Implementing Quantum Walks Using Orbital Angular Momentum of Classical Light

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to implement quantum walks using the orbital angular momentum of classical light, enabling real-time observation and arbitrary step implementation through a ring interferometer setup.

Contribution

It introduces a novel classical optical scheme for quantum walks using nonquantum entanglement in a ring interferometer with a q plate and quarter-wave plate.

Findings

Real-time observation of quantum walk evolution.

Implementation of arbitrary number of steps.

Utilization of classical light's nonquantum entanglement.

Abstract

We present an implementation scheme for a quantum walk in the orbital angular momentum space of a laser beam. The scheme makes use of a ring interferometer, containing a quarter-wave plate and a q plate. This setup enables one to perform an arbitrary number of quantum walk steps. In addition, the classical nature of the implementation scheme makes it possible to observe the quantum walk evolution in real time. We use nonquantum entanglement of the laser beam's polarization with its orbital angular momentum to implement the quantum walk.