Boson sampling with non-identical single photons

TL;DR

This paper explores the feasibility and implications of performing boson sampling with non-identical single photons, addressing practical challenges and theoretical questions in quantum computing.

Contribution

It analyzes the physics and complexity of boson sampling when using non-identical photons, extending the understanding beyond idealized identical photon scenarios.

Findings

Non-identical photons affect quantum interference patterns.

Scalability of boson sampling with non-identical sources is feasible.

Complexity implications depend on photon distinguishability.

Abstract

The boson sampling problem has triggered a lot of interest in the scientific community because of its potential of demonstrating the computational power of quantum interference without the need of non-linear processes. However, the intractability of such a problem with any classical device relies on the realization of single photons approximately identical in their spectra. In this paper we discuss the physics of boson sampling with non-identical single photon sources, which is strongly relevant in view of scalable experimental realizations and triggers fascinating questions in complexity theory.