Presenter: Dr. Shruti Puri, Yale University

ONLINE COLLOQUIUM ONLY

Zoom Link: https://cuboulder.zoom.us/j/911053723​

Abstract: We are currently in the midst of a second quantum revolution where the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics are being applied to develop computers for solving otherwise intractable problems. Perhaps more remarkable than quantum computing itself is the concept of quantum error correction (QEC). In fact, with fault-tolerant QEC it is possible to implement an arbitrarily long quantum algorithm accurately even with a sequence of faulty operations on imperfect quantum hardware. However, fault-tolerant protocols come at the cost of dauntingly large overheads, pushing practical realization of useful quantum computers out of reach. In this talk I will present an elementary introduction to QEC. I will then introduce a new type of qubit called the Schrödinger cat qubit which is realized in a driven non-linear oscillator. The Schrödinger cat states are superpositions of two opposite phase coherent states. The driven-cat qubit has some in-built protection against errors in hardware and software. Finally, I will discuss how the inherent noise protection in this qubit can be exploited to significantly reduce the overheads for fault-tolerant QEC.

Colloquium Host: Ed Kinney