A new open-source program for quantum physics helps researchers obtain results in record time
Scientists at the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS) and the Paderborn Center for Parallel Computing (PC2) at Paderborn University have developed a powerful open-source software tool that allows them to simulate light behavior in quantum systems.
The unique feature of this tool, named "Phoenix," is that researchers can use it to very quickly investigate complex effects to a level of detail that was previously unknown, and all without needing knowledge of high-performance computing. The results have now been in Computer Â鶹ÒùÔºics Communications.
Phoenix solves equations that describe how light interacts with material at the quantum level, which is essential for understanding and for the design of future technologies such as quantum computers and advanced photonic devices.
"More specifically, we are looking here at so-called non-linear Schrödinger and Gross-Pitaevskii equations in two spatial dimensions. Phoenix's design means that it can run on standard laptops or high-performance GPUs and is up to a thousand times faster and up to 99.8% more energy-efficient than conventional tools," explains Professor Stefan Schumacher from PhoQS.
Phoenix is available to researchers anywhere in the world . The software is already being used to study new physical effects in rare quantum states of light and has the ability to help scientists to better understand and monitor light at the smallest scales.
Ph.D. student Jan Wingenbach, who is the lead author of the current study, adds, "Optimization to the current level was only possible through our close cooperation with the HPC [high Performance Computing] experts from PC2."
"This synergy between cutting-edge research in quantum photonics and high-performance computing has made it possible for us to extend the limits of computing power and capability," adds Dr. Robert Schade, research assistant and HPC expert at PC2.
Preliminary versions of the Phoenix code have already contributed to important breakthroughs in quantum photonics. According to the team, the program will be an important computational tool for research into new photonic states and their interactions.
More information: Jan Wingenbach et al, PHOENIX – Paderborn highly optimized and energy efficient solver for two-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equations with integrated extensions, Computer Â鶹ÒùÔºics Communications (2025).
More information and access to Phoenix:
Provided by Paderborn University