Modeling quantum light interference on a quantum computer

Abstract

Modeling of photonic devices traditionally involves solving the equations of light–matter interaction and light propagation. Here, we demonstrate an alternative modeling methodology by reproducing the optical device functionality using a quantum computer. As an illustration, we simulate the quantum interference of light on a thin absorbing film. Such interference can lead to either perfect absorption or total transmission of light through the film, the phenomena attracting attention for data processing applications in classical and quantum information networks. We map the behavior of the photon in the interference experiment to the evolution of a quantum state of transmon, a superconducting charge qubit of the IBM quantum computer. Details of the real optical experiment are flawlessly reproduced on the quantum computer. We argue that the superiority of this methodology shall be apparent in modeling complex multi-photon optical phenomena and devices.

Anti-Hong–Ou–Mandel interference by coherent perfect absorption of entangled photons

“…The anti-HOM is a fundamental effect relevant to interference of any two particles in the presence of coherent absorption and may be to substitute the HOM interference in practical applications. Moreover, the ability to switch between the fermionic behavior of bosons and the bosonic behavior of fermions may enrich quantum information and metrology protocols based on entangled photons, and can be of interest for quantum simulations [63].…”