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A scheme for efficient quantum computation with linear optics

Nature volume 409, pages 46–52 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

Quantum computers promise to increase greatly the efficiency of solving problems such as factoring large integers, combinatorial optimization and quantum physics simulation. One of the greatest challenges now is to implement the basic quantum-computational elements in a physical system and to demonstrate that they can be reliably and scalably controlled. One of the earliest proposals for quantum computation is based on implementing a quantum bit with two optical modes containing one photon. The proposal is appealing because of the ease with which photon interference can be observed. Until now, it suffered from the requirement for non-linear couplings between optical modes containing few photons. Here we show that efficient quantum computation is possible using only beam splitters, phase shifters, single photon sources and photo-detectors. Our methods exploit feedback from photo-detectors and are robust against errors from photon loss and detector inefficiency. The basic elements are accessible to experimental investigation with current technology.

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Figure 1: Nonlinear phase shifts on one mode.
Figure 2: Conditional sign flip implemented with NS operations.
Figure 3: Conditional sign flip with success probability 1/4.
Figure 4: Teleportation with loss detection (RT1).
Figure 5: Teleportation networks for the code χ2.
Figure 6: Recovery from Z measurement.

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Acknowledgements

We thank P. Kwiat and A. White for help and discussions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS B265, Los Alamos, 87545, New Mexico, USA

    E. Knill & R. Laflamme

  2. Centre for Quantum Computer Technology, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia

    G. J. Milburn

Authors
  1. E. Knill
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  2. R. Laflamme
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  3. G. J. Milburn
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Correspondence to E. Knill.

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Knill, E., Laflamme, R. & Milburn, G. A scheme for efficient quantum computation with linear optics. Nature 409, 46–52 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35051009

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