Chinese team simulates quantum state that resists errors from start

A team led by Pan Jianwei at the University of Science and Technology of China has made a significant advance in quantum computing by creating a quantum block that resists errors from the outset. Using their programmable superconducting quantum processor, Zuchongzhi 2, they simulated higher-order topological phases—exotic states of matter whose quantum information is protected in small regions called “corner modes.” Unlike traditional error-correction methods that require many extra qubits, this approach leverages topology, a branch of mathematics focusing on global features, to produce quantum states inherently more robust against disturbances. The team specifically focused on non-equilibrium higher-order topological phases, which are dynamic and do not naturally occur in materials, making them difficult to observe or test. To achieve this, the researchers programmed a 6×6 grid of qubits on Zuchongzhi 2 to mimic a synthetic material exhibiting these topological behaviors. By applying controlled operations and tracking the qubits’ evolving dynamics rather than static properties,