The unitary evolution of linear optics can be used to model quantum computational networks. In this paper, a quantum simulation of a classically chaotic map (the baker’s map) is developed using linear optics. Two different models are presented. The first model employs only 50-50 beam splitters and phase shifters to simulate universal 2-qubit gates of a quantum computer. The second model uses the discrete Fourier transform generated by symmetric $N\times N$ fiber couplers. If single photons are used as inputs for these linear optics models, the result is a physical realization of the quantum baker’s map.

• Received 9 July 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.61.012304