Quantum simulations based on measurements and feedback control

We propose a scheme for performing quantum simulations with atoms in cavities based on a photon detection feedback loop that requires only linear optical elements. Atoms can be stored individually without the need of directly interacting with one another. The scheme is able to simulate any time evolution that can be written as a sum of two-qubit Hamiltonians, .e.g., any next neighbor interaction on a lattice. It can also be made robust against photon losses.