Breakthrough in quantum computing: Logical qubit survival rate reaches 96% on IBM Heron processor
Quantum computing is approaching practical implementation, and the latest data confirms this. In a joint effort with IBM, my team and colleagues from the University of Sydney have achieved a significant increase in the stability of logical qubits — up to 96%. This was made possible by a new approach to error correction, tested on the advanced 156-qubit superconducting processor IBM Quantum Heron r2.
The main obstacle to fault-tolerant quantum computers (FTQC) is the so-called "idle noise." In current systems, correcting errors requires regular internal measurements of qubits. However, during these pauses, the remaining components of the processor lose stability, generating new failures. This creates a vicious cycle that has hindered progress for decades.
To solve this problem, we completely redesigned the architecture of error correction circuits. The key innovation is a radical reduction in computation downtime. Instead of waiting for each measurement cycle to complete, we optimized algorithms to minimize idle periods. The result is impressive: the survival rate of logical qubits per error correction cycle increased from less than 90% to 96%.
Why is this important?
Logical qubits are the building blocks for large-scale quantum computing. Each such qubit consists of many physical qubits encoded to protect against errors. The higher their survival rate, the fewer resources are needed for correction, and the closer we are to creating stable machines. As project leader Stephen Bartlett noted, forced idle time of components becomes a "serious obstacle" to reliable operation, and our solution breaks this barrier.
Although the result was obtained in laboratory conditions on a single processor, it is critically important for the entire industry. Scalability and fault tolerance remain the main challenges, and every step in this direction brings us closer to an era when quantum computers can solve problems inaccessible to classical machines. IBM, I recall, plans to achieve the first confirmed cases of quantum advantage by the end of 2026.
My opinion: This progress is not just a laboratory success. It demonstrates that the industry is moving from theoretical constructs to practical engineering solutions. If the pace continues, we will see the first commercially significant quantum systems within the next five years. The market should closely monitor this direction.