Simulating noisy quantum channels via quantum state preparation algorithms

Abstract

In Xin et al (2017 Phys. Rev. A 96 062303) and Wei et al (2018 Sci. China Phys. Mech. Astron. 61 70311), the authors reported an algorithm to simulate, in a circuit-based quantum computer, a general quantum channel (QC). However, the application of their algorithm is limited because it entails the solution of intricate non-linear systems of equations in order to obtain the quantum circuit to be implemented for the simulation. Motivated by this issue, in this article we identify and discuss a simple way to implement the simulation of QCs on any d-level quantum system through quantum state preparation algorithms, that have received much attention in the quantum information science literature lately. We exemplify the versatility of our protocol applying it to most well known qubit QCs, to some qudit QCs, and to simulate the effect of Lorentz transformations on spin states. We also regard the application of our protocol for initial mixed states. Most of the given application examples are demonstrated using IBM’s quantum computers.