Fault-tolerant quantum computation using low-cost joint measurements

Abstract

We introduce a new method to implement joint measurements using a 4-qubit twist defect on a rotated surface code. The proposed method enables us to perform logical S (Phase gate), T ($$\pi /8$$ π / 8 gate), and H (Hadamard) with low overhead. Combined with other universal quantum gates, we can implement fault-tolerant quantum computation at the lattice surgery level beyond the gate level while saving considerable resources. We compare our method with previous methods using benchmark circuits by calculating the space and time costs. The proposed method requires additional lines of physical qubits for each encoded patch. Although it slightly increases the space cost for logical H compared to the previous work, it reduces the time cost. In addition, the proposed method decreases the space cost and time cost by introducing a 4-qubit twist defect for logical S and T. Therefore, the overall space-time cost is reduced.