G. Sierra

The non-trivial zeros of the Riemann zeta function are central objects in number theory. In particular, they enable one to reproduce the prime numbers. They have also attracted the attention of physicists working in Random Matrix Theory and Quantum Chaos for decades. Here we present an experimental observation of the lowest non-trivial Riemann zeros by using a trapped ion qubit in a Paul trap, periodically driven with microwave fields. The waveform of the driving is engineered such that the dynamics of the ion is frozen when the driving parameters coincide with a zero of the real component of the zeta function. Scanning over the driving amplitude thus enables the locations of the Riemann zeros to be measured experimentally to a high degree of accuracy, providing a physical embodiment of these fascinating mathematical objects in the quantum realm.

We introduce a theoretical scheme for the analog quantum simulation of long-range XYZ models using current trapped-ion technology. In order to achieve fully-tunable Heisenberg-type interactions, our proposal requires a state-dependent dipole force along a single vibrational axis, together with a combination of standard resonant and detuned carrier drivings. We discuss how this quantum simulator could explore the effect of long-range interactions on the phase diagram by combining an adiabatic protocol with the quasi-periodic drivings and test the validity of our scheme numerically. At the isotropic Heisenberg point, we show that the long-range Hamiltonian can be mapped onto a non-linear sigma model with a topological term that is responsible for its low-energy properties, and we benchmark our predictions with Matrix-Product-State numerical simulations.