Digital Quantum Matter Out-of-equilibrium

• Applicant: Xhek Turkeshi, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 560726973

Recent breakthroughs in experimental physics brought the advent of programmable digital quantum simulators. While these devices are not yet ready for real-world applications, they are redefining how we understand many-body physics. By harnessing unique quantum resources, digital simulators realize unprecedented phases of matter characterized by their quantum information content. This project draws on methods from quantum information, condensed matter, and statistical physics to advance the challenges posed by these devices and their many-body phases. The proposal will focus on three complementary but synergetic objectives: 1. Understand the dynamical regimes of many-body quantum magic, a fundamental resource for universal quantum computing. We will combine exact analytical methods and novel numerical methods to study how this many-body magic spreads and evolves in many-body systems. 2. Overcome the experimental challenge of detecting the so-called measurement-induced phases among the archetypal phenomena in digital quantum systems. For this scope, we will develop algorithms leveraging feedback and control to manipulate the evolution of monitored systems. 3. Address how the system's intrinsic dynamics can protect quantum information from quantum errors and noise, which are the primary limitations of current quantum devices. Our study will identify the conditions that allow for the emergence of error resilience in the system, where quantum information is reliably safeguarded. The overarching goal of the proposal is to uncover the novel non-equilibrium regimes arising in digital quantum simulators, thereby pushing forward the frontiers of condensed matter and quantum information theory. The project leverages advanced analytical and computational tools to address open questions. The feasibility is anchored to the strong theoretical expertise and high-performance computation experience of the project leader, which enables mitigating the conceptual and technical risks. The success of the proposal is grounded in the synergy between the project leader’s expertise and the leading scientific profiles at the host institution (Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Cologne), which complement and enrich each other.

• DFG Programme: Emmy Noether Independent Research Groups