A significant stride has been made in the realm of quantum computing as researchers have come up with a formula to anticipate the influence of background noise.
According to SciTech Daily, Ludovico Lami from the University of Amsterdam's QuSoft and Mark M. Wilde from Cornell University have accomplished a major feat in quantum computing by devising a formula that plays a crucial role in the development of quantum computers that can operate proficiently in real-world conditions that are far from ideal.
Quantum Computing in a Nutshell
Quantum computing utilizes qubits, which can exist in a superposition of 0 and 1 simultaneously due to the principles of quantum mechanics. This feature enables quantum computers to perform specific types of calculations much faster than classical computers, such as factoring large numbers.
The quantum wave function of a quantum computer consists of various branches, each with its phase, and the phases play a crucial role in the outcome of the recombination process. Ludovico Lami compares the importance of the phases in the recombination process to the timing of a ballerina's steps in determining the success of a ballet performance.
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Environmental Noise Obstructs Advancement in Quantum Computing
The presence of environmental noise is a major hindrance in the progress of quantum computing as it disrupts the phase of different parts of a wave function unpredictably, leading to dephasing that can be detrimental to quantum computations.
The press release stated that the dephasing process is widespread and can occur in everyday devices such as optical fibers that are utilized to transmit information through light. Since different paths are associated with specific phases in optical fibers, not knowing which path is taken can result in effective dephasing noise.
In a recent paper, titled "Exact Solution for the Quantum and Private Capacities of Bosonic Dephasing Channels" published in Nature Photonics, Lami and Wilde have studied the bosonic dephasing channel model to explore the impact of noise on quantum information transmission. This model represents the dephasing occurring in a single mode of light with a definite wavelength and polarization.
The quantum capacity, which measures the effect of noise on quantum information, is the number of qubits that can be transmitted safely per use of a fiber. The new research provides a complete analytical solution to determine the quantum capacity of the bosonic dephasing channel for all forms of dephasing noise.
Overcoming Errors
Redundancy can be incorporated into the message to ensure its correct retrieval at the receiving end to mitigate the impact of noise on quantum information transmission, Science Daily reports. This is akin to using "Alpha, Beta, Charlie" instead of "A, B, C" when speaking on the phone, where the extra information ensures the correct interpretation of the message.
The recent study determines the precise amount of redundancy necessary to protect a quantum message from dephasing noise. This quantification enables researchers to better understand the effects of noise on quantum computing and to develop techniques to counteract them.
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