Topological Quantum Error Correction: From Theoretical Concepts to Experiments

Markus Müller

RWTH Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany

April 29, 2021

Abstract

To date, the construction of a fault-tolerant quantum computer remains a fundamental scientific and technological challenge, due the influence of unavoidable noise which affects the fragile quantum states. In our talk, we first introduce basic concepts of quantum error correction and topological quantum codes, which allow one to protect quantum information during storage and processing. We then present strategies to detect and fight various sources of errors, including the loss of qubits [1], and present new intriguing theoretical connections between quantum error correction and classical statistical mechanics models and percolation theory [2]. In the final part, I will discuss recent theory work from our group and experimental progress towards fault-tolerant quantum error correction with trapped ions [3,4].

[1] R. Stricker, et al., Nature 585, 207 (2020)

[2] D. Vodola, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 060501 (2018)

[3] P. Parrado-Rodríguez et al., arXiv:2012.11366 (2020)

[4] A. Bermudez et al., Physical Review X 7, 041061 (2017)