IonQ Invents a Novel, Low-Overhead Approach for Partial Quantum Error Correction

Represents significant step towards error correction, enabling faster, more accurate quantum applications with near term computers

IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing industry, today announced a new breakthrough towards running large applications on near term quantum systems using partial error correction. The technique is an order of magnitude more efficient than the best error correction techniques known today.

In a recent paper, IonQ researchers describe a novel way to reduce noise in some of the most common and noisy operations used in quantum applications, called Clifford gates. The partial error correction scheme known as Clifford Noise Reduction (CliNR) uses a modest 3:1 qubit overhead, compared to other techniques that require tens, hundreds or even thousands of qubits for error correction.

“This cutting edge innovation on error correction led by IonQ’s research team offers the potential to supercharge the accuracy of near-term quantum computers, bringing us much closer to commercial advantage,” said Peter Chapman, President & CEO, IonQ. “The achievement represents a significant step forward in IonQ’s efforts to deliver on performance, scale, and enterprise-grade solutions to solve customers’ most complex problems with our quantum systems.”

Error correction–the practice of using many physical qubits to constitute a more accurate logical qubit–is an important milestone for quantum computing, but one that is believed to be several years away given the large overhead of qubits and quantum gate operations required to achieve it. Currently, IonQ’s high fidelity trapped-ion qubits enable error correction overhead ratios as low as 13:1, but even these ratios consume too many qubits to be practically useful today.

IonQ is also a leader in error mitigation, a technique that uses software to reduce errors in quantum applications. Error mitigation is commonly used by quantum computing companies, but has drawbacks at scale as it requires many data samples for implementation, increasing the time to solution.

The CliNR technique offers an exciting alternative to full error correction and error mitigation, balancing qubit count and time to solution. It employs an efficient overhead of three physical qubits for each error-corrected qubit and requires only a modest increase in quantum gates to calculate a more accurate solution. Results simulated using the CliNR technique demonstrated a substantial fidelity improvement when compared to applications run without error reduction techniques, and were suitable for applications using up to 85 qubits.

Partial error correction could be a critical driver in achieving exponentially deeper quantum circuits to run increasingly complex algorithms for customers. IonQ plans to begin offering partial error correction as a feature on its forthcoming IonQ Tempo system generation.

The invention of the CliNR technique is the latest in a series of technical and applications advances pioneered by IonQ’s world-class research team. In March, IonQ and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) announced initial results from its study of initial results of their work to use quantum computers to optimize flight gate assignments at busy airports. In June, IonQ launched an accelerated technical roadmap focused on delivering quantum systems with superior performance, scalability, and enterprise readiness.

To learn more about IonQ’s research or how you can start using an IonQ system today, please contact us directly at: https://ionq.com/get-ready.

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. is a leader in quantum computing that delivers high-performance systems to solve the world’s largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ’s current generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company’s innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Fast Company’s 2023 Next Big Things in Tech List and Deloitte’s 2023 Technology Fast 500™ List, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.

IonQ Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words “can,” “could,” “future,” “near term,” “potential,” “promising,” “will,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the company’s technology driving commercial quantum advantage in the future, the ability for third parties to implement IonQ’s offerings to increase accuracy, performance, and their quantum computing capabilities, the effect of increased availability of customer support functions, IonQ’s quantum computing capabilities and plans, availability of access to IonQ’s quantum computers, increases in algorithmic qubit achievement, the scalability and reliability of IonQ’s quantum computing offerings, the potential effectiveness of error correction techniques and reducing noise, and the potential for implementing scalable fault-tolerant schemes. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ’s business; IonQ’s ability to implement its business plans, forecasts and other expectations, identify and realize partnerships and opportunities, and to engage new and existing customers; IonQ’s ability to implement or integrate the technology into existing or future solutions; IonQ’s ability to utilize error correction techniques to improve quantum applications. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company’s filings, including but not limited to those described in the “Risk Factors'' section of IonQ’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by IonQ from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

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