A quantum characterization of NP

Abstract

In this article we introduce a new complexity class called PQMA_log(2). Informally, this is the class of languages for which membership has a logarithmic-size quantum proof with perfect completeness and soundness which is polynomially close to 1 in a context where the verifier is provided a proof with two unentangled parts. We then show that PQMA_log(2) = NP. For this to be possible, it is important, when defining the class, not to give too much power to the verifier. This result, when compared to the fact that QMA_log = BQP, gives us new insight on the power of quantum information and the impact of entanglement.