Summary
Coherence is essential for quantum computation; yet it introduces a unique sensitivity to any imperfections in hardware design, control systems, and the operating environment. Overcoming these sensitivities requires a hierarchy of strategies, ranging from optimization of the hardware architecture to software solutions including quantum error correction. Randomized Benchmarking Protocols are an important family of tools (developed mostly here in Waterloo) that have become widely adopted to characterize and optimize the performance of one- and two-qubit quantum gates. Moving beyond the current state-of-the-art, we are developing and applying protocols that can characterize, optimize, validate, and certify the overall performance of a many-qubit architecture. We are also working to develop the diagnostics that will guide the design of multi-qubit quantum processors, for example, by clarifying how the quality of quantum control scales with the number of qubits. Ultimately, we expect that this work will sharpen our understanding of the required resources for quantum computation to outperform classical systems.
Related Content
Towards large area, resonant quantum tunneling diodes by continuous Langmuir transfer of exfoliated 2D materials
Summary Atomically thin 2D materials constitute promising building blocks for quantum devices due to their exotic, layer-dependent electronic properties. The ability to stack these materials in alternating layers enables heterostructures to be built in almost limitless combinations and over small enough length scales to observe quantum phenomena. So far though, practical implementation of devices based […]
April 1, 2020
Quantum Sensing Applications using Quantum Communication Technology
Summary The Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite provides a platform to develop and deploy quantum sensing and metrology via photonic channels. This project will build upon ‘free-space’ quantum communication technology and explore new approaches and methods to advance two primary applications: quantum-enhanced telescopes, and spectroscopic sensing for methane detection in the atmosphere. For the […]
December 8, 2018
Entangled States of Beams and their Applications
Summary With David Cory and collaborators at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) we explore how to engineer beams of neutron or photons that carry entanglement. The degrees of freedom that can be entangled include spin (polarization), momentum, displacement, and angular momentum. These have potential applications ranging from studies of helical internal magnetic fields […]
September 7, 2016
Mesoscopic systems as coherent control elements
Summary Mesoscopic systems provide a new tool for quantum systems design. In particular, they are enabling of robust quantum control. Here “mesoscopic system” refers to a connected network where each element, if studied alone, would be a quantum bit. The network is too big to be treated fully quantum mechanically. We do not have individual […]
September 1, 2016