Quantum Simulation of the Majorana Equation and Unphysical Operations

Abstract

We design a quantum simulator for the Majorana equation, a non-Hamiltonian relativistic wave equation that might describe neutrinos and other exotic particles beyond the standard model. Driven by the need of the simulation, we devise a general method for implementing a number of mathematical operations that are unphysical, including charge conjugation, complex conjugation, and time reversal. Furthermore, we describe how to realize the general method in a system of trapped ions. The work opens a new front in quantum simulations.