Measurement-based quantum computation

• Published in: Nature physics Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 19 - 26
• Main Authors: Briegel, H. J, Browne, D. E, Dür, W, Raussendorf, R, Van den Nest, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01-01-2009; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Atomic; Classical and Continuum Physics; Complex Systems; Condensed Matter Physics; Information technology; Mathematical and Computational Physics; Measurement techniques; Molecular; Optical and Plasma Physics; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; progress-article; Quantum theory; Theoretical
• ISSN: 1745-2473; 1745-2481
• DOI: 10.1038/nphys1157

Quantum computation offers a promising new kind of information processing, where the non-classical features of quantum mechanics are harnessed and exploited. A number of models of quantum computation exist. These models have been shown to be formally equivalent, but their underlying elementary concepts and the requirements for their practical realization can differ significantly. A particularly exciting paradigm is that of measurement-based quantum computation, where the processing of quantum information takes place by rounds of simple measurements on qubits prepared in a highly entangled state. We review recent developments in measurement-based quantum computation with a view to both fundamental and practical issues, in particular the power of quantum computation, the protection against noise (fault tolerance) and steps towards experimental realization. Finally, we highlight a number of connections between this field and other branches of physics and mathematics.
So-called one-way schemes have emerged as a powerful model to describe and implement quantum computation. This article reviews recent progress, highlights connections to other areas of physics and discusses future directions.