Table of Contents
CCP gate (Controlled-Controlled-Phase)
CCP applies phase $e^{i\theta}$ to the target if both controls are $|1\rangle$. Parametric doubly-controlled gate for phase estimation and variational algorithms.
Action: $|c_1 c_2 t\rangle \to e^{i c_1 c_2 \theta}|c_1 c_2 t\rangle$ where phase is applied only when both controls are $|1\rangle$.
$$\text{CCP}(\theta) = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & e^{i\theta} \end{pmatrix}$$
Basis state mapping: identity on all states except $|111\rangle$. Maps $|111\rangle \to e^{i\theta}|111\rangle$.
Properties
- Parametric: phase angle $\theta$ is tunable
- Symmetric: all three qubits play equivalent roles under qubit permutations
- Diagonal: only applies phases, preserving basis structure
- Special cases: $\theta = \pi$ gives CCZ; $\theta = 0$ gives identity
Uses
- Phase estimation: quantum algorithm for eigenvalue extraction
- Variational quantum algorithms: QAOA and VQE circuits with parametric phases
- Quantum simulation: simulating phase interactions in Hamiltonians
- Grover's algorithm: amplitude amplification with controlled phases
Decomposition
CCP can be decomposed using CCZ and single-qubit phase gates:
$$\text{CCP}(\theta) = (I \otimes I \otimes R_Z(\theta/2)) \text{CCZ}^{1/2} (I \otimes I \otimes R_Z(\theta/2))$$
Alternatively, decompose directly into CX/phase gate chains.
Implementation
- Superconducting qubits: typically decomposed into CX chains with phase rotations; parametric implementation possible
- Trapped ions: controlled phase interactions via laser detuning
- Photonic: challenging; usually decomposed
Relations
- CCZ: special case when $\theta = \pi$; non-parametric doubly-controlled phase
- Controlled-Phase: two-qubit version; CCP adds second control
- Phase gates: single-qubit version (parametric $R_Z$)
- Three-qubit gates: general category
