Efficient Quantum Circuit Decompositions via Intermediate Qudits

Abstract: Many quantum algorithms make use of ancilla, additional qubits used to store temporary information during computation, to reduce the total execution time. Quantum computers will be resource-constrained for years to come so reducing ancilla requirements is crucial. In this work, we give a method to generate ancilla out of idle qubits by placing some in higher-value states, called qudits. We show how to take a circuit with many $O(n)$ ancilla and design an ancilla-free circuit with the same asymptotic depth. Using this, we give a circuit construction for an in-place adder and a constant adder both with $O(\log n)$ depth using temporary qudits and no ancilla.