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arXiv:1703.00431 · Nuclear Physics B

Towards topological quantum computer

Dmitry Melnikov, Andrei Dmitrievich Mironov, С.А. Миронов, A. Morozov, An. Morozov

Published Dec 2, 2017• 36 citations

Abstract

Quantum R-matrices, the entangling deformations of non-entangling (classical) permutations, provide a distinguished basis in the space of unitary evolutions and, consequently, a natural choice for a minimal set of basic operations (universal gates) for quantum computation. Yet they play a special role in group theory, integrable systems and modern theory of non-perturbative calculations in quantum field and string theory. Despite recent developments in those fields the idea of topological quantum computing and use of R-matrices, in particular, practically reduce to reinterpretation of standard sets of quantum gates, and subsequently algorithms, in terms of available topological ones. In this paper we summarize a modern view on quantum R-matrix calculus and propose to look at the R-matrices acting in the space of irreducible representations, which are unitary for the real-valued couplings in Chern–Simons theory, as the fundamental set of universal gates for topological quantum computer. Such an approach calls for a more thorough investigation of the relation between topological invariants of knots and quantum algorithms.

DOI: 10.1016/j.nuclphysb.2017.11.016

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Quantum R-matrices, the entangling deformations of non-entangling (classical) permutations, provide a distinguished basis in the space of unitary evolutions and, consequently, a natural choice for a minimal set of basic operations (universal gates) for quantum computation. Yet they play a special role in group theory, integrable systems and modern theory of non-perturbative calculations in quantum field and string theory. Despite recent developments in those fields the idea of topological quantum computing and use of R-matrices, in particular, practically reduce to reinterpretation of standard sets of quantum gates, and subsequently algorithms, in terms of available topological ones. In this paper we summarize a modern view on quantum R-matrix calculus and propose to look at the R-matrices acting in the space of irreducible representations, which are unitary for the real-valued couplings in Chern–Simons theory, as the fundamental set of universal gates for topological quantum computer. Such an approach calls for a more thorough investigation of the relation between topological invariants of knots and quantum algorithms.

Abstract This paper is an introduction to relationships between quantum topology and quantum computing. We discuss unitary solutions to the YangBaxter equation that are universal quantum gates, quantum entanglement and topological entanglement, and we give an exposition of knot-theoretic recoupling theory, its relationship with topological quantum field theory and apply these methods to produce unitary representations of the braid groups that are dense in the unitary groups. Our methods are rooted in the bracket state sum model for the Jones polynomial. We give our results for a large class of representations based on values for the bracket polynomial that are roots of unity. We make a separate and self-contained study of the quantum universal Fibonacci model in this framework. We apply our results to give quantum algorithms for the computation of the colored Jones polynomials for knots and links, and the Witten-Reshetikhin-Turaev invariant of three manifolds.

This paper explores the role of unitary braiding operators in quantum computing. We show that a single specific solution R (the Bell basis change matrix) of the Yang–Baxter equation is a universal gate for quantum computing, in the presence of local unitary transformations. We show that this same R generates a new non-trivial invariant of braids, knots and links. Other solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation are also shown to be universal for quantum computation. The paper discusses these results in the context of comparing quantum and topological points of view. In particular, we discuss quantum computation of link invariants, the relationship between quantum entanglement and topological entanglement, and the structure of braiding in a topological quantum field theory.

Chern-Simons topological quantum computer is a device that can be effectively described by the Chern-Simons topological quantum field theory and used for quantum computations. Quantum qudit gates of this quantum computer are represented by sequences of quantum R-matrices. Its dimension and explicit form depend on the parameters of the Chern-Simons theory — level k, gauge group SU(N), and representation, which is chosen to be symmetric representation [r]. In this paper, we examine the universality of such a quantum computer. We prove that for sufficiently large k it is universal, and the minimum allowed value of k depends on the remaining parameters r and N.

This paper is an exploration of the role of unitary braiding operators in quantum computing. We show that a single specific solution, R, of the Yang-Baxter Equation is a universal gate for quantum computing, in the presence of local unitary transformations. We show that this same R generates a new non-trivial invariant of braids, knots, and links. The paper discusses these results in the context of comparing quantum and topological points of view. In particular, we discuss quantum computation of link invariants, the relationship between quantum entanglement and topological entanglement, and the structure of braiding in a topological quantum field theory.

It has been conjectured that quantum entanglement operators can be lifted to braiding operators by the way of the topological quantum field theory axioms set forth by Witten and Atiyah. Moreover, it can be readily shown that quantum link invariants need entanglement to construct topological invariants. Given these results and the already dense mathematical framework underlying topology and quantum field theory, we propose that, through the usage of quantum algebra and bracket models, we can identify a significant area of overlap where entangling R-matrix solutions to the Yang-Baxter equation can be used to construct invariants of knots and links. Such a connection illuminates the relationship between quantum and topological entanglement, and allows us to draw novel insights about properties of entangling gates, for example the question of what it is that allows some entangling R-matrices to generate topological invariants when others do not. In conclusion, by studying the boundary between topological and quantum entanglement we construct novel topological invariants that can have significant impact on the study of quantum computing and can help make progress towards the problem of representing the Artin braid group as unitary matrices.