Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed a groundbreaking hybrid quantum error correction technique that integrates discrete variables (DV) and continuous variables (CV). This innovative approach marks a significant step in the quest for fault-tolerant quantum computing. Dr. Seung-Woo Lee’s research team at KIST’s Quantum Technology Research Center designed a fault-tolerant quantum computing architecture based on this hybrid technique. While leading companies like IBM, Google, and PsiQuantum focus on DV-based quantum computers, others like Amazon and Xanadu explore CV-based systems. Each method presents unique advantages and challenges, but until now, the two approaches have been developed separately.
The KIST researchers proposed a method to integrate the error correction of both DV and CV qubits. Through their fault-tolerant architecture based on hybrid technology, they demonstrated that this approach combines the advantages of both methods, enabling more efficient and effective quantum computation and error correction.
Hybrid error correction advancements
In particular, for optical quantum computing, the hybrid method has achieved a photon loss threshold up to four times higher than existing methods and improved resource efficiency by over 13 times while maintaining a similar logic error rate. The hybrid quantum error correction technology developed in this study can be combined with optical systems, superconductors, and ion trap systems,” said Dr. Jaehak Lee of KIST.
Dr. Seung-Woo Lee, who led the research, explained, “Hybrid technologies that integrate the advantages of different platforms are expected to play a crucial role in developing and commercializing large-scale quantum computers.
Last year, KIST signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Chicago to collaborate on quantum technology research involving both institutions and Seoul National University. The researchers announced this vital achievement in just over a year through international research collaboration, showing the potential to develop core technologies that will lead the world in the highly competitive field of quantum computing.
KIST is hosting an international collaborative research center for the development of core technologies for quantum error correction, with partner institutions including the University of Chicago, Seoul National University, and the Canadian quantum computing company Xanadu. The Ministry of Science and ICT supported this research under the KIST Major Project and Quantum Technology Cooperation Project. The research results were published on August 2 in the international journal PRX Quantum.
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