Experimental realization of programmable quantum gate array for directly probing commutation relations of Pauli operators.

We experimentally demonstrate an advanced linear-optical programmable quantum processor that combines two elementary single-qubit programmable quantum gates. We show that this scheme enables direct experimental probing of quantum commutation relations for Pauli operators acting on polarization states of single photons. Depending on a state of two-qubit program register, we can probe either commutation or anticommutation relations. Very good agreement between theory and experiment is observed, indicating high-quality performance of the implemented quantum processor.