Digital Quantum Simulation of Linear and Nonlinear Optical Elements

We provide a recipe for the digitalization of linear and nonlinear quantum optics in networks of superconducting qubits. By combining digital techniques with boson-qubit mappings, we address relevant problems that are typically considered in analog simulators, such as the dynamical Casimir effect or molecular force fields, including nonlinearities. In this way, the benefits of digitalization are extended in principle to a new realm of physical problems. We present preliminary examples launched in IBM Q 5 Tenerife.