Quantum random walks on a beam splitter array

Abstract

The general matrix representation of a beam splitter array is presented. Each beam splitter has a transmission/reflection coefficient that determines the behavior of these individual devices and, in consequence, the whole system response. The general matrix representation of each beam splitter is given as rotations of a $2n-{th}$ dimensional space. With these operators, the matrix that describes the entire array and, consequently, the final probability distribution of an input photon state can be calculated.