Quantum communication proves stronger than Merlin-Arthur protocols

BQP^cc is not contained in MA^cc

Computational Complexity

Summary

This work shows that there are some communication problems where quantum methods are more efficient than classical ones that rely on proofs checked in a traditional way. Specifically, the authors found a task that can be solved with very little quantum communication but requires much more communication if done with Merlin-Arthur style protocols. This suggests that quantum communication can solve some problems in ways classical approaches cannot match.

What this means in practice

A theory result. No direct application yet.

Authors

Dmytro Gavinsky

Abstract

We exhibit a bipartite language with a poly-logarithmic quantum communication protocol and polynomial Merlin-Arthur communication complexity.