Quantum computing is a rapidly growing field, but its delicate nature makes it susceptible to errors. A qubit, the basic unit of information in quantum computing, can represent a 0, a 1 or a superposition of both states. This delicate superposition is prone to errors from external noise, making quantum computing more error-prone than classical computing.
Two main approaches have been taken to enhance the quality of qubits: improving the quality of individual qubits and utilizing logical qubits by combining multiple physical qubits into virtual qubits that are more reliable. Microsoft and Quantinuum have recently collaborated to develop highly reliable logical qubits for quantum computing using ion trap hardware with qubit virtualization. They managed to create four highly reliable logical qubits from just 30 physical qubits, resulting in an 800-fold improvement in error rate. This achievement is comparable to using noise-canceling headphones on an airplane to eliminate ambient noise.
The development was possible through advanced error diagnosis and correction techniques, marking a significant milestone in quantum error correction. This development paves the way for correcting errors without destroying logical qubits, further advancing the field of quantum computing.
