Implement Quantum Random Walks with Linear Optics Elements

TL;DR

This paper proposes a practical method to implement quantum random walks using linear optics, demonstrating potential for large-scale experiments and exploring the transition to classical behavior through decoherence.

Contribution

It introduces a feasible scheme for quantum random walks with linear optics, enabling large-scale experimental implementation and analysis of decoherence effects.

Findings

Feasible scheme for quantum random walks with linear optics.

Potential to extend to large numbers of steps.

Quantum states tend to become classical under decoherence.

Abstract

The quantum random walk has drawn special interests because its remarkable features to the classical counterpart could lead to new quantum algorithms. In this paper, we propose a feasible scheme to implement quantum random walks on a line using only linear optics elements. With current single-photon interference technology, the steps that could be experimentally implemented can be extended to very large numbers. We also show that, by decohering the quantum states, our scheme for quantum random walk tends to be classical.