  We model the bang-bang optimization protocol as a shortcut to adiabaticity in
the ground-state preparation of an ion-trap-based quantum simulator. Compared
to a locally adiabatic evolution, the bang-bang protocol produces a somewhat
lower ground-state probability, but its implementation is so much simpler than
the locally adiabatic approach, that it remains an excellent choice to use for
maximizing ground-state preparation in systems that cannot be solved with
conventional computers. We describe how one can optimize the shortcut and
provide specific details for how it can be implemented with current
ion-trap-based quantum simulators.
