Programmable interferometer: an application in quantum channels

TL;DR

This paper introduces a programmable photonic interferometer capable of simulating various quantum channels, advancing quantum simulation techniques and aiding the development of quantum computing applications.

Contribution

It presents a novel programmable interferometric circuit that can simulate a range of quantum channels, including complex ones like squeezed generalized amplitude damping.

Findings

Successfully simulates phase-damping, amplitude-damping, and bit-flip channels.

Extends to complex channels such as squeezed generalized amplitude damping.

Provides a versatile platform for quantum channel simulation.

Abstract

Quantum optics plays a crucial role in developing quantum computers on different platforms. In photonics, precise control over light's degrees of freedom, including discrete variables (polarization, photon number, orbital angular momentum) and continuous variables (phase, amplitude quadratures, frequency), is fundamental. Our model manipulates photonic systems to encode and process quantum information via the photon's spatial degree of freedom, employing polarization as an auxiliary qubit. We propose a programmable photonic circuit that simulates quantum channels, including phase-damping, amplitude-damping, and bit-flip channels, through adjustable interferometric parameters. Furthermore, the interferometer extends to complex channels, such as the squeezed generalized amplitude damping. This work contributes to advancing quantum simulation techniques and serves as a foundation for exploring quantum computing applications, while highlighting pathways for their practical implementation.