Generation of entangled ancilla states for use in linear optics quantum computing

Quantum logic operations can be performed using linear optical elements, additional photons (ancilla photons), and postselection based on measurements made on the ancilla. Here we describe a method for generating the required entangled state of n ancilla photons using elementary logic gates and postselection. This approach is capable of generating the ancilla states required for either the original proposal by Knill, Laflamme, and Milburn [E. Knill, R. Laflamme, and G. J. Milburn, Nature 409, 46 (2001)] or those required for the more general high-fidelity approach [J. D. Franson, M. M. Donegan, M. J. Fitch, B. C. Jacobs, and T. B. Pittman, Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 137901 (2002)]. We also show that the entangled ancilla photons could be generated using a series of quantum wells coupled with tunnel junctions