Quantum computers use qubits and quantum logic operations to process information and execute algorithms. The key challenge is executing quantum logic with a very low error rate to realise complex, practically useful quantum algorithms. In principle, this is possible using encoded logical qubits – qubits protected by layers of error-correcting code. However, most quantum error-correcting codes allow only certain types of basic logical operations – known as Clifford gates – to be executed. While Clifford gates form the backbone of many quantum circuits, they are not sufficient enough to realise universal quantum computing, which refers to the capability of a quantum computer to perform any computation that is theoretically possible within the quantum model. In fact, quantum computers that use only Clifford gates can be readily simulated on classical computers.
To realise their full potential, quantum machines must also generate and use special high-quality resource states, aptly named magic states. When produced at the logical level with low errors, such states are perhaps the most essential ingredients for universal, fault-tolerant quantum computation. They are also among the most resource-intensive to generate, produced inside so-called magic state factories using advanced quantum protocols such as magic state distillation. The high cost and complexity of producing magic states is one of the key barriers to scaling fault-tolerant systems.
Imagine magic state distillation as the quantum equivalent of refining crude oil into aviation fuel: it transforms the fragile, noisy raw materials produced by today’s quantum systems into the high‑octane resource required to run any quantum algorithm reliably. Raw magic states are imperfect, so engineers combine multiple copies and “distill” the batch into a single, cleaner version.
The new study shows that the entire magic state distillation process can now be performed within the logical layer, keeping the precious output protected from hardware faults, ready for use in a full set of computations on logical qubits. Generating high-quality magic states within the error-corrected layer opens the door to executing full quantum programmes entirely within the protected logical space—an essential capability for scaling to practical quantum applications.
Utilising QuEra’s Gemini neutral-atom computer, the team first grouped individual atoms into error-protected logical qubits. They created two sizes of these logical bundles—known as distance-3 and distance-5 colour-code qubits—and then ran a 5-to-1 distillation protocol that distilled five imperfect magic states into a single, cleaner one. The result: the fidelity of the final magic state exceeded that of any input, proving that fault-tolerant magic state distillation is not just a theory—it works in practice.
“Logical magic-state distillation has been a long-standing milestone on the road to universal quantum computing,” said Dr Sergio Cantu, corresponding author and Vice President of Quantum Systems, QuEra. “This is the first experimental demonstration of magic state distillation at the logical level, implemented on a neutral atom quantum processor—a key step toward scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing.”
“Scalable fault tolerance for universal quantum computations is the central challenge of quantum information science. Demonstrating a logical magic‑state factory on our Gemini platform confirms both the flexibility of neutral atoms and our roadmap toward error‑corrected, application‑ready machines,” added Dr Takuya Kitagawa, President of QuEra.
