Computer scientists have announced their breakthrough in understanding the error correction mechanisms for quantum computers through an innovative “4D code.”
The new code, developed by Microsoft, is detailed in a blog post released on June 19th, addressing the challenge of fault tolerance.
All computers are susceptible to errors. In traditional computing, error correction involves generating multiple copies of the data being transmitted. Thus, if any bits are lost or damaged, the remaining bits retain the original information.
Qubits cannot be copied, and measuring them results in “collapse.” This complexity increases the difficulty of detecting and correcting errors, which occur at a significantly higher rate compared to classical bits.
In typical quantum error correction configurations, additional “physical” qubits are integrated into the system. These qubits are intertwined with the “logical” qubits that carry the quantum data. Instead of measuring logical qubits, scientists can monitor the entangled physical qubits to identify errors, allowing the calculation process to proceed uninterrupted.
Scientists utilize the 4D code in quantum error correction by replicating the topology of quantum processing surfaces within a four-dimensional lattice, yielding a self-correcting schema for quantum memory.
Related: “Science has been solved”: IBM aims to build 10,000 quantum computers by 2029
Current error correction techniques are often limited in scalability and resource-intensive. The more physical qubits and error correction pathways required for fault tolerance in quantum systems, the higher the energy demands for calculations.
“Microsoft’s 4D geometric code requires nearly all physical qubits for each logical qubit, checks for errors efficiently, and shows a significant 1,000x reduction in error rate,” explained Krysta Svore in her blog post.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
A Twist in Quantum Error Correction
Survey results published on June 18th in arXiv highlight the literal twists on toroidal 4D geometric codes used for error correction in specific quantum computing systems.
This geometric code allows for overlaying within the system to identify errors through four-dimensional terrain. The 4D code connects sample space (where the modification code executes) to operational space (where the kits contain information) through entanglement.
It operates in four dimensions using mathematical constructs that link entanglement points to the surface of a “torus,” which can be visualized as a doughnut shape.
Additionally, the 4D code is used to create self-correcting quantum memory, with its application considered innovative due to researchers calculating the “twist” of geometry to ensure the same amount of code can cover the same amount of system space using an equal number of physical qubit entanglements.
By “twisting” the geometry, the 4D code overlay expands the representational space to encapsulate the majority of the quantum state of the active qubits. This method enables researchers to detect errors without disrupting the actual quantum processes within the system.
Researchers tested their new “twist” code on existing quantum computers, confirming their theory in a secondary preprint paper published on the ARXIV preprint server June 13th. Both papers have yet to undergo peer review.
“Universal fault-resistant quantum computers can be achieved using 4D geometric code, which is designed to efficiently realize numerous logical qubits with a minimal number of physical qubits, facilitating low-density logic cycles and universal fault resistance,” the scientists remarked.
Additionally, researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking technique for “exchanging” atoms used as qubits when they are lost. In certain quantum computing setups, qubits are formed by trapping neutral atoms with laser tweezers. During computations, these atoms may be lost.
According to researchers, atomic beams can be employed to replace lost atoms mid-computation, integrating new atoms into arrays without disrupting the ongoing calculations.
The findings indicate that the new 4D code family could represent a significant advance in quantum error correction in the coming weeks. IBM also released a similar statement on June 10th, announcing the development of quantum error correction technology that could lead to operationally useful quantum computers by 2029.
If IBM’s approach focuses on a top-down development strategy leveraging tailored hardware, Microsoft’s method seeks to build fault tolerance from the ground up to accommodate various potential applications beyond the immediate use case.
Source: www.livescience.com