Springer, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, p. 557-568, 2012
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-31594-7_47
Full text: Download
We describe a method to upper bound the quantum query complexity of Boolean formula evaluation problems, using fundamental theorems about the general adversary bound. This nonconstructive method can give an upper bound on query complexity without producing an algorithm. For example, we describe an oracle problem which we prove (non-constructively) can be solved in $O(1)$ queries, where the previous best quantum algorithm uses a polylogarithmic number of queries. We then give an explicit $O(1)$-query algorithm for this problem based on span programs. ; Comment: Journal version. Edited for clarity and conciseness. Haar transform algorithm removed