Quantum algorithm for simulating an experiment: Light interference from single ions and their mirror images

We widen the range of applications for quantum computing by introducing digital quantum simulation methods for coherent light-matter interactions: We simulate an experiment where the emitted light from a single ion was interfering with its mirror image [Eschner et al., Nature (London) 413, 495 (2001)]. Using the quantum simulation software q1tsim, we accurately reproduce the interference pattern which had been observed experimentally and also show the effect of the mirror position on the spontaneous-emission rate of the ion. In order to minimize the number of required qubits, we implement a qubit-reinitialization technique. We show that a digital quantum simulation of complex experiments in…