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Google team finds radiation glitch that limits quantum computing
Google Quantum AI researchers published a Physical Review X paper on May 4, 2026, describing correlated phase error bursts caused by radiation that can shift qubit frequencies and disrupt superconducting chips. The study suggests these bursts can affect multiple qubits simultaneously, challenging assumptions used in quantum error correction. Experts mention potential mitigation approaches, including radiation traps and damping technologies.
Why It Matters
This finding could limit the reliability of current quantum computers and influence hardware design and error-correction research moving forward.
Timeline
2 Events
News article reports on May 6, 2026 findings and proposed solutions
May 6, 2026
The article notes that researchers already have at least two solutions in the works: traps that absorb radiation before it hits the qubits and technologies to dampen the radiation splash. It also references Gianluigi Catelani of the Jülich Research Centre, Germany, who is quoted as saying these approaches exist to address correlated phase error bursts.
Google Quantum AI paper reports correlated phase error bursts
May 4, 2026
Researchers from Google Quantum AI published a paper in Physical Review X on May 4, 2026, describing correlated phase error bursts in quantum chips. The study explains that ionising radiation from cosmic rays and crustal elements strikes the silicon substrate of a quantum chip, generating vibrations that produce quasiparticles. These quasiparticles can interfere with superconducting qubits, even when a hardware fence is used to prevent them from entering sensitive regions. A single radiation dose could cause simultaneous frequency shifts of many qubits by as much as 3 megahertz for about 1 millisecond, effectively disrupting coordination across the processor and challenging assumptions behind quantum error correction.