Hidetoshi Nishimori

I am a theoretical physicist.  The following are my main contributions.

[Spin glass theory]
Spin glass is a magnetic material with an extremely complex state of microscopic constituents. Its analysis is notoriously difficult. I discovered the exact solution to the spin glass problem in a specific part of the phase diagram in my thesis work. This theoretical framework has turned out to be crucial for addressing a wide range of topics including quantum error correction, statistical (Bayesian) inference, quantum state preparation (see also here), and even an April fool's joke 😄.

[Quantum annealing]
Quantum annealing is a framework (metaheuristic) for finding the optimal solution among many possibilities using quantum mechanical effects. We proposed and tested the idea of quantum annealing, which has now blossomed into an active field of research and development. The initial proposal was driven by pure academic curiosity, and recent advances have been mesmerizing as the field has evolved far beyond mere theoretical construction.
    Our paper on quantum annealing was referred to in the document by the Nobel Committee as one of the important developments related to the Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 🏆.