Quantum computing researchers at Duke observe 'tipping point'

DURHAM – Researchers at Duke University and the University of Maryland have used the frequency of measurements on a quantum computer to get a glimpse into the quantum phenomena of phase changes – something analogous to water turning to steam. By measuring the number of operations that can be implemented on a quantum computing system without triggering the collapse of its quantum state, the researchers gained insight into how other systems -- both natural and computational -- meet their tipping points between phases. The results also provide guidance for computer scientists working to implement quantum error correction that will eventually enable quantum computers to achieve their full potential. The results appeared online June 3 in the journal Nature Physics. When heating water to a boil, the movement of molecules evolves as the temperature changes until it hits a critical point when it starts to turn to steam.