Optimal copying of one quantum bit

A quantum copying machine producing two (in general nonidentical) copies of an arbitrary input state of a two-dimensional Hilbert space (quantum bit) is studied using a quality measure based on distinguishability of states, rather than fidelity. The problem of producing optimal copies is investigated with the help of a Bloch sphere representation, and shown to have a well-defined solution, including cases in which the two copies have an unequal quality, or the quality depends upon the input state (is "anisotropic" in Bloch sphere language), or both. A simple quantum circuit yields the optimal copying machine. With a suitable choice of parameters it becomes an optimal eavesdropping machine for some versions of quantum cryptography, or reproduces the Buzek and Hillery result for isotropic copies. [S1050-2947(98)05412-2].