Binary phase representation of a Pauli string ($P=i^s{⨂}_j{X}^{a_j}{Z}^{b_j}$)

Store a Pauli group element with binary exponents $a_j,b_j$ and a phase exponent $s$ modulo four. This ordered $XZ$ convention uses $2n+2$ bits for $n$ qubits. Since $XZ=-iY$, phase factors are essential when converting to Hermitian Pauli operators and evaluating measurement probabilities.

Conjugation by a Controlled-Z gate leaves the $a$ bits unchanged and updates the displayed $b$ bits and phase, using the old bits. The phase occurs when the extra $Z$ from one line is moved past $X$ on the other line. These constant-size updates support Heisenberg propagation of a Pauli observable through a Clifford circuit.