Abstract

Universal multiport interferometers to implement any linear transformation are emerging as a powerful tool for quantum optics. These experimental devices are usually made from an array of beam splitters and phase shifters. Reck et al [3], provided the first algorithmic proof for experimentally realizing any arbitrary discrete unitary operator. Thus, it was made possible to measure any observable corresponding to any discrete Hermitian operator. Our work extends this idea and tries to find the best optimal experimental design for a given unitary operator. We have developed a numerical algorithm which gives an experimental design with the least number of beam splitters for a given unitary operator.

© 2016 Optical Society of America