  We demonstrate a method of exploring the quantum critical point of the Ising
universality class using unitary maps that have recently been demonstrated in
ion trap quantum gates. We reverse the idea with which Feynman conceived
quantum computing, and ask whether a realisable simulation corresponds to a
physical system. We proceed to show that a specific simulation (a unitary map)
is physically equivalent to a Hamiltonian that belongs to the same universality
class as the transverse Ising Hamiltonian. We present experimental signatures,
and numerical simulation for these in the six-qubit case.
