Encoding qubits in a rotor

Abstract

We present a scheme for encoding many qubits in a single rotor, that is, a continuous and periodic degree of freedom. A key feature of this scheme is its ability to manipulate and entangle the encoded qubits with a single operation on the system. We also show, using quantum error-correcting codes, how to protect the qubits against small errors in angular position and momentum which may affect the rotor. Finally, we propose a possible realization of qubits encoded in orbital angular momentum of a single photon. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.