Physicists have conducted a remarkable simulation that offers new insights into a mysterious phenomenon which may decide the ultimate destiny of the Universe.
About 50 years ago, innovative research in quantum field theory suggested that the Universe might be stuck in a false vacuum state—seeming stable but potentially ready to shift into a true vacuum state, which is more stable. This shift could result in a disastrous change in the Universe’s structure. Although experts find it difficult to predict the timing, they believe that such an event would take place over an incredibly long time frame, possibly millions of years.
A collective effort involving three research institutions led to significant discoveries about false vacuum decay—a phenomenon tied to the Universe’s origins and the behavior of subatomic particles. This collaboration was spearheaded by Professor Zlatko Papic from the University of Leeds and Dr. Jaka Vodeb from Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany.
Professor Papic, who is the lead author and a professor of Theoretical Physics, explained: “This process could fundamentally alter the structure of the Universe. The basic constants may suddenly change, leading to a complete collapse of reality as we know it, akin to a house of cards. We need controlled experiments to study this process and establish its time frames.”
The researchers claim this represents a major advancement in grasping quantum dynamics, opening exciting avenues for quantum computing and addressing some of the most challenging questions in fundamental physics.
Unraveling a Cosmic Mystery
The study, carried out by the University of Leeds, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), aimed to decipher the central mystery of false vacuum decay and what underlies it. They utilized a 5564-qubit quantum annealer, a specialized quantum machine made by D-Wave Quantum Inc. that can solve intricate optimization problems by leveraging the unique features of quantum mechanics.
In their recent publication in Nature Physics (dated 04/02/2025), the research team described how they made the machine replicate the behavior of bubbles forming in a false vacuum—akin to liquid bubbles forming in water vapor that has been cooled below its dew point. The creation, interaction, and expansion of these bubbles are believed to be the triggers for false vacuum decay.
Co-author Dr. Jean-Yves Desaules, a postdoctoral fellow at ISTA who completed a PhD at the University of Leeds, noted: “This situation is like a rollercoaster that has multiple dips but only one ultimate low point at ground level. If true, quantum mechanics would allow the Universe to eventually tunnel to that lowest energy state, which could precipitate a disastrous global event.”
The quantum annealer let researchers witness the intricate “dance” of the bubbles as they formed, grew, and interacted in real-time. Their findings indicated that these dynamics aren’t isolated events; rather, they involve complex interplays, including interactions where smaller bubbles affect larger ones. This provides fresh perspectives on how such transitions might have transpired shortly after the Big Bang.
The study’s first author, Dr. Vodeb, a postdoctoral researcher at Jülich, stated: “Utilizing a large quantum annealer has enabled us to explore non-equilibrium quantum systems and phase transitions that are typically challenging to study with conventional computing methods.”
A New Frontier in Quantum Simulation
Physicists have long debated the likelihood of false vacuum decay and the timeframe it would take. However, due to the complex mathematics involved in quantum field theory, progress has been slow.
Rather than tackling these complicated issues directly, the team aimed to focus on simpler questions that could leverage the capabilities of newly available hardware. This marks one of the first instances where scientists have been able to directly simulate and observe the dynamics of false vacuum decay on such a scale.
The experiment involved positioning 5564 qubits—the fundamental units of quantum computing—into specific setups that represented the false vacuum. By precisely controlling the system, the researchers were able to initiate the transition from a false vacuum to a true vacuum, replicating bubble formation as hypothesized in false vacuum decay. While the study employed a one-dimensional model, three-dimensional simulations are anticipated to be viable on the same annealer as well. The D-Wave machine is part of JUNIQ, the Jülich UNified Infrastructure for Quantum Computing at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, which provides cutting-edge quantum computing technology to both researchers and industry.
Professor Papic emphasized: “We are striving to build systems for conducting basic experiments to explore these phenomena. Although the timescales for these cosmic events are immense, the annealer allows us to observe them in real-time and witness the ensuing processes.”
“This groundbreaking work merges advanced quantum simulation with profound theoretical physics, underscoring how close we are to unraveling some of the Universe’s greatest mysteries.”
Supported by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Leverhulme Trust, this research illustrates that significant insights into the Universe’s origins and destiny do not always necessitate multimillion-pound experiments at specialized high-energy facilities like the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
Professor Papic added, “It’s thrilling to have these novel tools that could serve as a tabletop ‘lab’ to investigate fundamental dynamical processes in the Universe.”
Practical Significance
The researchers believe their findings demonstrate the practical utility of quantum annealers beyond the scope of theoretical physics.
Aside from its implications for cosmology, the study has potentially beneficial effects on the advancement of quantum computing. Understanding how bubble interactions occur within the false vacuum may lead to enhancements in managing errors and performing complex computations, ultimately boosting the efficiency of quantum computing.
Dr. Vodeb concluded: “These advancements not only expand the frontiers of scientific knowledge but also lay the groundwork for future technologies that could transform areas such as cryptography, materials science, and energy-efficient computing.”
Dr. Kedar Pandya, EPSRC Executive Director for Strategy, commented: “Curiosity-driven research plays a crucial role in the initiatives supported by the EPSRC. This project exemplifies that integration of fundamental quantum physics ideas with advancements in quantum computing, helping to address profound questions about the nature of the Universe.”
