Simulating noisy quantum channels via quantum state preparation algorithms

Abstract

In Refs. [Phys. Rev. A 96, 062303 (2017)] and [Sci. China Phys. Mech. Astron. 61, 70311 (2018)], the authors reported an algorithm to simulate, in a circuit-based quantum computer, a general quantum channel (QC). However, the application of their algorithm involves the solution of intricate non-linear systems of equations in order to obtain the quantum circuit to be implemented for the simulation. In this work, we identify and discuss a simple way to implement the simulation of QCs on any $d$-level quantum system through quantum state preparation algorithms. We exemplify the simplicity and versatility of our protocol considering most well known qubit QCs, some qudit QCs, and the effect of Lorentz transformations on spin states. We also deal with the application of our protocol for initial mixed states. Most of the given application examples are verified experimentally using IBM's quantum processors