More from less Concepts from gauge theory could be used to reduce the number of qubits needed to do quantum error correction. (Courtesy: iStock/Quardia)"> More from less Concepts from gauge theory could be used to reduce the number of qubits needed to do quantum error correction. (Courtesy: iStock/Quardia)

Concepts from gauge theory could lead to a more efficient way to perform fault-tolerant quantum computation by reducing the number of qubits required for key operations – according to work done by Dominic Williamson and Theodore Yoder at IBM Quantum in the US.

By adapting ideas from gauge theory, the researchers show how quantum information spread-out across a machine can be measured using only local checks, significantly lowering computing overhead. Their approach works for a wide class of quantum error-correction codes and could help accelerate the development of practical quantum computers.

One importance difference between quantum computers and ordinary computers is how information is stored.…