Correlation functions and matrix permanents

The connection between the boson sampling problem in a linear optical interferometer with single photon sources and the computation of matrix permanents has recently brought a strong interest for quantum computing applications. In this work we explore the physics of N-order interference in terms of N-order correlation functions in a generic linear optical interferometer with both Fock states sources and thermal sources. We will show how also in this case the connection of such a problem with matrix permanents play a fundamental role. © (2013) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.