How Quantum Error Correction (QEC) Makes Quantum Computing Possible

Quantum computing, the technology capable of leveraging matter and energy interactions at the subatomic level, is beginning to seep into what you might call everyday computing? —and a large part of the credit goes to improvements in quantum error correction, our subject for today.

Techopedia sat with quantum experts from Riverlane and LastWall to understand what makes quantum tick, where we stand today, and how innovation is being pushed to the limit to enable the next generation of computers.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Experts Talk Quantum Error Correction (QEC)
3. Quantum Computing is QEC-Ready
4. The Impact of QEC Will Be 'Widespread'
5. Quantum Computing Accessibility and Market Penetration
6. The Rise of QEC Stack Services
7. Actions to Mitigate the Risks of Innovation
8. The Bottom Line
9. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Experts Talk Quantum Error Correction (QEC)
3. Quantum Computing is QEC-Ready
Show Full Guide
4. The Impact of QEC Will Be 'Widespread'
5. Quantum Computing Accessibility and Market Penetration
6. The Rise of QEC Stack Services
7. Actions to Mitigate the Risks of Innovation
8. The Bottom Line
9. References

Experts Talk Quantum Error Correction (QEC)

The roadmap begins in 2024 and ends in a system where quantum computers can run one million error-free Quantum Operations (QuOps) by 2026.

That’s the plan of Riverlane, a global leader in quantum error correction technology, which is planning its three-year roadmap for Deltaflow, it’s quantum error correction stack.

Earl Campbell, VP of Quantum Science at Riverlane, spoke to Techopedia about quantum correction error (QEC), their new tech, and the future of quantum.

“Quantum computing is one of this century’s most transformative technologies but there is an important challenge.”

Campbell explained that most world-changing quantum computing applications require millions, even billions, of reliable quantum operations — or quantum gates. But today’s quantum computers suffer error rates between 0.1%-1%, which means that every computation longer than a few hundred steps is bound to yield unreliable results.

“To reach the first ground-breaking applications we must reduce error rates by a factor of 10,000x or more.”

This is where QEC technology comes in.

Quantum Computing is QEC-Ready

Commercial hybrid quantum computing providers already exist. They empower organizations from governments to manufacturing and logistics with hybrid quantum cloud systems that use QEC tech and combine traditional computers with quantum processors to leverage the strengths of both.

While these technologies are impressive, the next step to true quantum computing is being taken elsewhere and it is a big one.

Campbell from Riverlane broke it down for Techopedia readers.

“After many years of academic and industrial research, the field is reaching an inflection point. Quantum computing is becoming ‘QEC-ready’.

“Several quantum processors with below-threshold error rates have been shipped,” Campbell said.

“Many remarkable proof-of-principle QEC experiments have been performed in different qubit modalities, including superconducting, neutral atoms and trapped ions.

“Reliable quantum computing is within our grasp. QEC is the key enabler for building quantum computers capable of performing millions of reliable operations or more.”

The speed at which quantum computing has advanced throughout 2024 is exciting and scary, considering the impact the technology will have on every industry. Strangely, this accelerated progress that quantum computing is making is being overshadowed by the artificial intelligence hype.

However, leading organizations and governments around the world are closely standing guard and vigilant as quantum computing advances.

The Impact of QEC Will Be ‘Widespread’

In May, Booz Allen Hamilton, a major American government and military contractor that specializes in advanced technologies identified quantum technology as one of the “Top 10 Emerging Technologies for The Department of Defense (DOD) and National Security“.

In fact, quantum technology was the only tech that made the list in the ‘Cyberdefence’ category.

Karl Holmqvist, Founder and CEO of? Lastwall, a cybersecurity and provider of quantum resilient technologies, spoke to Techopedia about QEC and how disruptive it can be.

“Robust error correction will significantly accelerate the timeline for making quantum computers practically useful.”

Holmqvist explained that error-corrected quantum systems are more reliable and powerful, which means they can perform complex calculations more accurately and consistently. “This enhanced reliability will have a profound impact on how quickly we can develop and deploy quantum applications across various sectors,” Holmqvist said.

“The benefits of quantum computing with robust error correction will be widespread.”

Industries that have complex problems that are hard for current systems to solve will likely benefit the most initially. “A few examples of these would include those in material science, the pharmaceutical industry, and the finance sector,” Holmqvist added.

“Digging into pharma/medical applications for context, quantum computing could potentially revolutionize drug discovery by simulating molecular interactions at a much higher level of detail than we are currently able to process, leading to the development of new medicines much faster, or even the development of whole new classes of medicines that are not obvious to us now.”

Quantum Computing Accessibility and Market Penetration

Holmqvist has nearly a decade of quantum computing experience under his belt.

Karl’s company Lastwall, trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, recently unveiled Quantum Shield, a first-of-its-kind quantum-resilient product that protects conventional network infrastructures with the latest quantum cryptographic standards.

Holmqvist warned that initially, quantum computing will not have high accessibility and its impact therefore limited.

“But as quantum computing technology matures and becomes more accessible, many other fields will also experience significant changes as increased premium driving capabilities assist in generalized solutions that benefit all industries,” Holmqvist said.

Holmqvist spoke about improved optimization algorithms to enhance supply chain efficiency, more robust encryption methods to protect sensitive data better, and improved AI as some ways in which quantum computing will create cross-industry, society-wide impact.

“In summary, while robust error correction primarily accelerates the development of practical quantum computers, its ripple effects will be felt across a broad range of industries, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”

The Rise of QEC Stack Services

Riverlane planned ahead for this QEC-ready day. Campbell from Riverlane explained that their Deltaflow technology is focused on QEC.

Scaling up QEC presents significant challenges. Quantum hardware companies must design and manufacture quantum processors with large numbers of qubits to accommodate overhead while keeping error rates low.

However, large, high-quality quantum processors are not sufficient. There are also significant challenges further up the stack.

QEC data volumes are immense. A single commercial-grade quantum computer will stream QEC data at a rate of 100 terabytes per second. All this information must be processed swiftly and with ultra-precise timing.

“Scaling QEC requires pairing the quantum processor with a powerful classical co-processor — known as the QEC stack. The QEC stack orchestrates operations, gathers QEC data, identifies underlying errors, and implements corrections.

“The QEC stack will be a critical component of every reliable quantum computer, regardless of its manufacturer, operator, and qubit modality,” Campbell from Riverlane told Techopedia.

Actions to Mitigate the Risks of Innovation

Holmqvist from Lastwall warned that quantum computing is like fire — a powerful tool that holds immense potential to drive progress but also comes with risks.

“Quantum computers will be able to break some types of current encryption standards, posing security threats.”

Holmqvist added that to ensure the responsible development and implementation of quantum computing, we must take several steps.

“The economic and intelligence gathering potential of code-breaking at scale is extremely appealing for many and is not going to be stopped,” Holmqvist said. “One of the first steps we need to take immediately is the adoption of quantum-resistant encryption methods to protect sensitive data.

“It is a very bad idea for us to continue using asymmetric encryption when we can prove quantum computers will be able to break them in the future, especially when there are known alternatives that are quantum resistant.”

Techopedia has already explored ‘Q-Day’, the mooted day on which quantum computing can ‘hack everything’.

Holmqvist also spoke about establishing ethical guidelines for quantum computational use and promoting transparency and collaboration between governments, academia, and industry to help identify and mitigate potential risks early on.

“Additionally, we need to increase public awareness and understanding of quantum computing’s capabilities and risks so that our society can make informed decisions on regulations and encourage responsible usage.”

Naturally, Holmqvist also called for organizations deploying quantum technologies to adopt stringent security protocols to safeguard against unauthorized access and potential misuse of their technology.

The Bottom Line

Quantum computing, once a futuristic dream, is on the verge of becoming a reality thanks to advancements in Quantum Error Correction (QEC).? This technology paves the way for reliable quantum computers capable of performing millions of error-free operations.

While initial access to quantum computing will be limited, the technology’s reach will be widespread. However, challenges remain.

But the rise of QEC marks a turning point in the development of quantum computing and its implications are significant.