Scientists break record in quantum computing with almost zero error rate

Researchers from Oxford and Osaka universities established a new world record in quantum computing upon reaching an almost zero error rate in operations with qubit. This achievement puts technology closer to practical viability and commercial scale.

New error rate reached was only 0.000015% – The equivalent of only one error every 6.7 million operations. This number represents a significant improvement in relation to the previous record, registered in 2014, and marks a fundamental advance in the control of Qubits, one of the biggest challenges of quantum computing.

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Technology based on calcium ions

The experiment was conducted with calcium-43 (⁴³CA⁺) ions at room temperature, controlled exclusively by microwave-dispensing the use of complex lasers. This allowed the construction of a more stable, compact and energetically efficient system, which represents an important step towards miniaturization of quantum computers.

Researchers were also able to shield the system against external interference, further increasing the reliability of operations. According to the authors, refined control of the environment allowed the error rate to be reduced from 0.0001% to 0.000015%.

This advance adds to other recent milestones, such as the development of a qubit that broke performance record, reinforcing the rapid pace of evolution in the area.

Relevance to the future of computing

This extreme error rate reduction is considered essential to making quantum computers viable on a commercial scale. With less errors, less correction resources are necessary, which translates into smaller, cheaper and lower energy consumption machines.

Nevertheless, scientists point out that the new record was obtained only in Unique Qubit Portas. Operations involving two or more quibits – necessary for more complex calculations – still have higher error rates, such as 1 failure per 2,000 operations.

Advance can reduce technical barriers

• Integration with new emerging technologies: The stability achieved favors integration with parallel innovations such as optical silicon chips and advanced quantum materials, expanding the potential of long -term quantum computing.
• Reduction of the need for error correction: With an extremely low error rate, quantum systems are demanding fewer correction mechanisms, which simplifies design and improves the efficiency of operations.
• Ease of scalability of systems: Reliability in single qubit operations allow more complex architectures to be built less redundancy, favoring the creation of quantum computers with a larger number of quibits.
• Decreased operating and structural costs: Systems with fewer error protection layers require fewer components, less energy consumption and less cooling infrastructure, resulting in significant economy.
• Greater feasibility for miniaturization of devices: The use of microwaves, instead of lasers and superconductors, reduces the need for bulky structures and enables the development of more compact and portable machines.
• Solid base for improvements in more complex operations: The conquest in single qubit doors creates important foundations for improving two or more quibits, which are essential for complex calculations in practical applications.

In addition, other studies indicate that the usefulness of quantum computing may only be 10 years away if the current pace of innovation continues.

Scientific publication and next steps

The study was published in the magazine Physical Review Letters and has been recognized by experts as one of the most promising demonstrations of quantum reliability in the laboratory. The next steps include tests with multiple ports and integration with larger systems.

While technology giants like Google and IBM bet on architectures with hundreds of quibs and superconducting chips, this approach with calcium and microwave ions can offer a viable alternative, less dependent on cryogenic cooling and easier to miniaturize.

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This type of innovation can combine with emerging technologies, such as silicon chips that act as sources of quantum light, pointing to a future where quantum computing will become not only viable but also omnipresent.

Finally, new materials are also being tested, with surprising properties, such as those that radically transform the behavior of electronic components, paving the way for innovations parallel to the evolution of QBits.

Fonte: livescience