Proof-of-principle demonstration of compiled Shor's algorithm using a quantum dot single-photon source.

Area of Science:

• Quantum computing
• Photonic quantum information processing
• Quantum algorithms

Background:

• Shor's algorithm is a key quantum algorithm for factoring large numbers.
• Implementing quantum algorithms requires reliable sources of quantum bits (qubits).
• Photonic systems offer a promising platform for scalable quantum computation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate Shor's algorithm using photons from a semiconductor quantum dot source.
• To achieve a practical implementation of Shor's algorithm with reduced resource requirements.
• To explore the potential of cluster states in photonic quantum computing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an on-demand semiconductor quantum dot single-photon source.
• Employed a four-photon cluster state to implement Shor's algorithm.
• Confirmed genuine multiparticle entanglement to verify quantum properties.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated a proof-of-principle of Shor's algorithm for factoring 15.
• Achieved the algorithm with significantly reduced resource requirements.
• Confirmed the quantum nature of the implemented circuit through entanglement verification.

Conclusions:

• This work represents the first demonstration of Shor's algorithm with photons from a quantum dot source.
• The use of deterministic photonic qubits and cluster states offers a new approach to quantum computation.
• Opens new avenues for cluster state applications beyond one-way quantum computing.