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Analysis of Quantum Error-Correcting Codes: Symplectic Lattice Codes and Toric Codes

Citation

Harrington, James William (2004) Analysis of Quantum Error-Correcting Codes: Symplectic Lattice Codes and Toric Codes. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/AHMQ-EG82. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05122004-113132

Abstract

Quantum information theory is concerned with identifying how quantum mechanical resources, such as entangled quantum states, can be utilized for a number of information processing tasks, including data storage, computation, communication, and cryptography. Efficient quantum algorithms and protocols have been developed for performing some tasks (e.g., factoring large numbers, securely communicating over a public channel, and simulating quantum mechanical systems) that appear to be very difficult with just classical resources. In addition to identifying the separation between classical and quantum computational power, much of the theoretical focus in this field over the last decade has been concerned with finding novel ways of encoding quantum information that are robust against errors, which is an important step toward building practical quantum information processing devices. In this thesis I present some results on the quantum error-correcting properties of oscillator codes (also described as symplectic lattice codes) and toric codes. Any harmonic oscillator system, such as a mode of light, can be encoded with quantum information via symplectic lattice codes that are robust against shifts in the system's continuous quantum variables. I show the existence of lattice codes whose achievable rates match the one-shot coherent information over the Gaussian quantum channel. Also, I construct a family of symplectic self-dual lattices and search for optimal encodings of quantum information distributed between several oscillators. Toric codes provide encodings of quantum information into two-dimensional spin lattices that are robust against local clusters of errors and which require only local quantum operations for error correction. Numerical simulations of this system under realistic error models provide a calculation of the accuracy threshold for quantum memory using toric codes, which can be related to phase transitions in particular condensed matter models. I also present a local classical processing scheme for correcting errors on toric codes, which demonstrates that quantum information can be maintained in two dimensions by purely local quantum and classical resources.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:computing; error correction; fault tolerance; fault-tolerant
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Preskill, John P.
Thesis Committee:
  • Preskill, John P. (chair)
  • Politzer, Hugh David
  • Mabuchi, Hideo
  • McEliece, Robert J.
Defense Date:17 May 2004
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-05122004-113132
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05122004-113132
DOI:10.7907/AHMQ-EG82
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:1747
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:20 May 2004
Last Modified:20 Jan 2021 22:59

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