Measurement-Based Quantum Computation (MBQC) is a model of quantum computation, which uses local measurements instead of unitary gates. Here we explain that the MBQC procedure has a fundamental basis in an underlying gauge theory. This perspective provides a theoretical foundation for global aspects of MBQC. The gauge transformations reflect the freedom of formulating the same MBQC computation in different local reference frames. The main identifications between MBQC and gauge theory concepts are: (i) the computational output of MBQC is a holonomy of the gauge field, (ii) the adaptation of measurement basis that remedies the inherent randomness of quantum measurements is effected by gauge transformations. The gauge theory of MBQC also plays a role in characterizing the entanglement structure of symmetry-protected topologically (SPT) ordered states, which are resources for MBQC. Our framework situates MBQC in a broader context of condensed matter and high energy theory.
Measurement-Based Quantum Computation (MBQC) is a model of quantum computation, which uses local measurements instead of unitary gates. Here we explain that the MBQC procedure has a fundamental basis in an underlying gauge theory. This perspective provides a theoretical foundation for global aspects of MBQC. The gauge transformations reflect the freedom of formulating the same MBQC computation in different local reference frames. The main identifications between MBQC and gauge theory concepts are: (i) the computational output of MBQC is a holonomy of the gauge field, (ii) the adaptation of measurement basis that remedies the inherent randomness of quantum measurements is effected by gauge transformations. The gauge theory of MBQC also plays a role in characterizing the entanglement structure of symmetry-protected topologically (SPT) ordered states, which are resources for MBQC. Our framework situates MBQC in a broader context of condensed matter and high energy theory.
A bstract Quantum teleportation can be used to define a notion of parallel transport which characterizes the entanglement structure of a quantum state [1]. This suggests one can formulate a gauge theory of entanglement. In [2], it was explained that measurement based quantum computation in one dimension can be understood in term of such a gauge theory (MBQC). In this work, we give an alternative formulation of this “entanglement gauge theory” as an extended topological field theory. This formulation gives a alternative perspective on the relation between the circuit model and MBQC. In addition, it provides an interpretation of MBQC in terms of the extended Hilbert space construction in gauge theories, in which the entanglement edge modes play the role of the logical qubit.
The digital quantum simulation of lattice gauge theories is expected to become a major application of quantum computers. Measurement-based quantum computation is a widely studied competitor of the standard circuit-based approach. We formulate a measurement-based scheme to perform the quantum simulation of Abelian lattice gauge theories in general dimensions. The scheme uses an entangled resource state that is tailored for the purpose of gauge theory simulation and reflects the spacetime structure of the simulated theory. Sequential single-qubit measurements with the bases adapted according to the former measurement outcomes induce a deterministic Hamiltonian quantum simulation of the gauge theory on the boundary. We treat as our main example the Z2 lattice gauge theory in 2+1 dimensions, simulated on a 3-dimensional cluster state. Then we generalize the simulation scheme to Wegner's lattice models that involve higher-form Abelian gauge fields. The resource state has a symmetry-protected topological order with respect to generalized global symmetries that are related to the symmetries of the simulated gauge theories. We also propose a method to simulate the imaginary-time evolution with two-qubit measurements and post-selections.
Compared with the quantum gate circuit model, the measurement-based quantum computing model provides an alternative way to realize universal quantum computation, and relevant contents have been greatly enriched after nearly two decades of research and exploration. In this article, we review the research history and status of the measurement-based quantum computing model. First, we briefly introduce the basic theories of this model, including the concept and working principles of quantum graph states as resource states, the model’s computational universality and classical simulation methods, and relevant applications in the field of quantum information processing such as designing quantum algorithms and fault-tolerant error correction schemes. Then, from the perspective of quantum physical properties, which include the specific roles of quantum entanglement, contextuality, quantum correlations, symmetry-protected topological order, and quantum phases of matter as computing resources, the close relationship between measurement-based quantum computing model and quantum many-body system is presented. For example, a type of measurement-based computing model for exploiting quantum correlations can show a quantum advantage over the classical local hidden variable models, or certain symmetry-protected topological order states enable the universal quantum computation to be conducted by using only the measurements of single-qubit Pauli operators. Next, a variety of different technical routes and experimental progress of realizing the measurement-based quantum computing model are summarized, such as photonic systems, ion traps, superconducting circuits, etc. These achievements in various physical areas lay the foundation for future scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computers. Finally, we discuss and prospect the future research directions in this field thereby inspiring readers to further study and explore the relevant subjects.
We present the first examples of topological phases of matter with uniform power for measurement-based quantum computation (MBQC). This is possible due to a new framework for analyzing the computational properties of phases of matter that is more general than previous constructions, which have been limited to short-range entangled phases in one dimension. We show that ground states of the toric code in an anisotropic magnetic field yield a natural, albeit noncomputationally universal, application of our framework. We then present a new model with topological order the ground states of which are universal resources for MBQC. Both topological models are enriched by subsystem symmetries and these symmetries protect their computational power. Our framework greatly expands the range of physical models that can be analyzed from the computational perspective.
Measurement-based quantum computation (MBQC) performs quantum algorithms by local, adaptive measurements on an initially entangled many-body "resource" state. This thesis investigates MBQC through two tightly coupled lenses: (i) which physical states and phases of matter constitute universal resources, and (ii) how the temporal order induced by measurement adaptivity constrains and, in turn, is constrained by those resources. Resources from valence-bond constructions. We develop hybrid AKLT-type (valence-bond) resources on two-dimensional lattices and show how a generalized POVM reduces higher-spin degrees of freedom to effective qubits while preserving computational viability. We analyze worst-case and frustrated geometries (e.g., kagome and decorated lattices), identify planarity-restoring local operations, and use percolation-style diagnostics on the induced graph states to certify universality beyond idealized cluster-state settings. A two-parameter phase with noisy POVMs. Extending ground states across a phase connected to the AKLT point, we introduce a measurement-noise–aware framework with probabilistic restoration and closed-form weight formulae derived via a graphical (g-)calculus. Large-scale numerics that account for correlations map a two-parameter phase diagram and delineate regimes of universal vs. non-universal post-measurement graphs. These results exhibit a robust universal region that persists away from ideal measurements and clarify how noise and Hamiltonian deformation jointly control computational power. Temporal order and determinism. We develop a stabilizer-and-influence-matrix formalism that places temporal dependencies on the same footing as resource structure. Four theorems establish a two-way determination between (a) the classical processing relations (including the influence matrix that generates the partial order of measurements) and (b) the resource stabilizer in a normal form, up to local equivalence. This links gauge freedoms, byproduct handling, and flow/gflow–style constraints into a unified picture of when adaptive measurement schedules yield deterministic computation. Together, these contributions clarify when physically motivated ground states serve as universal MBQC resources under realistic measurement noise, and how temporal constraints fundamentally shape the space of admissible computations in MBQC.
Quantum computation is a novel way of information processing that allows, for certain classes of problems, exponential speedups over classical computation. Various models of quantum computation exist, such as the adiabatic, circuit, and measurement-based models. They have been proven equivalent in their computational power, but operate very differently. As such, they may be suitable for realization in different physical systems, and also offer different perspectives on open questions such as the precise origin of the quantum speedup. Here, we give an introduction to the one-way quantum computer, a scheme of measurement-based quantum computation (MBQC). In this model, the computation is driven by local measurements on a carefully chosen, highly entangled state. We discuss various aspects of this computational scheme, such as the role of entanglement and quantum correlations. We also give examples for ground states of simple Hamiltonians that enable universal quantum computation by local measurements.