Quantum computing startup Nord Quantique has become the first company to demonstrate quantum error correction at the individual qubit level, increasing the lifetime of a single qubit by 14%. The company’s method requires fewer resources for error correction, potentially needing only hundreds of qubits for fault-tolerant quantum computing instead of millions. This could make scaling the hardware for industrial use easier. Nord Quantique’s system corrects common errors in quantum computing and operates at megahertz frequency, which is faster than some competitors. The company plans to unveil results from a multi-qubit system later this year.
Quantum Error Correction: A Leap Forward by Nord Quantique
Nord Quantique, a quantum computing startup, has recently reported significant advancements in the field of quantum error correction. The company has successfully demonstrated an increase in the coherence lifetime of a single qubit by 14% without resorting to the redundancy of additional physical qubits. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the journey towards error-corrected, fault-tolerant quantum computing.
A Novel Approach to Quantum Error Correction
Nord Quantique’s approach to quantum error correction is unique in its efficiency. The company has managed to extend the lifetime of a logical qubit without the need for a large number of physical qubits dedicated to error correction, a common requirement in most other systems. This has been achieved by incorporating redundancy into every logical qubit, thereby drastically reducing the number of physical qubits required for error correction once scaled.
Simulations conducted by the company suggest that these results can be replicated with additional qubits, and that there is potential for further improvement in error correction as the number of qubits increases. This implies that Nord Quantique’s quantum computers will require far fewer resources dedicated to error correction, potentially needing only hundreds of qubits to deliver fault-tolerant quantum computing instead of millions.
GKP Bosonic Codes: A Game Changer
Nord Quantique has utilized GKP bosonic codes for error correction at the individual qubit level. This has enabled the company to correct both bit-flips and phase-flips, the most common types of errors in quantum computing. This approach simplifies error management and may require between 1,000 and 10,000 times fewer physical qubits than other computing models to effectively manage errors in the superconducting system and deliver useful results.
Once at scale, Nord Quantique’s system is expected to operate with clock speeds at megahertz frequency, between 100 and 1,000 times faster than some competing systems. This combination of efficient error correction, fast computational speeds, and a clear path to scaling makes Nord Quantique’s systems ideally suited for complex calculations required in various sectors, including materials science and pharmaceutical industries.
The Road Ahead: A Focus on Scalability
Nord Quantique’s research indicates a promising path towards scaling quantum computing hardware. By eliminating the need for a large number of physical qubits dedicated to error correction, the company can devote more resources to increasing the number of logical qubits, potentially delivering useful quantum computing sooner.
The company’s method involves injecting microwave photons into a high-quality superconducting cavity and controlling their state using precise microwave pulses. This allows for the exploitation of the built-in redundancy this system provides to enable error correction within the qubit itself. This means that even at scale, each of these individual physical qubits could ultimately be operated as logical qubits.
Nord Quantique plans to unveil results from a multi-qubit system later this year, marking another significant step in its journey towards scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing.
