With the release of its latest processors, H1-1 and H2-1, Quantinuum has taken quantum computing a big step forward. These innovations power up qubits derived from electrically trapped ytterbium ions. This achievement is a watershed moment in the quantum error correction community. Our H1-1 processor uses 20 qubits, and the H2-1 processor builds on this with a larger scale of 56 qubits. This breakthrough allows scientists to tackle challenging issues once considered intractable using error-compensating methods.
Collectively, the company’s newly-acquired pioneering capabilities position it to answer the toughest questions with the smoothest operation. This method both corrects for errors and establishes a new record in quantum processor throughput. With this new work, Quantinuum is increasing the reliability of quantum computational processes.
Innovations in Quantum Processor Technology
Quantinuum’s H1 trap, which holds 20 ytterbium ions, each of which function as error-prone physical qubits. These processors have a radically different architecture, including all-to-all connectivity between qubits. This new paradigm reduces the resource challenges for quantum computation drastically. David Hayes, a principal researcher at Quantinuum, added, “We’re finding more and more proof that all-to-all connectivity lowers the resource burden for quantum computing.”
According to Quantinuum’s simulations, those results are promising. They might be able to get only six errors per 10 billion operations on their larger-scale prototypes of their quantum computers. Even more exciting, as the technology matures, projections show even more potential for accuracy – five errors per 100 trillion operations. This degree of precision may lead to entirely new methods of tackling quantum computing.
Researchers from one of the teams, Quantinuum, showed they could transition between different quantum error correction codes. This flexibility lets them choose how to optimize operations based on the type of gate being executed. “One reason to do this is because, for instance, it’s harder to do some quantum gates in one code than in others,” explained Hayes.
Achievements in Quantum Error Correction
On their part, Quantinuum has made strong headway in technology. They have synthesized magic states with an order of magnitude less error—seven errors for every 100,000 operations, which is strikingly low. This achievement highlights the company’s focus on building fault-tolerant quantum systems. Dasu briefly mentioned our magic-state simulation, which indicates that it is possible to produce a single, high-fidelity magic-state qubit using roughly 40 physical qubits. He touched on the incredible scalability promise with quantum computing.
In a historic step for the industry, Quantinuum was able to run an execution of the same quantum circuit through a universal set of quantum gates. This was the circuit where they saw an increase in accuracy due to use of quantum error correction over lack thereof. Dasu pointed out a pioneering success. Overcoming one of the most significant technical hurdles, for the first time a quantum circuit was run using a universal quantum gate set, showing more accuracy with added quantum error correction.
The researchers demonstrated their remarkable proficiency with the physical realization of a two-qubit non-Clifford gate. The team reached a stunning logical error rate of one error per 5,000 operations. Such progress exemplifies Quantinuum’s continued commitment to improving its technological capabilities and strengthening the trustworthiness of quantum computations.
Future Aspirations and Collaborations
The announcement comes amid Quantinuum’s ambitious goal to produce a scalable universal fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029. This overall ambitious goal comprises including superimposing clusters of physical qubits that behave as a single low-error logical qubit. Realizing this vision will take breakthroughs in photonic integrated chips, crucial to controlling qubits with precision.
Technology for the purposes discussed herein is still maturing. We are in the process of developing partnerships with the University of New Mexico, Los Alamos and Sandia National Labs to speed the development of photonics. These kinds of collaborations are emblematic of Quantinuum’s proactive approach to overcoming technological hurdles and accelerating progress in this fertile field.
Quantinuum is in the process of continual hardware improvements and advancing its research and scientific commitments. This uniquely positions the company to greatly impact the quantum computing landscape. They are taking on error rates. This initiative raises the operational accuracy and sets the stage for an advanced age where high level computations become more manageable.