Collaborative Research: EMT: Novel Operations, Circuit Optimization, and Technology Evaluation for Large-Scale, Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Small-scale, few-bit quantum computers have now been realized in laboratories around the world, with technologies ranging from superconductors to trapped ions. However, this new computing technology will only be useful if large-scale machines with thousands to tens of millions of quantum bits can be realized. Because of the inherent high error rate of quantum devices, the key to large-scale quantum computation will be realistic application of fault-tolerance techniques to construct reliable systems from unreliable technologies. Using new ideas from quantum codes, recently available data from implementation technologies, and new concepts for optimization of circuit reliability, this project addresses the challenge of large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computation in three areas. First, the investigators will study the requirements for fault-tolerant encoded operations. Second, the project will explore optimized circuits for quantum fault-tolerant architecture. Third, the investigators will perform a technology performance evaluation to determine how well several implementation technologies can realize large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computation.