We propose probabilistic controlled-NOT and controlled-phase gates for qubits stored in the polarization of photons. The gates are composed of linear optics and photon detectors, and consume polarization entangled photon pairs. The fraction of the successful operation is only limited by the efficiency of the Bell-state measurement. The gates work correctly under the use of imperfect detectors and lossy transmission of photons. Combined with single-qubit gates, they can be used for producing arbitrary polarization states and for designing various quantum measurements.

• Received 16 October 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.63.030301