Quantum Fourier transform toolbox

Abstract

Quantum Fourier transforms (QFTs) are essential primitives in quantum algorithms. While abelian groups admit efficient QFT circuits, with circuit size polynomial in the logarithm of the group order, efficient constructions are known for relatively few non-abelian families. We develop two new approaches to QFT circuit construction, based on Mackey theory and Clifford theory, respectively, and use them to show exponential improvement in circuit cost for specific group families. Using the Mackey-theoretic approach, we obtain explicit quantum circuits for the QFT over $\mathrm{GL}_2(F_q)$ that scale polynomially in $\log q$, rather than polynomially in $q$. Using the Clifford-theoretic approach, we obtain QFT circuits for wreath products $F\wr S_n$, whose cost depends on the cost of a QFT over $F$ and the size of its representation registers. This removes the restriction $|F|=\operatorname{poly}(n)$ required by previous generic constructions and can yield exponential improvements when $F$ itself has an efficient QFT. Together, these methods provide new systematic tools to construct QFTs for broad classes of finite groups.