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Predicting the Effects of Environmental Noise on Quantum Information


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Environmental noise, here represented as a little demon, can affect the state of a quantum computer by changing the phases of various branches of its wave function in an unpredictable fashion.

Credit: L. Lami.

Ambient noise modifies the phase of various branches of a wave function in an unanticipated manner, which is a crucial barrier to the development of quantum computing. Dephasing is the alteration of a quantum system's phase, and it can work against the success of quantum computation. Dephasing can occur in devices such as optical fibers, which transfer information in light. Dephasing can occur in devices such as optical fibers, which transfer information in light.

Scientists from Cornell Engineering and the University of Amsterdam have created a formula that predicts the impacts of environmental noise on quantum information. This development is essential for designing and constructing quantum computers that can operate in an imperfect world.

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