Efficient Quantum Error Correction via Non-Unital Channels and Algorithmic Cooling

Fault-tolerant quantum computation demands advanced quantum error correction (QEC) techniques to address the challenges posed by noise. Traditional QEC methods often require frequent resetting of ancillary qubits, leading to significant resource overhead. In this work, we investigate the potential of autonomous QEC by integrating non-unital channels with algorithmic cooling (AC). Non-unital channels, recognized for their entropy-reducing properties by not preserving the identity operator, present a promising route for enhancing QEC efficiency. By combining these channels with AC, we explore the possibility of developing a mechanism to cool ancillary qubits without external resetting. Building on established quantum fridge concepts, we also focus on practical implementations and their applicability to near-term quantum processors. Additionally, we assess the impact of gate errors and resource constraints on the feasibility of achieving fault tolerance, highlighting both the technical challenges and potential pathways for optimizing performance in near-term quantum processors.