The basic one-bit gates ( X , Y , Z , Hadamard, phase, π/8) as well as the controlled CNOT and Toffoli gates are reformulated in the language of geometric-algebra quantum-like computation. Thus, all the quantum algorithms can be reformulated in purely geometric terms without any need of tensor products.
We present a computational framework based on geometric structures. No quantum mechanics is involved, and yet the algorithms perform tasks analogous to quantum computation. Tensor products and entangled states are not needed -- they are replaced by sets of basic shapes. To test the formalism we solve in geometric terms the Deutsch-Jozsa problem, historically the first example that demonstrated the potential power of quantum computation. Each step of the algorithm has a clear geometric interpetation and allows for a cartoon representation.
We present a computational framework based on geometric structures. No quantum mechanics is involved, and yet the algorithms perform tasks analogous to quantum computation. Tensor products and entangled states are not needed -- they are replaced by sets of basic shapes. To test the formalism we solve in geometric terms the Deutsch-Jozsa problem, historically the first example that demonstrated the potential power of quantum computation. Each step of the algorithm has a clear geometric interpetation and allows for a cartoon representation.
This chapter represents our first step into quantum information theory (QIT). The key to operating such a transition is to become familiar with the concept of the quantum bit, or qubit , which is a probabilistic superposition of the classical 0 and 1 bits. In the quantum world, the classical 0 and 1 bits become the pure states |0〉 and |1〉, respectively. It is as if a coin can be classically in either heads or tails states, but is now allowed to exist in a superposition of both! Then I show that qubits can be physically transformed by the action of unitary matrices , which are also called operators . I show that such qubit transformations, resulting from any qubit manipulation, can be described by rotations on a 2D surface, which is referred to as the Bloch sphere . The Pauli matrices are shown to generate all such unitary transformations. These transformations are reversible , because they are characterized by unitary matrices ; this property always makes it possible to trace the input information carried by qubits. I will then describe different types of elementary quantum computations performed by elementary quantum gates, forming a veritable “zoo” of unitary operators, called I , X , Y , Z , H , CNOT, CCNOT, CROSSOVER or SWAP, controlled- U , and controlled-controlled- U . These gates can be used to form quantum circuits , involving any number of qubits, and of which several examples and tools for analysis are provided. Finally, the concept of tensor product , as progressively introduced through the above description, is eventually formalized.
A quantum gate is the quantum analog of the classical logic gate of digital computers. It is a basic structural unit of a quantum circuit which operates on a small number of qubits to deliver a predefined output. A quantum circuit is a graphical representation of the sequence of the quantum gates used and the measurements performed in a quantum computation. Various quantum logic gates, namely, the Hadamard, T phase, NOT, Pauli-X, controlled NOT (CNOT), controlled-Z, SWAP and controlled phase gates as well as higher-level Toffoli and Fredkin gates are described. Conventions of reading quantum circuit diagrams are explained. Operation of a quantum full adder consisting of registers and gates is discussed, elaborating the role of the NOT gate, the sum calculation with CNOTgates and the carry C-out calculation with Toffoli gates. A primary tool used for performing arithmetic operations on a quantum computer is the quantum Fourier transform (QFT). The QFT adder and multiplier circuits are presented.