Bosonic codes for continuous-variable quantum computing

Continuous-variable (CV) systems, most notably quantum harmonic oscillators, are ubiquitous in nature. CV quantum computing seeks to leverage their infinite-dimensional Hilbert space to perform quantum tasks. However, protection from noise native to the physical systems requires digitizing quantum information so that error correction can be performed. An encoding of digital quantum information into a continuous-variable system is called a bosonic code. Design and realization of useful bosonic codes, as well as their integration into fault-tolerant platforms, are spirited, active areas of research.

I will introduce the menagerie of bosonic codes, including a promising new class based on number-phase minimum uncertainty states, and highlight several cutting-edge experimental demonstrations. Then, I will describe how certain codes can be integrated into highly scalable optical platforms as a promising path towards a fault-tolerant quantum computer.