Quantum simulations of SO(5) many-fermion systems using qudits

The structure and dynamics of quantum many-body systems are the result of a delicate interplay between underlying interactions, which leads to intricate entanglement structures. Despite this apparent complexity, symmetries emerge and have long been used to determine the relevant degrees of freedom and simplify classical descriptions of these systems. In this work, we explore the potential utility of quantum computers with arrays of qudits in simulating interacting fermionic systems, when the qudits can naturally map these relevant degrees of freedom. The Agassi model of fermions is based on an underlying $so(5)$ algebra, and the systems it describes can be partitioned into pairs of modes with five basis states, which naturally embed in arrays of $d=5$ qudits (qu5its). Classical noiseless simulations of the time evolution of systems of fermions embedded in up to twelve qu5its are performed using Google's cirq software. The resource requirements of the qu5it circuits are analyzed and compared with two different mappings to qubit systems, a physics-aware Jordan-Wigner mapping and a state-to-state mapping. We find advantages in using qudits, specifically in lowering the required quantum resources and reducing anticipated errors that take the simulation out of the physical space. A previously unrecognized sign problem has been identified from Trotterization errors in time evolving high-energy excitations. This has implications for quantum simulations in high-energy and nuclear physics, specifically of fragmentation and highly inelastic, multi-channel processes.