The quantum computer is growing up: Repetitive error correction in a quantum processor - Polidicks

[img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6226565/aperture/news.png[/img] [release] [b](PhysOrg.com) -- A team of physicists at the University of Innsbruck, led by Philipp Schindler and Rainer Blatt, has been the first to demonstrate a crucial element for a future functioning quantum computer: repetitive error correction. This allows scientists to correct errors occurring in a quantum computer efficiently. The researchers have published their findings in the scientific journal Science. [/b] A general rule in data processing is that disturbances cause the distortion or deletion of information during data storage or transfer. Methods for conventional computers were developed that automatically identify and correct errors: Data are processed several times and if errors occur, the most likely correct option is chosen. As quantum systems are even more sensitive to environmental disturbances than classical systems, a quantum computer requires a highly efficient algorithm for error correction. The research group of Rainer Blatt from the Institute for Experimental Physics of the University of Innsbruck and the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences has now demonstrated such an algorithm experimentally. “The difficulty arises because quantum information cannot be copied,“ explains Schindler. “This means that we cannot save information repeatedly and then compare it.“ Therefore, the physicists use one of the peculiarities of quantum physics and use quantum mechanical entanglement to perform error correction. The Innsbruck physicists demonstrate the mechanism by storing three calcium ions in an ion trap. All three particles are used as quantum bits (qubits), where one ion represents the system qubit and the other two ions auxiliary qubits. “First we entangle the system qubit with the other qubits, which transfers the quantum information to all three particles,” says Philipp Schindler. “Then a quantum algorithm determines whether an error occurs and if so, which one. Subsequently, the algorithm itself corrects the error.“ After having made the correction, the auxiliary qubits are reset using a laser beam. “This last point is the new element in our experiment, which enables repetitive error correction,“ says Rainer Blatt. “Some years ago, American colleagues demonstrated the general functioning of quantum error correction. Our new mechanism allows us to repeatedly and efficiently correct errors.“ “For a quantum computer to become reality, we need a quantum processor with many quantum bits,“ explains Schindler. “Moreover, we need quantum operations that work nearly error-free. The third crucial element is an efficient error correction.“ For many years Rainer Blatt’s research group, which is one of the global leaders in the field, has been working on realizing a quantum computer. Three years ago they presented the first quantum gate with fidelity of more than 99 percent. Now they have realized another key element: repetitive error correction.[/release] [release]The computational potential of a quantum processor can only be unleashed if errors during a quantum computation can be controlled and corrected for. Quantum error correction works if imperfections of quantum gate operations and measurements are below a certain threshold and corrections can be applied repeatedly. We implement multiple quantum error correction cycles for phase-flip errors on qubits encoded with trapped ions. Errors are corrected by a quantum-feedback algorithm using high-fidelity gate operations and a reset technique for the auxiliary qubits. Up to three consecutive correction cycles are realized, and the behavior of the algorithm for different noise environments is analyzed.[/release] [url=http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-05-quantum-repetitive-error-processor.html]Source[/url]

I rated artistic because I have no idea what the fuck is going on.

Significant progress in quantum computing? [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3ALwKeSEYs[/media]

Holy crap, using quantum entaglement as a way to solve errors? AND with laser beams? [B]GENIUS.[/B]

From what I understand what they're doing is just making duplicates of the existing particles with entanglement to compare them and transfer them to new particles as a simple (relatively speaking) way to bypass comparing the particles as observation would render that impossible. Pretty damn smart

I dont understand shit about this

:techno: [editline]28th May 2011[/editline] I wonder how close they are to achieving "personal computer" status of quantum computers... despite what a stupid question it is

This is good news, i suppose.

[QUOTE=mechanarchy;30078481]:techno: [editline]28th May 2011[/editline] I wonder how close they are to achieving "personal computer" status of quantum computers... despite what a stupid question it is[/QUOTE] About the same timescale between developing the first microtransistors and the first widely available home computers.

[quote]physicists at the University of Innsbruck[/quote] So might this be part of the infamous Innsbruck Experiment that Freeman used to land his job at Black Mesa?