Optimal probabilistic storage and retrieval of unitary channels

Abstract: We address the question of a quantum memory storage of quantum dynamics. In particular, we design an optimal protocol for $N\to 1$ probabilistic storage-and-retrieval of unitary channels on $d$-dimensional quantum systems. If we may access the unknown unitary gate only $N$-times, the optimal success probability of perfect retrieval of its single use is $N/(N-1+d^2)$. The derived size of the memory system exponentially improves the known upper bound on the size of the program register needed for probabilistic programmable quantum processors. Our results are closely related to probabilistic perfect alignment of reference frames and probabilistic port-based teleportation.