Google Claims Error Correction Will Enable Quantum Computers to Be Useful
Google has shown that its quantum error correction approach – which is an important part in developing quantum computers useful – is scalable. This gives researchers at Google confidence that practical devices will soon be available.
Qubits are the building blocks of quantum computers. They are similar to transistors in a classic computer chip. However, today’s qubits can be affected by interference and errors. These issues must be corrected in order to create quantum computers that are large enough to tackle real-world problems.
Surface code correction is a popular method for addressing this problem. In surface code correction, many qubits are combined into one logical qubit. This introduces redundancy. This is how error correction works in classical computers. However, quantum computers have a unique problem. Each qubit exists in a mixed superposition between 0 and 1, and any attempt at measuring them directly will destroy the data.
