Quantum fault tolerance in small experiments

TL;DR

This paper explores the implementation of fault-tolerant quantum circuits in small-scale experiments, proposing specific configurations, success criteria, and potential insights into real error interactions in near-future quantum computing demonstrations.

Contribution

It introduces a family of 5-qubit ring-based fault-tolerant circuits and a criterion for experimental success in demonstrating fault tolerance.

Findings

Proposes a 5-qubit ring architecture for fault-tolerant circuits

Defines a success criterion for fault-tolerance experiments

Discusses potential insights into real error interactions

Abstract

I discuss a variety of issues relating to near-future experiments demonstrating fault-tolerant quantum computation. I describe a family of fault-tolerant quantum circuits that can be performed with 5 qubits arranged on a ring with nearest-neighbor interactions. I also present a criterion whereby we can say that an experiment has succeeded in demonstrating fault tolerance. Finally, I discuss the possibility of using future fault-tolerant experiments to answer important questions about the interaction of fault-tolerant protocols with real experimental errors.