Physicists have achieved a groundbreaking cosmic simulation that delves deep into one of the universe’s most perplexing enigmas: are we inhabiting a fragile and temporary state of existence on the verge of collapsing into a more stable reality? Utilizing a state-of-the-art quantum machine, researchers observed bubbles symbolizing universal transformation come to life, providing an unprecedented view of a process that could potentially redefine our understanding of the structure of reality.
This pioneering research offers fresh insights into the enigmatic process that could ultimately shape the universe's fate. Approximately 50 years ago, theoretical physicists posited that our universe may be ensnared in a “false vacuum” — a condition that appears stable yet could be transient. This theory suggests that the universe might one day transition to a more stable “true vacuum” state, resulting in an instantaneous and dramatic alteration of reality's very fabric. Although scientists believe such a transition is unlikely to occur in the near future, it may happen over time scales extending from millions to billions of years.
An international team from three research institutions has harnessed a powerful quantum simulation to explore how this false vacuum decay might transpire. Their findings shed new light on the quantum behaviors at play in both the early universe and the fundamental building blocks of matter. The project was spearheaded by Professor Zlatko Papic from the University of Leeds and Dr. Jaka Vodeb at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany.
“We’re discussing a process that could fundamentally alter the universe's structure,” stated Professor Papic, the paper’s lead author and a Professor of Theoretical Physics at Leeds. “The fundamental constants could change instantly, leading to a collapse of reality as we know it, akin to a house of cards. Controlled experiments are essential to observe this transition and determine its time scales.”
This research marks a significant advancement in the exploration of quantum dynamics — the evolution of systems under the peculiar rules of quantum mechanics. The simulation may also have practical implications for the future of quantum computing, potentially aiding scientists in addressing profound questions about the nature of reality itself.
The collaborative research, conducted by the University of Leeds, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), aimed to unravel the underlying mechanisms of false vacuum decay. Utilizing a 5,564-qubit quantum annealer, a sophisticated quantum machine developed by D-Wave Quantum Inc., the team solved complex optimization problems by leveraging the unique properties of quantum-mechanical systems.
In their recent publication in Nature Physics, the researchers detailed how the quantum machine simulated the behavior of bubbles within a false vacuum. These bubbles resemble liquid bubbles forming in water vapor that has cooled below its dew point, and their formation, interaction, and spreading are believed to trigger false vacuum decay.
Co-author Dr. Jean-Yves Desaules, a postdoctoral fellow at ISTA, explained, “This phenomenon can be likened to a rollercoaster with several valleys, only one of which represents the ‘true’ lowest energy state. Quantum mechanics may allow the universe to eventually tunnel to this lowest state, resulting in a catastrophic global event.”
The quantum annealer allowed scientists to witness the intricate “dance” of these bubbles, observing how they form, grow, and interact in real time. The findings revealed that these dynamics are not isolated occurrences; they involve complex interactions, including how smaller bubbles can influence their larger counterparts. The team believes their discoveries provide new insights into how such transitions might have transpired shortly after the Big Bang.
Dr. Vodeb, the paper’s first author and a postdoctoral researcher at Jülich, remarked, “By utilizing the capabilities of a large quantum annealer, we have opened a pathway to study non-equilibrium quantum systems and phase transitions that are difficult to explore with traditional computing methods.”
The question of whether the false vacuum decay process could occur and its potential timeline has long perplexed physicists. However, significant progress has been hampered by the complex mathematical frameworks of quantum field theory. Instead of tackling these intricate problems, the research team focused on simpler questions that could be investigated using the latest available technologies.
This study represents one of the first instances where scientists have been able to directly simulate and observe the dynamics of false vacuum decay on such a substantial scale. The experiment involved configuring 5,564 qubits — the fundamental building blocks of quantum computing — to represent the false vacuum. By meticulously controlling the system, researchers could initiate the transition from false to true vacuum, mimicking the bubble formations as described by false vacuum decay theory. While the study utilized a one-dimensional model, three-dimensional simulations are anticipated to be feasible with the same quantum annealer.
Professor Papic emphasized, “We aim to develop systems for conducting straightforward experiments to explore these phenomena. Although the time scales for these processes in the universe are immense, the annealer permits us to observe them in real time, allowing us to witness the underlying mechanisms.”
This exciting research merges cutting-edge quantum simulation with profound theoretical physics, underscoring our proximity to solving some of the universe's most significant mysteries. Funded by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Leverhulme Trust, the findings illustrate that insights into the universe's origin and fate need not be confined to expensive experiments conducted at high-energy facilities like the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
Professor Papic added, “It’s thrilling to have these new tools that could effectively function as a tabletop ‘laboratory’ for understanding fundamental dynamical processes in the universe.”
The researchers assert that their findings showcase the potential of quantum annealers to tackle practical challenges beyond theoretical physics. In addition to its significance for cosmology, the study holds implications for advancing quantum computing. The team believes that comprehending bubble interactions in the false vacuum could enhance error management and complex calculations within quantum systems, contributing to greater efficiency in quantum computing.
Dr. Vodeb concluded, “These breakthroughs not only expand the frontiers of scientific knowledge but also pave the way for future technologies that could transform fields such as cryptography, materials science, and energy-efficient computing.”
Dr. Kedar Pandya, EPSRC Executive Director for Strategy, remarked, “Curiosity-driven research is a vital aspect of the work supported by EPSRC. This project exemplifies the synergy of fundamental quantum physics with technological advancements in quantum computing, addressing profound questions about the essence of the universe.”
For further details, refer to the study entitled “Stirring the false vacuum via interacting quantized bubbles on a 5,564-qubit quantum annealer” published by Jaka Vodeb and colleagues in Nature Physics on February 4, 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s41567-024-02765-w.
