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• The universe’s demise might not come with a dramatic explosion, but rather a subtle shift known as “false vacuum decay.”

• Recent research harnessed the capabilities of a quantum computer to explore the cosmic bubbles that could arise if the universe were to shift to a genuine ground state.

• Although the likelihood of ending through these quantum processes is minimal, the research exemplifies how quantum computers can investigate phenomena that were once deemed unapproachable.

The renowned American poet Robert Frost famously asked whether the end of the world would be preferable in flames or in ice. However, quantum mechanics introduces an even weirder and more unsettling conclusion: a quantum event called “false vacuum decay.”

Originally suggested by theoretical physicist Sidney Coleman in 1977, this concept posits that the universe might be ensnared in a false vacuum, creating the illusion of stability, while being poised to shift to a true vacuum state at any moment. Such a transition would dramatically reshape the cosmos, generating cosmic bubbles that expand and modify the universe as they proliferate, effectively erasing our known reality.

In light of the existential risk posed by false vacuum decay, an international team of scientists, led by researchers at the University of Leeds in the U.K., employed a quantum device known as an annealer to simulate the formation of these cosmic bubbles. This investigation not only advances our comprehension of quantum dynamics but also serves as a prime example of the research potential of cutting-edge quantum computers. The findings of this research were published in the journal Nature Physics.

“We’re discussing a process where the universe could entirely rearrange its structure,” stated Zlatko Papic, the lead researcher from the University of Leeds, in a press release. “The fundamental constants could change instantly, leading to a collapse akin to a house of cards. What we require are controlled experiments to observe this phenomenon and understand its timing.”

While the concept of false vacuum decay is known, its underlying mechanism had remained enigmatic. To investigate this further, the team utilized a 5564-bit quantum computer built by D-Wave Quantum Inc., with locations in both the U.S. and Canada. The researchers note that the bubbles behave similarly to those formed in cooled water vapor that exceeds its dew point. With the quantum annealer’s assistance, they were able to witness how these bubbles form, interact, and expand over time in a simplified one-dimensional model.

“This phenomenon can be likened to a rollercoaster with multiple dips but only one ‘true’ lowest point at the ground level,” explained co-author Jean-Yves Desaules in a press statement. “Should this hypothesis be accurate, quantum mechanics could allow the universe to eventually tunnel to a lower energy state, the ‘true’ vacuum, leading to a catastrophic event.”

Fortunately, such a transformation wouldn’t transpire swiftly, likely taking millions of years—and may not happen at all. Hence, although Frost’s ominous portrayal of the world’s end is significantly more plausible than an end caused by quantum peculiarities, the ability to simulate cosmic bubbles arising from “false vacuum decay” provides a unique and powerful insight into the capabilities of quantum computing in research.

“We aim to establish systems that allow us to conduct simple experiments to explore these phenomena,” Papic added in a press statement. “The time scales for these events in the universe are immense, but the annealer enables us to observe them in real-time, providing a tangible glimpse into the process.”

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