  The $U(1)$ quantum link model on the triangular lattice has two
rotation-symmetry-breaking nematic confined phases. Static external charges are
connected by confining strings consisting of individual strands with
fractionalized electric flux. The two phases are separated by a weak first
order phase transition with an emergent almost exact $SO(2)$ symmetry. We
construct a quantum circuit on a chip to facilitate near-term quantum
computations of the non-trivial string dynamics.
