Quantum-classical correspondence in the oracle model of computation

Abstract

The oracle model of computation is believed to allow a rigorous proof of quantum over classical computational superiority. Since quantum and classical oracles are essentially different, a correspondence principle is commonly implicitly used as a platform for comparison of oracle complexity. Here, we question the grounds on which this correspondence is based. Obviously, results on quantum speed-up depend on the chosen correspondence. So, we introduce the notion of genuine quantum speed-up which can serve as a tool for reliable comparison of quantum vs classical complexity, independently of the chosen correspondence principle.