arXiv subjects

Alessio Calzona

Publications and source records attributed to Alessio Calzona.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Fermion-to-qubit encodings with arbitrary code distance

We introduce a framework which allows to systematically and arbitrarily scale the code distance of local fermion-to-qubit encodings in one and two dimensions without growing the weights of stabilizers. This is achieved by embedding low-distance encodings into the surface code in the form of topological defects. We introduce a family of Ladder Encodings (LE), which is optimal in the sense that the code distance is equal to the weights of density and nearest-neighbor hopping operators of a one-dimensional Fermi-Hubbard model. In two dimensions, we show how to scale the code distance of LE as well as other low-distance encodings such as Verstraete-Cirac and Derby-Klassen. We further introduce Perforated Encodings, which locally encode two fermionic spin modes within the same surface code structure. We show that our strategy is also extendable to other topological codes by explicitly embedding the LE into a 6.6.6 color code.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Near-Term Fermionic Simulation with Subspace Noise Tailored Quantum Error Mitigation

Quantum error mitigation (QEM) has emerged as a powerful tool for the extraction of useful quantum information from quantum devices. Here, we introduce the Subspace Noise Tailoring (SNT) algorithm, which efficiently combines the cheap cost of Symmetry Verification (SV) and low bias of Probabilistic Error Cancellation (PEC) QEM techniques. We study the performance of our method by simulating the Trotterized time evolution of the spin-1/2 Fermi-Hubbard model (FHM) using a variety of local fermion-to-qubit encodings, which define a computational subspace through a set of stabilizers, the measurement of which can be used to post-select noisy quantum data. We study different combinations of QEM and encodings and uncover a rich state diagram of optimal combinations, depending on the hardware performance, system size and available shot budget. We then demonstrate how SNT extends the reach of current noisy quantum computers in terms of the number of fermionic lattice sites and the number of Trotter steps, and quantify the required hardware performance beyond which a noisy device may compete with current state-of-the-art classical computational methods.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Noise-Robust Estimation of Quantum Observables in Noisy Hardware

Error mitigation is essential for extracting reliable results from quantum computations performed on noisy intermediate-scale quantum hardware. Here we introduce Noise-Robust Estimation (NRE), a noise-agnostic framework that suppresses estimation bias through a two-stage post-processing protocol. The method combines measurement data from a target circuit and a corresponding noise-canceling companion circuit to construct a baseline estimator with reduced sensitivity to noise. We show that the residual bias of this estimator is governed by the variation of an auxiliary quantity across amplified noise realizations, motivating the use of a measurable diagnostic quantity: the normalized dispersion of this auxiliary estimator. When the dispersion approaches zero, contributions arising from imperfect noise amplification vanish and the remaining bias terms are expected to diminish for smooth stationary noise profiles. Leveraging this relationship, NRE performs a final extrapolation to the zero-dispersion limit using bootstrapped measurement data. We experimentally validate the method on a 20-qubit IQM superconducting quantum processor using circuits containing up to 480 entangling CZ gates. Across a variety of circuits and noise levels, NRE consistently achieves substantially reduced bias compared to existing mitigation techniques while maintaining moderate sampling overhead. These results establish NRE as a practical and broadly applicable error-mitigation strategy for quantum computations on noisy hardware.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Multi-Layer Cycle Benchmarking for high-accuracy error characterization

Accurate noise characterization is essential for reliable quantum computation. Effective Pauli noise models have emerged as powerful tools, offering detailed description of the error processes with a manageable number of parameters, which guarantees the scalability of the characterization procedure. However, a fundamental limitation in the learnability of Pauli fidelities impedes full high-accuracy characterization of both general and effective Pauli noise, thereby restricting e.g., the performance of noise-aware error mitigation techniques. We introduce Multi-Layer Cycle Benchmarking (MLCB), an enhanced characterization protocol that improves the learnability associated with effective Pauli noise models by jointly analyzing multiple layers of Clifford gates. We show a simple experimental implementation and demonstrate that, in realistic scenarios, MLCB can reduce unlearnable noise degrees of freedom by up to $75\%$, improving the accuracy of sparse Pauli-Lindblad noise models and boosting the performance of error mitigation techniques like probabilistic error cancellation. Our results highlight MLCB as a scalable, practical tool for precise noise characterization and improved quantum computation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Technology and Performance Benchmarks of IQM's 20-Qubit Quantum Computer

Quantum computing has tremendous potential to overcome some of the fundamental limitations present in classical information processing. Yet, today's technological limitations in the quality and scaling prevent exploiting its full potential. Quantum computing based on superconducting quantum processing units (QPUs) is among the most promising approaches towards practical quantum advantage. In this article the basic technological approach of IQM Quantum Computers is described covering both the QPU and the rest of the full-stack quantum computer. In particular, the focus is on a 20-qubit quantum computer featuring the Garnet QPU and its architecture, which we will scale up to 150 qubits. We also present QPU and system-level benchmarks, including a median 2-qubit gate fidelity of 99.5% and genuinely entangling all 20 qubits in a Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) state.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

On-Premises Superconducting Quantum Computer for Education and Research

With a growing interest in quantum technology globally, there is an increasing need for accessing relevant physical systems for education and research. In this paper we introduce a commercially available on-site quantum computer utilizing superconducting technology, offering insights into its fundamental hardware and software components. We show how this system can be used in education to teach quantum concepts and deepen understanding of quantum theory and quantum computing. It offers learning opportunities for future talent and contributes to technological progress. Additionally, we demonstrate its use in research by replicating some notable recent achievements.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Quench-Probe Setup as Analyzer of Fractionalized Entanglement Spreading

We propose a novel spatially inhomogeneous setup for revealing quench-induced fractionalized excitations in entanglement dynamics. In this quench-probe setting, the region undergoing a quantum quench is tunnel-coupled to a static region, the probe.Subsequently, the time-dependent entanglement signatures of a tunable subset of excitations propagating to the probe are monitored by energy selectivity. We exemplify the power of this generic approach by identifying a unique dynamical signature associated with the presence of an isolated Majorana zero mode in the post-quench Hamiltonian. In this case excitations emitted from the topological part of the system give rise to a fractionalized jump of $\log(2)/2$ in the entanglement entropy of the probe. This dynamical effect is highly sensitive to the localized nature of the Majorana zero mode, but does not require the preparation of a topological initial state.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Effects of the Spatial Extension of the Edge Channels on the Interference Pattern of a Helical Josephson Junction

Josephson junctions (JJs) in the presence of a magnetic field exhibit qualitatively different interference patterns depending on the spatial distribution of the supercurrent through the junction. In JJs based on two-dimensional topological insulators (2DTIs), the electrons/holes forming a Cooper pair (CP) can either propagate along the same edge or be split into the two edges. The former leads to a SQUID-like interference pattern, with the superconducting flux quantum $ϕ_0$ (where $ϕ_0=h/2e$) as a fundamental period. If CPs' splitting is additionally included, the resultant periodicity doubles. Since the edge states are typically considered to be strongly localized, the critical current does not decay as a function of the magnetic field. The present paper goes beyond this approach and inspects a topological JJ in the tunneling regime featuring extended edge states. It is here considered the possibility that the two electrons of a CP propagate and explore the junction independently over length scales comparable to the superconducting coherence length. As a consequence of the spatial extension, a decaying pattern with different possible periods is obtained. In particular, it is shown that, if crossed Andreev reflections (CARs) are dominant and the edge states overlap, the resulting interference pattern features oscillations whose periodicity approaches $2ϕ_0$.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2023

Multi-mode architectures for noise-resilient superconducting qubits

Great interest revolves around the development of new strategies to efficiently store and manipulate quantum information in a robust and decoherence-free fashion. Several proposals have been put forward to encode information into qubits that are simultaneously insensitive to relaxation and to dephasing processes. Among all, given their versatility and high degree of control, superconducting qubits have been largely investigated in this direction. Here, we present a survey on the basic concepts and ideas behind the implementation of novel superconducting circuits with intrinsic protection against decoherence at a hardware level. In particular, the main focus is on multi-mode superconducting circuits, the paradigmatic example being the so-called $0-π$ circuit. We report on their working principle and possible physical implementations based on conventional Josephson elements, presenting recent experimental realizations, discussing both fabrication methods and characterizations.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Optimization of Richardson extrapolation for quantum error mitigation

Quantum error mitigation is a key concept for the development of practical applications based on current noisy intermediate scale quantum (NISQ) devices. One of the most promising methods is Richardson extrapolation to the zero noise limit. While its main idea is rather simple, the full potential of Richardson extrapolation has not been completely uncovered yet. We give an in-depth analysis of the relevant parameters of Richardson extrapolation and propose an optimized protocol for its implementation. This protocol allows for a precise control of the increase in statistical uncertainty and lays the foundation for a significant improvement of the mitigation performance achieved by increasing the number of nodes. Furthermore, we present a novel set of nodes that, on average, outperforms the linear, exponential or Chebyshev nodes frequently used for Richardson extrapolation without requiring any additional resources.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Anomalous periodicity and parafermion hybridization in superconducting qubits

Topological quantum computation relies on a protected degenerate subspace enabling complicated operations in a noise-resilient way. To this end, hybrid platforms based on non-Abelian quasiparticles such as parafermions hold great promise. These are predicted to emerge at the interface between fractional quantum Hall states and superconductors and therefore naturally couple to superconducting qubits. Here, we study a parafermionic fluxonium circuit and show that the presence of topological states yields a striking periodicity in the qubit spectrum. In addition, peculiar and marked signatures of different parafermion coupling, associated with multiple tunneling of fractional quasiparticles, can be detected in the qubit microwave spectrum. Finite parafermion coupling can reduce the full degeneracy of the non-Abelian manifold, and we show that this configuration can be used to assess the remaining degree of protection of the system.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Anomalous flux periodicity in proximitised quantum spin Hall constrictions

We theoretically analyse a long constriction between the helical edge states of a two-dimensional topological insulator. The constriction is laterally tunnel-coupled to two superconductors and a magnetic field is applied perpendicularly to the plane of the two-dimensional topological insulator. The Josephson current is calculated analytically up to second order in the tunnel coupling both in the absence and in the presence of a bias (DC and AC Josephson currents). We show that in both cases the current acquires an anomalous $4π$-periodicity with respect to the magnetic flux that is absent if the two edges are not tunnel-coupled to each other. The result, that provides at the same time a characterisation of the device and a possible experimental signature of the coupling between the edges, is stable against temperature. The processes responsible for the anomalous $4π$-periodicity are the ones where, within the constriction, one of the two electrons forming a Cooper pair tunnels between the two edges.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Spin-resolved spectroscopy of helical Andreev bound states

We propose a versatile setup that allows performing spin-resolved spectroscopy of helical Andreev bound states, proving their existence and therefore the topological nature of the Josephson junction that hosts them. The latter is realized on the helical edge of a 2D topological insulator, proximitized with two superconducting electrodes. The spectroscopic analysis is enabled by a quantum point contact, which couples the junction with another helical edge acting as a spin-sensitive prove. By means of straightforward transport measurements, it is possible to detect the particular spin structure of the helical Andreev bound state and to shine light on the mechanism responsible for their existence, i.e. the presence of protected Andreev reflection within the Josephson junction. We discuss the robustness of this helical Andreev spectrometer with respect to processes that weaken spin to charge conversion.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Rashba-controlled thermal valve in helical liquids

In the context of one-dimensional fermionic systems, helical Luttiger liquids are not only characterized by intriguing spin properties, but also by the possibility to be manipulated by means of electrostatic gates, exploiting finite Rashba coupling. We use this property to show that a heterostructure composed of a helical Luttinger liquid, contacted to two metallic leads and supplemented by top gates, can be used as a tunable thermal valve. By relying on bosonization techniques and scattering of plasmonic modes, we investigate the performance of this valve with respect to electron-electron interactions, temperature, and properties of the gates. The maximal modulation of the thermal conductance that the proposed device can achieve is, for experimentally relevant parameters, around $7 \%$. Such variation can be both positive or negative. Moreover, a modification in the geometry of the gate can lead to particular temperature dependencies related to interference effects. We also argue that the effects we predict can be used to establish the helical nature of the edge states in two-dimensional topological insulators.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2020

Holonomic implementation of CNOT gate on topological Majorana qubits

The CNOT gate is a two-qubit gate which is essential for universal quantum computation. A well-established approach to implement it within Majorana-based qubits relies on subsequent measurement of (joint) Majorana parities. We propose an alternative scheme which operates a protected CNOT gate via the holonomic control of a handful of system parameters, without requiring any measurement. We show how the adiabatic tuning of pair-wise couplings between Majoranas can robustly lead to the full entanglement of two qubits, insensitive with respect to small variations in the control of the parameters.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2020

All-electrically tunable networks of Majorana bound states

Second-order topological superconductors (SOTSs) host localized Majorana fermions and provide a new platform for topological quantum computation. We propose a remarkable and feasible way to realize networks based on SOTSs which allow to nucleate and braid Majorana bound states (MBSs) in an all-electrical manner without fine-tuning. The proposed setups are scalable in a straightforward way and can accommodate any even number of MBSs. Moreover, the MBSs in the networks allow defining qubits whose states can be initialized and read out by measuring Josephson currents flowing between SOTS islands. Our proposal can be implemented in monolayers of $\text{FeTe}{}_{1-x}\text{Se}_{x}$, monolayers of 1T'-WTe$_2$, and inverted Hg(Cd)Te quantum wells in proximity to conventional superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2020

Topological and holonomic quantum computation based on second-order topological superconductors

Majorana fermions feature non-Abelian exchange statistics and promise fascinating applications in topological quantum computation. Recently, second-order topological superconductors (SOTSs) have been proposed to host Majorana fermions as localized quasiparticles with zero excitation energy, pointing out a new avenue to facilitate topological quantum computation. We provide a minimal model for SOTSs and systematically analyze the features of Majorana zero modes with analytical and numerical methods. We further construct the fundamental fusion principles of zero modes stemming from a single or multiple SOTS islands. Finally, we propose concrete schemes in different setups formed by SOTSs, enabling us to exchange and fuse the zero modes for non-Abelian braiding and holonomic quantum gate operations.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2020

Majorana-induced DC Shapiro steps in topological Josephson junctions

The demonstration of the non-Abelian properties of Majorana bound states (MBS) is a crucial step toward topological quantum computing. We theoretically investigate how Majorana fusion rules manifest themselves in the current-voltage characteristics of a topological Josephson junction. The junction is built on U-shaped quantum spin Hall edges and hosts a Majorana qubit formed by four MBS. Owing to Majorana fusion rules, inter- and intra-edge couplings among adjacent MBS provide two orthogonal components in the rotation axis of the Majorana qubit. We show that the interplay of the dynamics of the superconductor phase difference and the Majorana qubit governs the Josephson effect. Strikingly, we identify sequential jumps of the voltage across the junction with increasing DC current bias without external AC driving. Its role is replaced by the intrinsic Rabi oscillations of the Majorana qubit. This phenomenon, DC Shapiro steps, is a manifestation of the non-trivial fusion rules of MBS.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗