Quantum algorithms for quantum field theories - Keith Lee

Quantum field theory provides the framework for the Standard Model of particle physics and plays a key role in many areas of physics. However, calculations are generally computationally complex and limited to weak interaction strengths. I'll describe a polynomial-time quantum algorithm for computing relativistic scattering amplitudes in massive scalar quantum field theories. The algorithm applies at both weak and strong coupling, achieving exponential speedup over known classical methods at high precision or strong coupling. I'll then present the extension of this work to fermionic quantum field theories, the new features of which require different techniques. The study of such quantum algorithms may also help us learn more about the nature of quantum field theory itself.