Google has made a significant breakthrough in quantum computing by developing a method to constantly recalibrate a processor. This is crucial because quantum hardware, such as superconducting qubits, can have subtle variations that affect performance. Typically, calibration is done before calculations, but this process cannot be performed while calculations are being done, leading to drift issues.
The new approach uses reinforcement learning and error information to adjust control algorithms. This allows for calibration to be done using the same data used for error correction, enabling constant recalibration.
This breakthrough could help overcome one of the challenges standing in the way of useful quantum computing. With the ability to recalibrate on the fly, quantum processors may be able to perform longer and more complicated algorithms without significant drift.
