Work

A Quantum Chirp Transform-Based Multi-Qubit Encoding Framework for Quantum-Inspired Image Transmission Over Error-Prone Channels

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Reliable transmission of compressed images over error-prone channels remains challenging because compressed bitstreams are highly sensitive to channel impairments. Although existing quantum-inspired encoding schemes exploit superposition to improve transmission reliability, they remain vulnerable to channel noise, limiting reconstructed image quality. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a chirp transform-based multi-qubit encoding framework for robust compressed image transmission. Unlike conventional transform-based approaches, including the Hadamard transform and Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT), the proposed framework introduces nonlinear (quadratic) phase modulation into the multi-qubit representation, producing a high-dimensional superposition that enhances noise resilience through improved phase separability. This nonlinear phase variation improves error resilience through phase-induced decorrelation, reducing noise-induced distortions. The system integrates Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) and High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) source encoding, followed by channel coding, multi-qubit encoding, and chirp transformation before transmission through a simulated quantum channel. At the receiver, inverse chirp transformation, measurement-based decoding, channel decoding, and source decoding reconstruct the transmitted image. Performance is evaluated using Bit Error Rate (BER), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM), and Universal Quality Index (UQI). Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework achieves up to a 3 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain over QFT-based and Hadamard-based systems in the single-qubit configuration. For the eight-qubit configuration, gains of up to 2 dB over QFT-based systems and 7 dB over Hadamard-based systems are achieved. These results demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of the proposed framework for robust compressed image transmission over noisy quantum communication channels.

Source: IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society

DOI: 10.1109/ojcoms.2026.3728862

Authors: Udara Jayasinghe, Pedro Cuenca, Anil Fernando

Institutions: University of Strathclyde, University of Castilla-La Mancha

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,075

Funder: Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha