Programmable light replicates quantum matter in 300 processes from University of Ottawa

A team of researchers at the University of Ottawa has developed a programmable quantum simulator that can replicate the behavior of particles in complex materials. This breakthrough, reported on July 9, 2026, allows for the simulation of over 300 quantum processes without the need for larger electronic circuits.

Innovative Quantum Simulation Technology

The research, conducted in collaboration with Federico II University in Italy, focuses on shaping a beam of light to mimic how electrons move through materials. Instead of using extensive wiring and circuitry, the team utilizes three programmable optical screens known as spatial light modulators. These allow for quick reconfiguration via simple software updates.

“We program the structure of light the way a musician tunes an instrument,” said Ebrahim Karimi, a full professor in the Department of Physics at uOttawa. “Each configuration lets photons walk through a different virtual material, and we can switch between hundreds of them without touching the optics.”

Applications in Topological Materials

The platform has been validated using both classical laser light and individual photons. In one notable experiment, the simulator successfully reproduced the characteristics of topological materials, which are critical for the development of next-generation electronics. Dr. Alessio D'Errico, a senior research associate in Karimi's team, commented, “Topology is a hot topic in condensed-matter physics, but measuring its effects directly is notoriously hard.”

The optical setup enables researchers to observe these effects in real time, providing a clear view of quantum dynamics typically obscured in solid-state devices.

Versatile Quantum Laboratory

This innovative simulator extends beyond flat surfaces, allowing for simulations on complex geometries such as closed loops, cylinders, and toroidal shapes. “A torus or a cylinder might sound abstract, but these shapes encode real physics,” explains D'Errico. “Being able to explore them all on a single, reconfigurable tabletop setup is a genuine step forward for quantum simulation.”

As the information is encoded in light, each stage of quantum evolution can be directly documented, offering researchers an unprecedented perspective on quantum transport and topological phenomena. “We've essentially turned light into a controllable laboratory for quantum matter studies,” Karimi stated. “Complex dynamics can be designed, watched, and understood with a clarity that simply wasn't available before.”