Imperfect detectors in linear optical quantum computers

Abstract

We discuss the effects of imperfect photon detectors suffering from loss and noise on the reliability of linear optical quantum computers. We show that for a given detector efficiency there is a maximum achievable success probability, and that increasing the number of ancillary photons and detectors used for one controlled sign flip gate beyond a critical point will decrease the probability that the computer will function correctly. We have also performed simulations of some small logic gates and estimate the efficiency and noise levels required for the linear optical quantum computer to function properly. We find that the construction of a $99%$ reliable controlled sign flip gate would require photon detectors with an efficiency greater than 0.999987.