Quantum Computation with Coherent States, Linear Interactions and Superposed Resources

We show that quantum computation circuits with coherent states as the logical qubits can be constructed using very simple linear networks, conditional measurements and coherent superposition resource states

Quantum computation based on linear optics

We review recent theoretical progress in finding ways to do quantum processing with linear optics, non-classical input states and conditional measurements. We focus on a dual rail photonic scheme and a single rail coherent state scheme

Quantum computation with optical coherent states

We show that quantum computation circuits using coherent states as the logical qubits can be constructed from simple linear networks, conditional photon measurements and "small" coherent superposition resource states

Schrodinger cats and their power for quantum information processing

We outline a toolbox comprised of passive optical elements, single photon detection and superpositions of coherent states (Schrodinger cat states). Such a toolbox is a powerful collection of primitives for quantum information processing tasks. We illustrate its use by outlining a proposal for universal quantum computation. We utilize this toolbox for quantum metrology applications, for instance weak force measurements and precise phase estimation. We show in both these cases that a sensitivity at the Heisenberg limit is achievable.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures; Submitted to a Special Issue of J. Opt. B on "Fluctuations and Noise in Photonics and Quantum Optics" (Herman Haus Memorial Issue

Quantum information processing with Schrodinger cats

Quantum optics has proved a fertile field for experimental tests of quantum information science, from experimental verification of the violation of the Bell inequalities to quantum teleportation. However it was long believed that quantum optics would not provide a practical path to efficient and scaleable quantum computation, and most current efforts to achieve a scaleable quantum computer have focussed on solid state implementations. This orthodoxy was challenged recently when Knill et al. showed that given single photon sources and single photon detectors, linear optics alone would suffice to implement efficient quantum computation. While this result is surprising, the complexity of the optical networks required is daunting. In this talk we propose an efficient scheme which is elegant in its simplicity. We indicate how fundamental single and two qubit gates can be achieved. By encoding the quantum information in multi-photon coherent states, rather than single photon states, simple optical manipulations acquire unexpected power. As an application of this new information processing ability we investigate a class of high precision measurements. We show how superpositions of coherent states allow displacement measurements at the Heisenberg limit. Entangling many superpositions of coherent states offers a significant advantage over a single mode superposition states with the same mean photon number

Simple Scheme for Efficient Linear Optics Quantum Gates

We describe the construction of a conditional quantum control-not (CNOT) gate from linear optical elements following the program of Knill, Laflamme and Milburn [Nature {\bf 409}, 46 (2001)]. We show that the basic operation of this gate can be tested using current technology. We then simplify the scheme significantly.Comment: Problems with PDF figures correcte

Lorentz invariant intrinsic decoherence

Quantum decoherence can arise due to classical fluctuations in the parameters which define the dynamics of the system. In this case decoherence, and complementary noise, is manifest when data from repeated measurement trials are combined. Recently a number of authors have suggested that fluctuations in the space-time metric arising from quantum gravity effects would correspond to a source of intrinsic noise, which would necessarily be accompanied by intrinsic decoherence. This work extends a previous heuristic modification of Schr\"{o}dinger dynamics based on discrete time intervals with an intrinsic uncertainty. The extension uses unital semigroup representations of space and time translations rather than the more usual unitary representation, and does the least violence to physically important invariance principles. Physical consequences include a modification of the uncertainty principle and a modification of field dispersion relations, in a way consistent with other modifications suggested by quantum gravity and string theory .Comment: This paper generalises an earlier model published as Phys. Rev. A vol44, 5401 (1991

Symplectic invariants, entropic measures and correlations of Gaussian states

We present a derivation of the Von Neumann entropy and mutual information of arbitrary two--mode Gaussian states, based on the explicit determination of the symplectic eigenvalues of a generic covariance matrix. The key role of the symplectic invariants in such a determination is pointed out. We show that the Von Neumann entropy depends on two symplectic invariants, while the purity (or the linear entropy) is determined by only one invariant, so that the two quantities provide two different hierarchies of mixed Gaussian states. A comparison between mutual information and entanglement of formation for symmetric states is considered, remarking the crucial role of the symplectic eigenvalues in qualifying and quantifying the correlations present in a generic state.Comment: 6 pages, no figures, revised version, sections and references added, to appear in J. Phys.

Review article: Linear optical quantum computing

Linear optics with photon counting is a prominent candidate for practical quantum computing. The protocol by Knill, Laflamme, and Milburn [Nature 409, 46 (2001)] explicitly demonstrates that efficient scalable quantum computing with single photons, linear optical elements, and projective measurements is possible. Subsequently, several improvements on this protocol have started to bridge the gap between theoretical scalability and practical implementation. We review the original theory and its improvements, and we give a few examples of experimental two-qubit gates. We discuss the use of realistic components, the errors they induce in the computation, and how these errors can be corrected.Comment: 41 pages, 37 figures, many small changes, added references, and improved discussion on error correction and fault toleranc