Quantum Error Correction with High-Dimensional Nuclear Spins

Quantum information processing is a game changer for information technology: currently information is representable as strings of binary digits, or bits, and logical processing is performed according to the principles of boolean algebra. Quantum mechanics allows us to work with superpositions of states and perform quantum logic, which preserves the coherence vital for quantum information science’s transformational benefits. Dramatic examples of quantum information’s prowess are the capability of almost exponentially faster factorisation of numbers and the ability to create information-theoretic communication security that is impervious to computational attacks. However, the foundations of quantum information processing are primarily constructed from the principles of bits and binary processing, but natural systems typically involve higher-dimensional information states, i.e., involving higher than base-2 (binary). This collaboration between theorists in Canada and experimentalists in Australia concerns qudits, which are quantum versions of base-d arithmetic. This project will develop optimal control techniques for manipulating one qudit, manifested in the high-spin antimony nucleus, and introduce and test quantum error correction for encoding a logical qubit. Schemes for quantum control and error correction could overcome noise on high-dimensional nuclear spins and pave the way towards fault-tolerant quantum computing—addressing a key challenge in unlocking the potential of quantum computing.

Faculty Supervisor:

Barry Sanders

Student:

Partner:

University of New South Wales

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: