A physics-free introduction to quantum error correcting codes
Abstract
Research in the field of quantum algorithms and quantum error correction is progressing at an astounding rate. There are many good papers on both subjects, but reading even a few of these may seem a daunting task to the newcomer. The aim of this paper is to give a leisurely introduction to the basic theory of quantum error correcting codes without appealing to even the most basic notions in physics. Thus the article is not a substitute for important papers such as [12] or [7] but rather an advertisement for them. I would be pleased if, in addition, some readers view this as a useful companion article if and when they go on to read more substantial literature on the subject of quantum error correction. I present nothing new here. Rather, I give an elementary account of the important theorems and proofs which appear in these fundamental works using only undergraduate algebra and a bit of classical coding theory. In particular, I give a full proof of the Knill/Laflamme theorem as well as an elementary treatment of stabilizer codes. The goal is to make the literature dealing with this exciting new area more accessible to discrete mathematicians.
