Scientists at Bengaluru’s Raman Research Institute (RRI) have demonstrated a new technique that could help improve the stability of quantum states used in quantum computing.

Quantum computers depend on delicate phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. These states can rapidly lose their quantum properties because of interactions with the surrounding environment, a process known as decoherence.

Traditionally, researchers attempt to counter decoherence through repeated corrective operations. However, repeatedly intervening in a quantum system can itself introduce errors and requires additional resources.

The RRI team, led by Urbasi Sinha, demonstrated a different approach based on a precisely timed single-shot operation. The researchers found that applying the operation at the appropriate moment could delay decoherence and prevent a phenomenon known as “entanglement sudden death.”

Interestingly, the timing of the intervention is critical. When applied at a suitable point, the operation can extend the useful lifetime of the quantum state, while applying it at another point can accelerate decoherence. This makes timing itself a potential control parameter for quantum systems.

The research is particularly significant because maintaining stable quantum states is one of the major challenges preventing quantum computers from becoming broadly useful. More reliable quantum states could eventually contribute to advances in quantum computing, sensing and communications.

However, the technique is currently a proof of concept and is not a replacement for established quantum error-correction methods. Further experiments will be required to determine how well the approach works across different quantum-computing platforms.

The research highlights India’s growing role in quantum science and is relevant to the country’s National Quantum Mission, which aims to advance quantum computing, communication, sensing and related technologies.