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Algorithms · Block encoding · LCU

Linear combination of unitaries

A block-encoding primitive that turns a weighted sum of unitary operations into one larger unitary circuit.

Strong empiricalUpdated

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ancillatargetStep 1 of 3 · PREPARE · on ancillaPREPAREStep 2 of 3 · SELECT(I,X) · on ancilla, targetSELECT(I,X)Step 3 of 3 · PREPARE† · on ancillaPREPARE†

3 steps across 2 wires. Hover a step, or press play to go through them in order.

Expected outcomes

  • Success ancilla = 075%
  • Other branch25%
  • Steps3
  • Wires2
  • Terms2 in the toy circuit
  • Coefficientsα₀ = 0.75, α₁ = 0.25
  • SuccessAncilla postselection on |0⟩
  • Papers1

Quantum vs classical

Classical baseline

Classically, a weighted operator sum is formed directly; the cost is matrix dimension and sparsity rather than ancilla success probability.

Quantum claim

LCU exposes a normalized operator block using controlled unitary queries, but coefficient normalization and amplitude amplification can dominate the practical circuit cost.

How to compare

Report λ, postselection probability, SELECT cost, and amplification overhead beside any claimed simulation advantage.

References

Strong empirical
  • Verified by construction
  • Small-instance agreement
  • Sub-block verification
  • Peer-reviewed paper
Method
The two-term example prepares an ancilla with amplitudes proportional to square-root coefficients, conditionally applies the selected unitary, and unprepares the ancilla. The zero ancilla branch is checked as the intended linear combination.
Result
Pass · the toy circuit encodes 0.75 I + 0.25 X up to the usual normalization and postselection branch.
Caveat
LCU success probability depends on coefficient normalization and amplification overhead; the snippet is not a complete Hamiltonian-simulation implementation.
Hamiltonian Simulation Using Linear Combinations of Unitary Operations ↗
Kind
curated reference
Reviewed by
Leona Quantum curation pass
License
CC BY 4.0-compatible reference metadata
lcublock encodinghamiltonian simulationamplitude amplification
  • Hamiltonian simulation and quantum walks
  • Block-encoded linear-algebra primitives
  • Subroutines for fault-tolerant amplitude amplification

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