Quantum Computation and Quantum Information

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the representation of qubits in quantum computation and the relationship between qubits and points on the Bloch sphere. The original poster seeks proof of a specific expression for qubits and their correspondence to the Bloch sphere using spherical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the representation of qubits as normalized state vectors and discuss the implications of expressing complex coefficients in terms of real parameters. Questions arise regarding the dimensionality and interpretation of parameters involved in the representation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the mathematical formulation of qubits and their normalization. However, there are ongoing questions about the definitions and relationships between the parameters, indicating a lack of consensus on certain aspects.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion about the proof and the underlying concepts, while participants question the dimensional consistency of the parameters used in the representation of qubits.

G.F.Again
Hey all, I'm a beginner of the Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. For a long time, I feel very confuse about the question bellow. Could you do me a favor and show me the proof? Many thanks!
Question:
Show that any qubit can be expressed as
psi=exp(iγ)[cos(θ/2)0+exp(iΦ)sin(θ/2)1]
for real numbers γ,θ and Φ. The phase factor exp(iγ) has no observational effect and can be dropped.
And then show that there is a one to one correspondence between qubits
psi=cos(θ/2)0+exp(iΦ)sin(θ/2)1
and the points on the unit sphere in R(3) called the Bloch sphere, with and as the spherical coordinates of a point of the sphere.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Start by expressing any normalized state vector as [tex]|\psi \rangle = a |0\rangle + b|1\rangle[/tex], where normalization entails [tex]a^2 + b^2 =1[/tex]. [tex]a,b[/tex] are complex numbers, which can always be expressed as [tex]a = r_a e^{i\gamma_a}[/tex], [tex]b = r_b e^{i\gamma_b}[/tex]. This means that [tex]a^2 + b^2 =r_a^2+r_b^2=1[/tex], and since [tex]r_a, r_b[/tex] are positive we can express them as [tex]r_a = \cos(\theta /2), r_b= \sin(\theta/2)[/tex] where [tex]0 \leq \theta \leq \pi[/tex]. Consequently, we can write [tex]|\psi \rangle = \cos(\theta /2) e^{i\gamma_a} |0\rangle + \sin(\theta/2) e^{i\gamma_b} |1\rangle = e^{i\gamma}(\cos(\theta /2)|0\rangle + \sin(\theta/2) e^{i\Phi} |1\rangle )[/tex], where [tex]\gamma = \gamma_a, \Phi = \gamma_b-\gamma_a[/tex].
 
Thank you, Davidk!
 
how is it that you can say r_a = cos (theta/2) when r_a is a radius with a real length and cos(theta) is a dimensionless quantity?
 

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