In a groundbreaking development for the field of quantum computing, researchers have successfully performed a fault-tolerant arithmetic operation on a real quantum processor. This achievement brings us closer to the realization of reliable and powerful quantum computers that are less susceptible to errors or inaccuracies.
Quantum computers utilize the extraordinary properties of quantum physics to solve problems that are considered impossible for classical computers. By utilizing quantum bits or “qubits” to store and process information, quantum computers can perform computations in parallel, offering substantial computational advantages over classical systems.
However, one of the main challenges in quantum computing is the fragility of qubits, which are prone to errors. This limitation has hindered the practical development of quantum computers. Fault tolerance is a critical aspect that could unlock the full potential of quantum computers by enabling them to function reliably, detecting and correcting errors even in the presence of noise.
Particles in the quantum realm behave differently from those in our observable classical world. The uncertainty principle and the sensitivity to observation create significant challenges in quantum computing. Noise, caused by external factors, can disrupt the delicate quantum states of qubits.
To tackle this challenge, a team of scientists from Quantinuum, QuTech, and the University of Stuttgart employed quantum error correction techniques on Quantinuum’s H1 quantum processor. By implementing a quantum error correcting code known as the [[8,3,2]]color code, they encoded a single logical qubit into eight physical qubits. This redundancy allowed for error detection and correction, similar to having multiple workers performing the same task.
Remarkably, the fault-tolerant circuit achieved an impressively low error rate of just 0.11%, approximately nine times lower than the error rate of an unprotected circuit. This marks the first instance of achieving such low error rates for fault-tolerant quantum logic operations.
The implications of this breakthrough are significant. Fault-tolerant quantum computing could revolutionize various domains, such as molecular simulation, artificial intelligence, optimization, and cybersecurity, by providing practical solutions that were previously unattainable.
Additionally, recent discoveries in materials such as uranium ditelluride (UTe2) have shown promise in enhancing the power of quantum computers. This material could enable qubits to maintain their state indefinitely during computations, leading to more stable and practical quantum computers.
Quantinuum’s H1 quantum computer is now commercially available and holds potential applications in specialized research fields like biology, artificial intelligence, simulations, and cybersecurity.
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– Original article: [avots]
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2023-09-29 20:20:13
#Achieving #FaultTolerant #Quantum #Computing #Milestone #Quantum #Information #Processing
