Scalable semi-classical implementation of Shor factoring using time-multiplexed degenerate optical parametric oscillators

Abstract

A scheme to encode arbitrarily long integer pairs on degenerate optical parametric oscilla-tions multiplexed in time is proposed. The classical entanglement between the polarization directions and the phases of the oscillating pulses, regarded as two computational registers, furnishes the integer correlations within each pair. We show the major algorithmic steps, modular exponentiation and discrete Fourier transform, of Shor’s quantum factoring algorithm can be executed in the registers as pulse interferences under the assistance of external logics. The factoring algorithm is thus rendered equivalent to a semi-classical optical-path implementation that is scalable and decoherence-free. The sought-after multiplicative order, from which the prime factors are deduced, is identified from a two-dimensional fringe image generated by four-hole interference measured at the end of the path.