Work

The Clifford theory of the n-qubit Clifford group

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The n-qubit Pauli group and its normalizer, the n-qubit Clifford group, have applications in quantum error correction and device characterization. Recent applications have used the representation theory of the Clifford group. We apply the tools of (the coincidentally named) Clifford theory to examine the representation theory of the Clifford group using the much simpler representation theory of the Pauli group. We find an unexpected correspondence between irreducible characters of the n-qubit Clifford group and those of the (n+1)-qubit Clifford group.

Source: Journal of Mathematical Physics

DOI: 10.1063/5.0311547

Author: Kieran Mastel

Institution: University of Waterloo

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Award: The Representation Theory of the Clifford Group