Developing quantum error correction technology is a crucial step towards realizing the potential of quantum computers. This groundbreaking technology addresses errors in qubits, the building blocks of quantum computation, and prevents their escalation during calculations.
A pivotal challenge on the road to unlocking the power of quantum computers lies in advancing ‘quantum error correction’ technology. This innovative solution addresses errors that occur in qubits, the essential units of quantum computing, and prevents their amplification during computations.
Without the implementation of quantum error correction, the superiority of quantum computers over classical counterparts would be a daunting task. Consequently, significant global efforts are focused on driving the progress of this essential technology.
In a remarkable achievement, Dr. Seung-Woo Lee’s team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Quantum Technology Research Centre has reached a historic milestone by developing the world’s first hybrid quantum error correction technique for discrete and continuous variables.
Moreover, they have devised a fault-tolerant quantum computing framework based on this innovative hybrid technique. This pioneering accomplishment propels quantum computing into uncharted territory of possibility and potential.
Qubits integrated with quantum error correction play a vital role in the future of computing, referred to as logical qubits, and can be realized in discrete variable (DV) and continuous variable (CV) forms.
Leading companies such as IBM, Google, Quera, and PsiQuantum are actively involved in developing quantum computers using the DV method, while Amazon (AWS), Xanadu, and others are spearheading the adoption of the CV method. Each approach comes with its unique set of advantages and disadvantages, influencing manipulation complexity and resource efficiency.
KIST researchers have introduced a groundbreaking approach to merge the error correction of DV and CV qubits, previously developed separately. They have engineered a fault-tolerant architecture based on hybrid technology and demonstrated through numerical simulations that it combines the strengths of both methods. This innovation is poised to revolutionize quantum computation and error correction, unlocking unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness.
Within the realm of optical quantum computing, the hybrid approach shows promise in achieving a photon loss threshold up to four times higher than current techniques while enhancing resource efficiency by over 13 times, all without compromising the logic error rate.
“The hybrid quantum error correction technology developed in this study can be combined not only with optical systems but also with superconductors and ion trap systems,” stated Dr. Jaehak Lee of KIST.
“This research opens up new avenues for quantum computing development,” added Dr. Seung-Woo Lee of KIST, the lead researcher. “Hybrid technologies that leverage the strengths of different platforms are anticipated to play a pivotal role in the advancement and commercialization of large-scale quantum computers.”
In March of last year, KIST and the University of Chicago formed a partnership, signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to embark on an exciting journey of quantum technology research. This collaborative effort also includes Seoul National University. In just over a year, these researchers have achieved a significant milestone through international cooperation, showcasing their potential to lead in core technologies within the competitive field of quantum computing.
KIST is taking the lead in establishing an international collaborative research center dedicated to advancing core technologies for quantum error correction. Partner institutions like the University of Chicago, Seoul National University, and Canadian quantum computing company Xanadu are all integral parts of this groundbreaking initiative.
Journal reference:
- Jaehak Lee, Nuri Kang, Seok-Hyung Lee, Hyunseok Jeong, Liang Jiang, and Seung-Woo Lee, Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computation by Hybrid Qubits with Bosonic Cat Code and Single Photons. PRX Quantum, 2024; DOI: 10.1103/PRXQuantum.5.030322
