Quantum Insertion-Deletion Channels

Abstract: We introduce a model of quantum insertion-deletion (insdel) channels. Insdel channels are meant to represent, for example, synchronization errors arising in data transmission. In the classical setting, they represent a strict generalization of the better-understood corruption error channels, and until recently, had mostly resisted effort toward a similar understanding as their corruption counterparts. They have received considerable attention in recent years. Very recently, Haeupler and Shahrasbi developed a framework, using what they call synchronisation strings, that allows one to turn insdel-type errors into corruption-type errors. These can then be handled by the use of standard error-correcting codes. We show that their framework can be extended to the quantum setting, providing a way to turn quantum insdel errors into quantum corruption errors, which can be handled with standard quantum error-correcting codes.