Scientists at Yale University have demonstrated the ability to track real quantum errors as they occur, a major step in the development of reliable quantum computers. They report their results in the journal Nature.

Quantum computers could significantly improve the computational power of modern computers, but a major problem stands in the way: Information loss, or quantum errors. To combat errors, physicists must be able to detect that an error has occurred and then correct it in real time, a process known as quantum error correction.

“Ninety-nine percent of quantum computing will be correcting errors,” explained Yale physicist Rob Schoelkopf, Sterling Professor of Applied Physics and Physics. “Demonstrating error correction that actually works is the biggest remaining challenge for building a quantum computer.”

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