative calculations. Quantum computers can solve problems for which well-established QCD methods are inapplicable, such as real-time evolution. We take a key step in exploring this possibility by designing a real-time evolution of tetraquark and pentaquark physics in one-dimensional SU(3) gauge theory. We also perform an experiment on a superconducting quantum computer demonstrating an elementary cell consisting of two staggered sites containing quarks and antiquarks with all three colors. This experiment represents an exciting step in quantum computation involving quarks with the gauge group of QCD.