Quantum simulation aims at solving quantum many-body problems efficiently with programmable quantum devices. Progress in developing analog quantum simulation platforms is evident in the increasing control of engineered many-body Hamiltonians and the ability to perform single-site and single-shot readouts. This development defines a new generation of programmable quantum simulators that combine a certain level of programmability with scalability to accommodate large numbers of particles.

In this presentation, we report results from a recent theory-experiment collaboration involving trapped ion platforms with up to 51 qubits/spins. Our goal is to develop and demonstrate quantum protocols that address questions ranging from fundamental principles to practical applications. Examples to be discussed include measurement protocols that reveal the entanglement structure of the many-body wavefunction, as well as the implementation of 'optimal' quantum metrology with variational quantum circuits. In this context, quantum simulators function as 'programmable quantum sensors.'