# Quantinuum Achieves Record Reliability in Quantum Error Correction Helios-1 quantum computer demonstrates unprecedented logical qubit stability for future complex calculations. - **Source:** [New Scientist](https://www.newscientist.com/) - **Published:** 2026-10-19 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/01fcf2ab-9029-46a1-adaa-9785af28d3c8 ## Quantum Reliability Breakthrough Researchers at Quantinuum have achieved a significant milestone in quantum computing by enhancing error-correction methods on the Helios-1 system. By encoding physical qubits into logical qubits, the team reached an unprecedented level of reliability. This development is essential for transitioning quantum machines from experimental prototypes to practical tools for complex scientific calculations. ## Logical Qubit Performance The Helios-1 system, which utilizes 98 ion-based qubits, demonstrated an error rate of only five errors per million uses. This performance is a substantial improvement over previous experiments that recorded hundreds of errors per million. The team employed a specific coding technique known as colour code to stabilize these sensitive quantum states. ## Mathematical Operation Testing Beyond simple storage, the researchers tested logical qubits during mathematical operations. The error rate increased to seven errors per 100,000 uses during these tasks. While higher than static storage, this remains a critical step in proving that logical qubits can maintain integrity while actively processing data, which is necessary for future fault-tolerant operations. ## Advanced Control Mechanisms The record-breaking performance stems from improved physical qubit control. When energy shifts occur, the system applies a special laser pulse to correct the deviation. Subsequently, the colour code leverages correlations between qubits to rectify remaining errors. This dual-layer approach significantly enhances the overall accuracy of the quantum computer during its operational cycles. ## Scaling Error Correction The experiment confirmed that error rates decrease as more physical qubits are added to a logical qubit. Increasing the count from seven to 19, and then to 37, resulted in a twelve-fold reduction in errors. This scalability is vital because quantum power grows with qubit count, necessitating error-correction methods that improve alongside system size. ## Path to Megaquop Machines This work aligns with the goal of building a megaquop machine, defined as a computer capable of one million reliable quantum operations. Experts suggest this stage is necessary for breakthroughs in fields like materials science. The current results provide a foundational framework for achieving the fault-tolerant computing required for such advanced scientific discoveries. ## Remaining Technical Hurdles Despite the progress, challenges persist regarding performance stability during complex operations. Experts note that maintaining low error rates while executing intricate mathematical sequences remains an unproven ingredient for fault tolerance. Furthermore, while Helios-1 has 98 physical qubits, useful applications will likely require approximately 100 logical qubits, highlighting the need for significant hardware expansion. ## Future Industry Outlook Quantinuum plans to build a larger successor named Sol, which will be nearly twice the size of Helios-1. The company aims to establish a robust foundation for future scaling. Meanwhile, the broader industry remains highly competitive, with firms like QuEra targeting the development of a megaquop machine by the year 2028. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.newscientist.com/article/2594366-error-correction-record-pushes-quantum-computers-closer-to-usefulness/?utm_campaign=RSS|NSNS&utm_content=home&utm_medium=RSS&utm_source=NSNS — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._