Continuous Variable Quantum Algorithms: an Introduction

TL;DR

This paper introduces continuous variable quantum computing, explaining its theoretical foundations and tools, aimed at readers familiar with discrete quantum computing but new to this field.

Contribution

It provides a pedagogical overview of continuous variable quantum algorithms, highlighting its theoretical basis and development tools for newcomers.

Findings

Continuous variable quantum computing is a rapidly developing field.

The paper offers foundational concepts and algorithm development tools.

It bridges the gap between discrete and continuous quantum computing.

Abstract

Quantum computing is usually associated with discrete quantum states and physical quantities possessing discrete eigenvalue spectrum. However, quantum computing in general is any computation accomplished by the exploitation of quantum properties of physical quantities, discrete or otherwise. It has been shown that physical quantities with continuous eigenvalue spectrum can be used for quantum computing as well. Currently, continuous variable quantum computing is a rapidly developing field both theoretically and experimentally. In this pedagogical introduction we present the basic theoretical concepts behind it and the tools for algorithm development. The paper targets readers with discrete quantum computing background, who are new to continuous variable quantum computing.