Scalable quantum error mitigation for dynamical decoupling

TL;DR

This paper introduces Hadamard phase cycling, a scalable quantum error mitigation technique that improves the accuracy of decoherence time measurements and state fidelity across various quantum platforms, addressing control errors in dynamical decoupling.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, scalable non-Markovian error mitigation method using group-structured phase configurations to filter spurious dynamics in quantum systems.

Findings

Enables accurate decoherence time characterization

Enhances state fidelity with linear complexity

Reveals many ultralong decoherence times are artifacts

Abstract

Quantum coherence remains a fundamental challenge for advancing quantum technologies. Although dynamical decoupling can suppress decoherence noise, it frequently misestimates decoherence times due to control errors -- a previously underappreciated issue. Here, we present Hadamard phase cycling, a scalable non-Markovian quantum error mitigation method using group-structured phase configurations to filter spurious dynamics. Validated across molecular electron spins, nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, nuclear spins, trapped ions, and superconducting qubits, this technique enables accurate decoherence time characterization and enhanced state fidelity with linear complexity. Our results indicate that many reported ultralong decoherence times stem from artifacts like coherence-population mixing rather than genuine noise suppression. By ensuring dynamical authenticity, Hadamard phase cycling establishes a robust framework for reliable quantum control, paving the way for reassessment and advancement of coherence benchmarks in the NISQ era.