Overview

The main objective of this two-day workshop is to start a dialog within the nuclear physics community about quantum computing and its potential impact upon nuclear physics research. Classical exascale computing resources will allow us to achieve a number of important scientific objectives, but others will remain beyond reach. Notably, the difficulty of simulating finite density and quantum many-body systems, that are of central importance to nuclear physics increases exponentially with increasing chemical potential, particle number, or volume. Simulation of such systems on quantum computers and an improved understanding of quantum information and complexity, may provide new paths forward in the exploration of such systems.

The purpose of this workshop is to bring together nuclear physicists, experts in quantum algorithms and quantum information and experts from industry. It is expected that attendees of this workshop will highlight the current status of quantum computing, and identify objectives where quantum computing could potentially lead to transformative breakthroughs. Attendees will also identify quantum mechanical systems and quantum field theories where progress could be anticipated with quantum computers that may become available in the near future. Attempts will be made to estimate the requirements for "quantum supremacy" in problems of importance to nuclear physics.

An outline of the workshop is as follows:

The morning of the first day will consist of "Grand Vision" presentations on quantum computing and quantum information. That afternoon will see presentations about the present status of quantum computing applied to many-body systems, chemistry, quantum field theory, as well as identifying opportunities that may exist in nuclear physics research.

The morning of the second day will be focused on establishing the key elements of a short whitepaper that presents the status of quantum computing, the anticipated near-term developments and potential roadblocks, and potential "early" calculations of importance to nuclear physics. Related aspects, such as community organization and estimates of required resources and profiles to establish a viable nuclear physics research program in this area will be discussed.

The workshop is expected to end by lunchtime of the second day.

There will be a $15 registration fee to attend the workshop. The registration fee includes participation in the workshop, lectures, and coffee breaks.