MilestoneError correctionConfirmed

Yale uses error correction to extend a quantum memory's lifetime

Feb 15, 2016

Yale researchers preserve a quantum bit for 320 microseconds by correcting energy-loss errors in a superconducting resonator. The protected information lasts longer than it would in any individual part of the system.

Why it matters

Error correction pays for its own overhead: this memory preserves quantum information longer with protection than the best available component could alone.

Nissim Ofek · Robert Schoelkopf · Yale

See it on the timeline

Researchers demonstrate quantum error correction in the lab (Feb 6, 1998)
Google's Willow chip shows errors can shrink as qubits grow (Dec 9, 2024)

Sources (2)

arXiv (Ofek et al.) Demonstrating Quantum Error Correction that Extends the Lifetime of Quantum Information
Primary sourceFeb 15, 2016

“As measured by full process tomography, the enhanced lifetime of the encoded information is 320 microseconds without any post-selection. This is 20 times greater than that of the system's transmon, over twice as long as an uncorrected logical encoding, and 10% longer than the highest quality element of the system (the resonator's 0, 1 Fock states).”
Nature Extending the lifetime of a quantum bit with error correction in superconducting circuits
Primary sourceJul 20, 2016

“Here we demonstrate a QEC system that reaches the break-even point”

Added Oct 19, 2026 · Updated Oct 27, 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will review it.

Yale uses error correction to extend a quantum memory's lifetime

Why it matters

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