QSE Center's Quantum Seminar: Iris Cong, Harvard University

We are happy to announce the next talk in our “Quantum Seminar” series. As last time, Pizzas will be available in the atrium (12:30-13:00), on a first come first served basis. All PhDs, postdocs, students, and PIs are welcome to join us. All PIs are also welcome to suggest speakers.
 
This Wednesday, April 26, we have the pleasure of having Dr. Iris Cong from the Physics Department, Harvard University, talk about “Hardware-Efficient, Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computation with Rydberg Atoms”. Location: ELA 1

Abstract

Throughout human history, the specialization of labor has led to remarkable advances in knowledge and productivity. Analogously, in quantum information, general-purpose quantum error correction protocols can only be as efficient as a society in which every member has the same duties. Indeed, despite major efforts across different platforms, most general-purpose approaches for error-corrected quantum computation are still out of reach even for the most advanced systems because of significant overhead in extra qubits and quantum gates. Motivated by these considerations, we propose and analyze the specialized design of fault-tolerant quantum computation protocols tailored to a quantum computer built from arrays of neutral Rydberg atoms, atoms in which one electron is in a very highly excited state.

Inspired by recent experimental advances in quantum control of arrays exceeding 200 atoms, our work provides the first comprehensive study of the relevant error channels in this system and identifies several decay mechanisms that are challenging to address using traditional, general-purpose techniques. We exploit the specific structure of the error model to considerably simplify several error-correction requirements, and we make use of important features of neutral atoms to greatly facilitate the key steps in our protocols. Our approach to error correction for neutral Rydberg array quantum computation is dramatically more efficient than existing methods and could be implemented in near-term experiments involving hundreds of programmable atoms.