Non-Markovian noise sources for quantum error mitigation

Abstract

Reducing the impact of errors and decoherence in near-term quantum computers, such as noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices, is critical for their practical implementation. These factors significantly limit the applicability of quantum algorithms, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their physical origins to establish effective error mitigation strategies. In this study, we present a non-Markovian model of quantum state evolution and a quantum error mitigation cost function tailored for NISQ devices interacting with an environment represented by a set of simple harmonic oscillators as a noise source. Employing the projection operator formalism and both advanced and retarded propagators in time, we derive the reduced-density operator for the output quantum states in a time-convolutionless form by solving the quantum Liouville equation. We examine the output quantum state fluctuations for both identity and controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate operations in two-qubit operations using a range of input states. Subsequently, these results are compared with experimental data from ion-trap and superconducting quantum computing systems to estimate the crucial parameters of the cost functions for quantum error mitigation. Our findings reveal that the cost function for quantum error mitigation increases as the coupling strength between the quantum system and its environment intensifies. This study underscores the significance of non-Markovian models in understanding quantum state evolution and highlights the practical implications of the quantum error mitigation cost function when assessing experimental results from NISQ devices.