For the first time, a quantum computer has been proved to be capable of self correcting errors that occur during computations and hence an assurance of practical quantum computing. Microsoft and Quantinuum’s scientists declared that their quantum computer worked better in each round fix errors mid-computation with the help of quantum error correction.
Quantum computers solve problems in parallel through action that obeys the principles of quantum mechanics since it is built with quantum bits commonly known as qubits. However, these qubits are not immune to error that in turn will mislead the result of any process or computation. To overcome this problem some researchers have invested their effort in the construction of quantum computers that self-correct their errors which is an important stepping stone in the area of quantum computing.
Combining Faulty Qubits for Reliable Calculations
In QEC approach, the researchers used a method of using many physical qubits to generate what is called logical qubits since many of the physical qubits used are likely to be wrong. These logical qubits are then used to perform the calculations required for the specific operation. Previous methods of error correction led either to deterioration of calculations or to identification of errors without their correction.
In this study, the scientists did multiple iterations of the operations and error corrections on eight logical qubits using the quantum computer of Quantinuum. It would take approximately one-tenth of error rate of what we get when operating with the flawed qubits known as physical qubits to get the corrected calculation.
Entangling a Record Number of Logical Qubits
The researchers also achieved the entanglement of 12 logical qubits which is the first time the record of the largest number of logical qubits entangled has been broken. When two or more particles are put together in a way that their properties are connected even when separated by a great distance it is called entanglement.
In this entangled state the error rate was less than one twentieth of that of the initial faulty physical qubits of the quantum computer. Krysta Svore a computer scientist at Microsoft on the importance of these findings said: “Error correction is working; this is huge. This is the direction we need to go for reliable quantum computing.
Overcoming Limitations and Future Challenges
As for error correction, the quantum computer used in the study could perform error correction only for a single error, however, the results show that error correction is working fine. In the case, the quantum computer made two errors and the researchers were unable to fix it but they only noticed the mistake and threw away the result to avoid getting it wrong.
Ken Brown, a quantum engineer at Duke University and one of the scientific advisors of IonQ, added that more enhancements are required in order to build a universal quantum computer capable for any quantum operation. The next big task is to gather enough resources to realise an ideal universal quantum computing in many logical qubits.
Unlocking the Potential of Quantum Computing
As another example of the PoC, the authors from Microsoft used classical computing, AI, and QC for performing a chemistry calculation. While the actual computation of this method does not require a quantum computer, the study demonstrated possible future uses of quantum computers to solve complicated problems.
That is because as the quantum computers are developed and grow more complex, having more of the logical qubits as mentioned above, they may open doors which conventionally are inaccessible with the classical computers. Experts believe that such progressive robots might change numerous sectors, for instance, for creating better fertilizers or capturing carbon dioxide in order to tackle climate change. On this, Svore was clear: “Fundamentally, however, the mission is to feed and save our planet.
The progress made in quantum computing within the last few years, and especially with regards to error correction, means that it is surely only a matter of time until quantum computers are able to solve cognitively demanding problems and in turn contribute to new discoveries in science. While researching quantum computing, exemplars for its usage are numerous and future solutions to numerous issues around the world are not happiness.
