MilestoneHardwareConfirmed
Researchers demonstrate a probabilistic CNOT gate for photons
Mar 14, 2003
Todd Pittman and colleagues demonstrate a controlled-NOT gate using linear optics and an extra photon. Successful runs are selected by detecting the output photons, so this proof of principle is not a deterministic gate.
Why it matters
Photons barely interact, so logic between them is hard; this showed ordinary optics plus detectors can do it, though only some attempts succeed.
Todd B. Pittman · Michael J. Fitch · Bryan C. Jacobs · James D. Franson · Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Related
Added Oct 24, 2026 · Updated Oct 24, 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will review it.