Vaibhav Sharma, Quantum Research Scientist

Brief Bio and Research Interest

I am a quantum simulation researcher at Rigetti Computing.  My research is focussed on analyzing and assessing quantum hardware for performing tasks beyond the capabilities of current classical computers. I have extensive research experience in quantum simulation, quantum computation, and quantum error-correction on various quantum hardware platforms including superconducting qubits, neutral atoms and quantum materials.  

My research in non-technical language

I am a theoretical physics researcher. This means that I do mathematical calculations (typically on a computer) to understand the physics of a system. I study systems where the individual particles or constituents are best described by the laws of quantum mechanics as opposed to Newton's laws of motion. As an example, during my PhD, I studied the behavior of a collection of atoms that have been cooled down to almost absolute zero temperature. At these temperatures, the ultracold atoms behave more like waves rather than particles.

Although we can often easily understand the quantum mechanical behavior of a single quantum entity easily using the Schrodinger equation, the situation changes once we have a collection of such entities that also interact with each other.  The underlying behavior of these systems becomes markedly different and very difficult to predict. In my research, I try to understand the physics of such many-body quantum systems. I use analytical and numerical calculations to come with simple explanations of the exotic phenomena that can occur in such systems. 

In 2021, I studied how a collection of ultracold atoms behave when they are spun around. I give a simple explanation in this three minute video as part of  the 2022 Cornell three minute thesis competition.