Quantinuum Sets Quantum Computing Reliability Record with Helios-1

Quantinuum researchers achieved a new record for reliability in quantum computing using the Helios-1 system. By implementing colour code and enhanced laser-pulse control over physical qubits, the team recorded as few as five errors per million uses for logical qubits, the lowest error rate to date.

The study demonstrated that error rates decrease as more physical qubits are added to a logical qubit, a necessary condition for scaling computational power. While the team successfully performed a simple error-corrected mathematical operation, they noted that the error rate for that specific operation remained approximately ten times higher than the rate for information storage.

Quantinuum intends to integrate these findings into its upcoming Sol quantum computer, which will be nearly twice the size of Helios-1. This development brings the industry closer to a megaquop machine capable of one million reliable operations. Competitors such as QuEra are currently aiming to reach that same milestone by 2028.