Higher moment theory and learnability of bosonic states

Abstract

We present a sample- and time-efficient algorithm to learn any bosonic Fock state acted upon by an arbitrary Gaussian unitary. As a special case, this algorithm efficiently learns states produced in Fock state BosonSampling, thus resolving an open question put forth by Aaronson and Grewal (Aaronson, Grewal 2023). We further study a hierarchy of classes of states beyond Gaussian states that are specified by a finite number of their higher moments. Using the higher moments, we find a full spectrum of invariants under Gaussian unitaries, thereby providing necessary conditions for two states to be related by an arbitrary (including active, e.g. beyond linear optics) Gaussian unitary.