Scattering theory in relation to quantum computing

John M. Myers; Tai Tsun Wu

doi:10.1117/12.721693

10 May 2007 Scattering theory in relation to quantum computing

John M. Myers, Tai Tsun Wu

Proceedings Volume 6573, Quantum Information and Computation V; 657306 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.721693
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2007, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Much of the theory of quantum computing assumes the capacity to apply a chosen sequence of unitary transformations to the state of a quantum register (sometimes called a memory). It is widely recognized that this "application of a unitary transformation" requires an external influence. Here we relate the physics of external influences to the well established framework of quantum-mechanical scattering problems, in order to show how scattering is conceptually necessary to quantum computers, even in the idealization of zero temperature and no imperfections. For a single-qubit quantum register, infinitely slow limiting cases are shown in which scattering indeed results in a unitary transformation of the register. Implications for "transformation-induced decoherence" are developed and related to questions of errors and error correction.

Citation Download Citation

John M. Myers and Tai Tsun Wu "Scattering theory in relation to quantum computing", Proc. SPIE 6573, Quantum Information and Computation V, 657306 (10 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.721693

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