The effect of phase fluctuation and beam splitter fluctuation on two-photon quantum random walk*

Abstract

In the optical quantum random walk system, phase fluctuation and beam splitter fluctuation are two unavoidable decoherence factors. These two factors degrade the performance of quantum random walk by destroying coherence, and even degrade it into a classical one. We propose a scheme for the simulation of quantum random walk using phase shifters, tunable beam splitters, and photodetectors. This proposed scheme enables us to analyze the effect of phase fluctuation and beam splitter fluctuation on two-photon quantum random walk. Furthermore, it is helpful to guide the control of phase fluctuation and beam splitter fluctuation in the experiment.