Published December 1, 2025 | Version Author Accepted Manuscript (AAM)

Quantum Paths: A Quantum Walk Approach

Description

The quantum switch, a process enabling a coherent superposition of different orders of quantum channels, has
garnered significant attention due to its ability to enable noiseless communications through noisy channels, such as entanglement-breaking channels. However, its practical implementation and scalability remain challenging. In contrast, the spatial superposition of quantum channels is more accessible experimentally and has been shown to enhance channel capacity, although it does not match the performance of the quantum switch. In this work, we present preliminary theoretical results demonstrating that, by applying tools of the quantum random walk framework to the spatial superposition of channels, it is possible to replicate the output of a quantum switch. These findings suggest a promising and more feasible route to emulate the quantum switch, offering both practical advantages and interpretative clarity.

Notes

This record contains the Author Accepted Manuscript (AAM). The published version is available in Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering 2025 at 10.1109/QCE65121.2025.00139.

This work has been funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe ERC-CoG grant QNattyNet (“Quantum-Native Communication Networks: from Quantum Message to Quantum Functioning”), Grant Agreement No.101169850.

Additional QNattyNet project information is available at https://qnattynet.quantuminternet.it and https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101169850

Files

2025_QCE_Quantum_Paths__a_Quantum_Walk_approach__ArXiv_Submission_def.pdf

Files (757.9 kB)

Additional details

Related works

Is variant form of
Preprint: arXiv:2508.18077v2 (arXiv)
Is version of
Conference paper: 10.1109/QCE65121.2025.00139 (DOI)

Funding

European Commission
QNattyNet - Quantum-Native Communication Networks: from Quantum Message to Quantum Functioning 101169850