Error-Mitigated Digital Quantum Simulation

Sam McArdle, Xiao Yuan, Simon C. Benjamin

Physical Review Letters · 2019 · 271 citations · 44 references

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TL;DR

Variational algorithms may enable classically intractable simulations on near‑future quantum computers, but their potential is limited by hardware errors. It is therefore crucial to develop efficient ways to mitigate these errors. Here, we propose a stabilizer‑like method that detects up to 60–80 % of depolarizing errors and is suitable for near‑term quantum hardware. Simulations show that our method can significantly benefit calculations subject to both stochastic and correlated noise, especially when combined with existing error‑mitigation techniques.

Abstract

Variational algorithms may enable classically intractable simulations on near-future quantum computers. However, their potential is limited by hardware errors. It is therefore crucial to develop efficient ways to mitigate these errors. Here, we propose a stabilizerlike method which enables the detection of up to 60%-80% of depolarizing errors. Our method is suitable for near-term quantum hardware. Simulations show that our method can significantly benefit calculations subject to both stochastic and correlated noise, especially when combined with existing error mitigation techniques.

References

44