Quantum computing - bloch sphere coordinates

In summary, the speaker is seeking help with calculating the phi angle in quantum computing, specifically after a PauliX transformation. They are struggling to find a solution and are hoping for assistance. The solution may involve finding a complex phase in order to make the coefficient in front of |0> real.
  • #1
j_king
1
0
I have one critical problem with quantum computing.
When I have one quantum state on bloch sphere, I do some transformation on that state for example PauliX transformation.

As far as I know, we can present quantum state as
|y> = cos (theta/2) |0> + e^(i*phi) sin (theta/2) |0>

So if we have theta=PI/4 and phi=3/2PI
cos PI/8 = 0.924; sin PI/8=0.383 and e^(i*(3/2PI))= -i
When I want to visualize it on Bloch sphere, the coordinates I get from:
x = sin(theta)*cos(phi)
y = sin(theta)*sin(phi)
z = cos(theta)

For these parameters quantum state looks like that: |y> = 0.924 |0> +
(-0.383i) |1>
I can write it as a matrix
[ 0.924 ]
[ -0.383i ]

But problem for me appears when I do an PauliX transformation
[ 0 1 ]
[ 1 0 ]
and I want to get phi and theta angles from new state.
After PauliX new state is:
[ -0.383i ]
[ 0.924 ]

I thought that when matrix is again:
[ cos(theta/2) ]
[ e^(i*phi)*sin(theta/2) ]

then I can take theta from arccos of upper -0.383i (which is 0.75PI)
so theta is calculated for me (0.75PI)
Then I thought I can divide lower part of matrix by sin(theta/2) to get
only e^(i*phi),
but when I divide 0.924 by sin(0.75/2 * PI)=0.924 I get "1".
As we know
e^(i*phi)=cos(phi)*isin(phi).
but arccos(1) = 0
Phi cannot be 0, because when I enter these data (theta=45 and phi=270)
in some applet on
http://www.pha.jhu.edu/~javalab/qubit/qubit.html
result after PauliX = theta'=135 (which is in fact
0.75PI) and phi'=90 (PI/2).

I really don't know how to calculate phi angle. I'm confused. No one can
help me. I know that it can be really simple solution to my problem.

Could You please help me and answer me how can I get these angles?
 
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  • #2
j_king said:
I thought that when matrix is again:
[ cos(theta/2) ]
[ e^(i*phi)*sin(theta/2) ]
In that case, you are imposing that the coefficient in front of ##| 0 \rangle## is real. Since the result you got is imaginary, you need to take out a complex phase from such that the coefficient will be real, i.e.,
$$
c_0 |0 \rangle + c_1 |1 \rangle = e^{i \alpha} \left( \tilde{c}_0 |0 \rangle + \tilde{c}_1 |1 \rangle \right)
$$
where ##\alpha## is chosen such that ##\tilde{c}_0## is real. The angle ##\phi## can then be found from ##\tilde{c}_1##, not ##c_1##.
 

Related to Quantum computing - bloch sphere coordinates

1. What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing is a type of computing technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. It has the potential to solve complex problems that are currently impossible for classical computers to solve efficiently.

2. What is the Bloch sphere in quantum computing?

The Bloch sphere is a geometric representation of the quantum state of a two-level quantum system. It is a three-dimensional sphere that shows all the possible states of a qubit, which is the basic unit of quantum information.

3. What are Bloch sphere coordinates?

Bloch sphere coordinates are used to represent the quantum state of a qubit on the Bloch sphere. The coordinates are represented by the angles theta (θ) and phi (φ), which correspond to the qubit's position on the sphere. Theta represents the angle from the z-axis, and phi represents the angle from the x-axis.

4. How are Bloch sphere coordinates used in quantum computing?

Bloch sphere coordinates are used to visualize and manipulate the quantum state of qubits in quantum computing. They can be used to perform operations such as rotations and measurements on the qubit's state, which are essential for performing quantum calculations.

5. What is the significance of Bloch sphere coordinates in quantum computing?

Bloch sphere coordinates are important in quantum computing because they provide a visual representation of the state of a qubit, which is essential for understanding how quantum algorithms work. They also allow for the manipulation of qubit states, which is necessary for performing calculations and creating quantum applications.

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