ABSTRACT

The purpose of this experiment was to test progress in quantum computer development and quantum noise reduction since 2017 by comparing error rates of multiple quantum systems to a classical computer. The hypothesis stated that if today’s quantum computers were observed to have lower error rates than quantum computers of 2017, then “quantum noise” has been reduced, and progress toward a more stable/accurate quantum computer was demonstrated. The experiment was run on open-source IBMQ machines, using IBM Q Experience. A three-qubit quantum circuit was run on a quantum computer and on a classical simulator. Comparing these results gave the error rate of the quantum computer. The 2017 machine, ‘ibmqx4’ had an average error rate of 36%, while the 2019 machine, ibmq_ourense had an average error rate of 8.95%, and the classical-quantum simulator, ibm_qasm_simulator had an average error rate of zero percent. These results validated the hypothesis, showing reduced “quantum noise.” This has important applications because “quantum noise” limits the power of today’s quantum computers. If this problem can be overcome, quantum computers may someday dwarf today's supercomputers for certain applications. Additionally, developers of quantum applications seek to measure the progress made in noise-reduction.