Quantum error correction beyond qubits

Abstract

As with any viable technology, quantum-information processors have to deal with imperfections. The experimental implementation of a quantum-error correction code indicates how imperfections can be handled in a system where quantum information is encoded in continuous variables. Quantum computation and communication rely on the ability to manipulate quantum states robustly and with high fidelity. To protect fragile quantum-superposition states from corruption through so-called decoherence noise, some form of error correction is needed. Therefore, the discovery of quantum error correction1,2 (QEC) was a key step to turn the field of quantum information from an academic curiosity into a developing technology. Here, we present an experimental implementation of a QEC code for quantum information encoded in continuous variables, based on entanglement among nine optical beams3. This nine-wave-packet adaptation of Shor’s original nine-qubit scheme1 enables, at least in principle, full quantum error correction against an arbitrary single-beam error.

Cite this article

Aoki, T., Takahashi, G., Kajiya, T. et al. Quantum error correction beyond qubits. Nature Phys 5, 541–546 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphys1309

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