Achievability of two qubit gates using linear optical elements and post-selection

Abstract

We study the class of two qubit gates which can be achieved using only linear optical elements (beam splitters and phase shifters) and post-selection. We are able to exactly characterize this set, and find that it is impossible to implement most two qubit gates in this way. The proof also gives rise to an algorithm for calculating the optimal success probability of those gates which are achievable.