Target no-signalling in a common-control unitary

ID: target-no-signalling-in-a-common-control-unitary

Let , where the conditional target operators are unitary. For product input ,
Tracing over removes cross terms with unequal control labels. Tracing over leaves , proving the formula and its independence of . Exchanging and proves the corresponding reverse independence. Thus the two targets cannot signal to each other through this fixed common-control interaction, despite phase kickback allowing a target to affect its control.
Two controlled-NOT gates with a common control and distinct targets are an example. They commute; their chronological order can be exchanged, giving an equivalent causal proof. Intervening control rotations or additional interactions can change the conclusion.

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