Scientists Develop First Quantum Algorithm to Characterize Noise Across Large Systems

Matt Swayne

August 12, 2020

Research & Science

IBM Quantum — Researchers say they developed rigorous and scalable diagnostic algorithms capable of being run on current quantum devices and beyond.

Noise is the main obstacle to building large-scale quantum computers.

To tame the noise (interference or instability), scientists need to understand how it affects an entire quantum system. Until now this information was only available for very small devices or subsets of devices.

Dr Robin Harper and colleagues, who recently published their work in Nature Physics, report that they developed algorithms that will work across large quantum devices.

According to a news release the team demonstrated this by diagnosing the noise in an IBM Quantum Experience device, discovering correlations in the 14-qubit machine not previously detected.

“The results are the first implementation of provably rigorous and scalable diagnostic algorithms capable of being run on current quantum devices and beyond,” said Harper, who is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sydney Nano Institute and part of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems.

This work was supported in part by the U.S. Army Research Office, the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Canada through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) and Transformative Quantum Technologies (TQT), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Industry Canada.

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Topics

algorithms, Australia, breakthrough, IBM, noise

Matt Swayne

With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Quantum Insider since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses. matt@thequantuminsider.com

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University of Sydney

UniversityAustralia · 5001-10000 FTEs

The University of Sydney, commonly referred to as Sydney University or Sydney Uni, is a public research university situated in Sydney, Australia. Established in 1850, it holds the distinction of being Australia's oldest university and is among the six renowned sandstone universities in the country.

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Government of Canada

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The Government of Canada, established on January 1, 1867, and headquartered in Ottawa, is a significant governing body with the DUNS number 241015486 and holds a recognized position as an investor. The government owns numerous subsidiaries and establishments spanning various sectors, including the Royal Canadian Mint, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian National Railway, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, Business Development Bank of Canada, and Health Canada. The Government of Canada played a role in establishing entities like Canadian National Railway and Crown Assets Distribution. Additionally, it possesses valuable infrastructures such as Canada House, Stornoway residence, the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council, and Major-General George R Pearkes Building.

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Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

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NSERC is a government agency in Canada responsible for awarding research grants in the fields of natural sciences and engineering. The agency's financial support also fosters alliances and joint efforts that bridge the gap between the business sector and new findings along with the individuals responsible for them. Collaborative endeavors between researchers and industries facilitated by NSERC play a role in guiding research and development, tackling issues related to scaling up, and minimizing the uncertainties associated with advancing high-potential technologies.

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