Topological Quantum Computing and the Jones Polynomial

Abstract

In this paper, we give a description of a recent quantum algorithm created by Aharonov, Jones, and Landau for approximating the values of the Jones polynomial at roots of unity of the form exp(2$\pi$i/k). This description is given with two objectives in mind. The first is to describe the algorithm in such a way as to make explicit the underlying and inherent control structure. The second is to make this algorithm accessible to a larger audience.