Algebraic quantum codes: linking quantum mechanics and discrete mathematics

Abstract

We discuss the connection between quantum error-correcting codes (QECCS) and algebraic coding theory. We start with an introduction to the relevant concepts of quantum mechanics, including the general error model. A quantum error-correcting code is a subspace of a complex Hilbert space, and its error-correcting properties are characterized by the Knill-Laflamme conditions. Using the stabilizer formalism, we illustrate how QECCs for can be constructed using techniques from algebraic coding theory. We also sketch how the information obtained via a quantum measurement can be interpreted as syndrome of the related classical code. Additionally, we present secondary constructions for QECCs, leading to propagation rules for the parameters of QECCs. This includes the puncture code by Rains and construction X for quantum codes.