Quantum simulation of fundamental particles and forces

Quantum simulations of the fundamental particles and forces of nature have a central role in understanding key static and dynamic quantum properties of matter. Motivations, techniques and future challenges for simulations of quantum fields are discussed, highlighting examples of early progress towards the dynamics of high-density, non-equilibrium systems of quarks, gluons and neutrinos. Key static and dynamic properties of matter - from creation in the Big Bang to evolution into subatomic and astrophysical environments - arise from the underlying fundamental quantum fields of the standard model and their effective descriptions. However, the simulation of these properties lies beyond the capabilities of classical computation alone. Advances in quantum technologies have improved control over quantum entanglement and coherence to the point at which robust simulations of quantum fields are anticipated in the foreseeable future. In this Perspective article, we discuss the emerging area of quantum simulations of standard-model physics, outlining the challenges and opportunities for progress in the context of nuclear and high-energy physics.