Quantum Chebyshev Probabilistic Models for Fragmentation Functions

Abstract

Quantum generative modeling is emerging as a powerful tool for advancing data analysis in high-energy physics, where complex multivariate distributions are common. However, efficiently learning and sampling these distributions remains challenging. We propose a quantum protocol for a bivariate probabilistic model based on shifted Chebyshev polynomials, trained as a circuit-based representation of two correlated variables, with sampling performed via quantum Chebyshev transforms. As a key application we study fragmentation functions (FFs) of charged pions and kaons from single-inclusive hadron production in electron-positron annihilation. We learn the joint distribution of momentum fraction $z$ and energy scale $Q$, and infer their correlations from the entanglement structure. Building on the generalization capabilities of the quantum model and extended register architecture, we perform fine-grid multivariate sampling for FF dataset augmentation. Our results highlight the growing potential of quantum generative modeling to advance data analysis and scientific discovery in high-energy physics.

10+7 pages, 6+5 Figures, 1 Table