qec_code_sim: An open-source Python framework for estimating the effectiveness of quantum-error correcting codes on superconducting qubits

Abstract

Quantum computers are highly susceptible to errors due to unintended interactions with their environment. It is crucial to correct these errors without gaining information about the quantum state, which would result in its destruction through back-action. Quantum Error Correction (QEC) provides information about occurred errors without compromising the quantum state of the system. However, the implementation of QEC has proven to be challenging due to the current performance levels of qubits -- break-even requires fabrication and operation quality that is beyond the state-of-the-art. Understanding how qubit performance factors into the success of a QEC code is a valuable exercise for tracking progress towards fault-tolerant quantum computing. Here we present qec_code_sim, an open-source, lightweight Python framework for studying the performance of small quantum error correcting codes under the influence of a realistic error model appropriate for superconducting transmon qubits, with the goal of enabling useful hardware studies and experiments. qec_code_sim requires minimal software dependencies and prioritizes ease of use, ease of change, and pedagogy over execution speed. As such, it is a tool well-suited to small teams studying systems on the order of one dozen qubits.