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Why are logical qubits needed before large-scale quantum processors?
Asked on Nov 06, 2025
Answer
Logical qubits are essential for large-scale quantum processors because they enable error correction, which is crucial for maintaining coherence and fidelity in quantum computations. By encoding information across multiple physical qubits, logical qubits help mitigate the effects of noise and decoherence, allowing quantum algorithms to run reliably over extended periods.
Example Concept: Logical qubits are constructed using error correction codes, such as the surface code, which distribute quantum information across a lattice of physical qubits. This redundancy allows for the detection and correction of errors without directly measuring the quantum state, thus preserving coherence. Logical qubits are fundamental for scalable quantum computing as they provide a pathway to execute complex algorithms with high fidelity.
Additional Comment:
- Logical qubits require significant overhead in terms of the number of physical qubits needed for encoding.
- Error correction techniques are actively researched to optimize the trade-off between qubit overhead and error resilience.
- Frameworks like Qiskit and Cirq support simulations of logical qubits and error correction protocols.
- Developing robust logical qubits is a key milestone towards achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing.
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