(Abridged abstract.) In this thesis we introduce new models of quantum
computation to study the emergence of quantum speed-up in quantum computer
algorithms.
Our first contribution is a formalism of restricted quantum operations, named
normalizer circuit formalism, based on algebraic extensions of the qubit
Clifford gates (CNOT, Hadamard and π/4-phase gates): a normalizer circuit
consists of quantum Fourier transforms (QFTs), automorphism gates and quadratic
phase gates associated to a set G, which is either an abelian group or
abelian hypergroup. Though Clifford circuits are efficiently classically
simulable, we show that normalizer circuit models encompass Shor's celebrated
factoring algorithm and the quantum algorithms for abelian Hidden Subgroup
Problems. We develop classical-simulation techniques to characterize under
which scenarios normalizer circuits provide quantum speed-ups. Finally, we
devise new quantum algorithms for finding hidden hyperstructures. The results
offer new insights into the source of quantum speed-ups for several algebraic
problems.
Our second contribution is an algebraic (group- and hypergroup-theoretic)
framework for describing quantum many-body states and classically simulating
quantum circuits. Our framework extends Gottesman's Pauli Stabilizer Formalism
(PSF), wherein quantum states are written as joint eigenspaces of stabilizer
groups of commuting Pauli operators: while the PSF is valid for qubit/qudit
systems, our formalism can be applied to discrete- and continuous-variable
systems, hybrid settings, and anyonic systems. These results enlarge the known
families of quantum processes that can be efficiently classically simulated.
This thesis also establishes a precise connection between Shor's quantum
algorithm and the stabilizer formalism, revealing a common mathematical
structure in several quantum speed-ups and error-correcting codes.Comment: PhD thesis, Technical University of Munich (2016). Please cite
original papers if possible. Appendix E contains unpublished work on Gaussian
unitaries. If you spot typos/omissions please email me at JLastNames at
posteo dot net. Source: http://bit.ly/2gMdHn3. Related video talk:
https://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/videos/toy-theory-quantum-speed-ups-based-stabilizer-formalism
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