Reversible logic and quantum computers

Abstract

This article is concerned with the construction of a quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian describing a computer. This Hamiltonian generates a dynamical evolution which mimics a sequence of elementary logical steps. This can be achieved if each logical step is locally reversible (global reversibility is insufficient). Computational errors due to noise can be corrected by means of redundancy. In particular, reversible error-correcting codes can be embedded in the Hamiltonian itself. An estimate is given for the minimum amount of entropy which must be dissipated at a given noise level and tolerated error rate.