In the holonomic approach to quantum computation, information is encoded in a degenerate eigenspace of a parametric family of Hamiltonians and manipulated by the associated holonomic gates. These are realized in terms of the non-Abelian Berry connection and are obtained by driving the control parameters along adiabatic loops. We show how it is possible for a specific model to explicitly determine the loops generating any desired logical gate, thus producing a universal set of unitary transformations. In a multipartite system unitary transformations can be implemented efficiently by sequences of local holonomic gates. Moreover, a conceptual scheme for obtaining the required Hamiltonian family, based on frequently repeated pulses, is discussed, together with a possible process whereby the initial state can be prepared and the final one can be measured.

• Received 30 July 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.61.010305