Multiport universal unitary interferometer design

Abstract

Linear optics is a promising physical architecture for the implementation of the quantum computing devices. The key element of the linear optical quantum computer is an optical circuit realizing the sequence of transformations defined by the required quantum algorithm. The most prominent approach is the reconfigurable integrated photonics which allows to miniaturize standard optical setups on the chosen integrated photonic platform. In this paper, we propose a universal linear-optical circuit design comprised of the series of multiport beamsplitters followed by the phaseshifting elements. The proposed unitary composer device can be straightforwardly implemented using standard integrated photonic technologies. We provide guidelines for appropriate multiport beamsplitter fabrication using integrated waveguide lattices. To exemplify the performance of the composer we provide the six-mode CNOT linear optical gate circuit design fitted to described interferometric circuit.