Newly published research
One of the main challenges in the practical realization of quantum computing is the tendency of many quantum systems to become classical, non-quantum, over time. This process is called decoherence. For any given mechanism of decoherence, researchers usually manually construct strategies to overcome them to the largest possible extent.
New research from the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) involving visiting graduate student Patrick Rebentrost, Postdoctoral fellow Dr. Ioana Serban and Dr. Frank K. Wilhelm published in Physical Review Letters takes a more systematic approach.
It applies a systematic optimization method to literally explore all possible strategies to overcome decoherence, and find the best one. For a model ubiquitous to decoherence in qubits based on nanoelectronics, they show how a known strategy can be taken to a new level, improving quantum coherence by several orders of magnitude.
This method should find wide applications in quantum computing devices from now on (P. Rebentrost, I. Serban, T. Schulte-HerbrÃggen, and F. K. Wilhelm) Optimal Control of a Qubit Coupled to a Non-Markovian Environment.
About IQC: Founded in 2002, the mission of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is to aggressively explore and advance the application of quantum mechanical systems to a vast array of relevant information processing techniques.
A part of the University of Waterloo, IQC creates a truly unique environment that fosters cutting-edge research and collaboration between researchers in the areas of computer, engineering, mathematical and physical sciences.
At the time of this release, IQC has 18 faculty members, 20 postdoctoral fellows and over 73 students and research assistants, as well as a support staff of 10.