Steane code analysis by randomized benchmarking

Abstract

Quantum error correction codes (QECC) play a fundamental role in protecting the information processed in today’s noisy quantum computers. To build good error correction schemes, it is essential to understand how noise affects the behavior of these codes. In this research paper, we analyze Steane code, a 7-qubit QECC, using a randomized benchmarking (RB) protocol. With RB protocols, we can partially characterize the quality of implementation of a set of quantum gates. We show a scenario where Steane code with one logical qubit is advantageous compared to the situation with no quantum code. We obtained our results using a quantum simulator with custom noise models considering different numbers of noisy qubits.