PhilSci Archive

Analogue Quantum Simulation: A New Instrument for Scientific Understanding

Hangleiter, Dominik and Carolan, Jacques and Thebault, Karim P Y (2021) Analogue Quantum Simulation: A New Instrument for Scientific Understanding. [Preprint]

[img]
Preview
Text
Analogue Quantum Simulation- A New Instrument for Scientific Understanding.pdf - Draft Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives.

Download (11MB) | Preview

Abstract

In an analogue quantum simulation, an experimentally accessible quantum system is controlled and measured precisely in order to learn about the properties of another quantum system. As such, analogue quantum simulation is a novel tool of scientific inference standing between computation simulation and conventional experiment. In this book we undertake a comprehensive appraisal of the epistemology of analogue quantum simulation. In particular, we consider the types of understanding that analogue quantum simulation can yield. We draw a distinction between analogue quantum computations and analogue quantum emulations and argue that this distinction has important practical consequences on the types of validation an experimenter needs to perform in order to meet their epistemic goal. Our analysis is rooted in the contemporary scientific practice of analogue quantum simulation and draws upon detailed case studies of cold atoms, quantum photonics, and dispersive optical media platforms. Our goal is to provide a new framework for scientists and philosophers alike to understand the epistemic foundations of this exciting new area of scientific practice.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Hangleiter, Dominikdhang@umd.edu
Carolan, Jacquescarolanj@mit.edu
Thebault, Karim P Ykarim.thebault@gmail.com
Additional Information: Draft version
Keywords: analogue quantum simulation; scientific understanding
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Biology > Molecular Biology/Genetics
General Issues > Computer Simulation
Specific Sciences > Physics > Condensed Matter
General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
General Issues > Explanation
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User: Dr Karim Thebault
Date Deposited: 03 Mar 2023 14:13
Last Modified: 03 Mar 2023 14:13
Item ID: 21823
Official URL: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-8...
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Biology > Molecular Biology/Genetics
General Issues > Computer Simulation
Specific Sciences > Physics > Condensed Matter
General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
General Issues > Explanation
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date: 1 March 2021
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/21823

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item