Candidate for a Passively-Protected Quantum Memory in Two Dimensions | Qiskit Seminar Series

Seminar Series with Alexey Gorshkov

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Speaker: Alexey Gorshkov
Host: Zlatko Minev, PhD.

Abstract:

An interesting problem in the field of quantum error correction involves finding a physical system that hosts a "passively-protected quantum memory,'' defined as an encoded qubit coupled to an environment that naturally wants to correct errors. To date, a quantum memory stable against finite-temperature effects is only known in four spatial dimensions or higher. Here, we take a different approach to realize a stable quantum memory by relying on a driven-dissipative environment. We propose a new model which appears to passively correct against both bit-flip and phase-flip errors in two dimensions: A square lattice composed of photonic "cat qubits'' coupled via dissipative terms which tend to fix errors locally. Inspired by the presence of two distinct Z_2-symmetry-broken phases, our scheme relies on Ising-like dissipators to protect against bit flips and on a driven-dissipative photonic environment to protect against phase flips.

Bio:

Alexey Gorshkov received his A.B. and Ph.D. degrees from Harvard in 2004 and 2010, respectively. In 2013, after three years as a Lee A. DuBridge Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech, he became a staff physicist at NIST. At the same time, he started his own research group at the University of Maryland, where he is a fellow of the Joint Quantum Institute and of the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science. His theoretical research is at the interface of quantum optics, atomic physics, condensed matter physics, and quantum information science. Applications of his research include quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. He is a recipient of the 2020 Arthur S. Flemming Award, the 2020 APS Fellowship, the 2019 PECASE, and the 2018 IUPAP Young Scientist Prize in AMO Physics.

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The Qiskit Seminar Series is a deep dive into various academic and research topics within the quantum community. It will feature community members and leaders every Friday, 12 PM EDT.