Implementation of quantum permutation algorithm with classical light

Abstract

We report the experimental implementation of quantum permutation algorithm using polarization and orbital angular momentum of the classical optical beam. The easy-handling optical setup to realize all eight cyclic permutation transformations for an input four-dimensional system has been constructed. The two-to-one speed-up ratio to determine the parity of each permutation has been demonstrated. Moreover, we have theoretically discussed the extension to the case with eight elements, and the limitations on the generalization of our proposal to higher-dimensional cases. Our scheme exhibits outstanding stability and demonstrates that optical quantum computation is possible using classical states of light.