Quantum computer breakthrough tracks qubit fluctuations in real time
Science Daily
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have made a significant breakthrough in monitoring qubit performance in real time, addressing a major challenge in quantum computing. Qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers, are highly sensitive and prone to rapid fluctuations in energy loss due to microscopic defects in their materials. Until now, detecting these changes required up to a minute, which was too slow to capture the fast-paced shifts and hindered efforts to stabilize qubit behavior. The new system developed by the team uses a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) to track qubit fluctuations 100 times faster than previous methods, enabling real-time adjustments.
The researchers utilized an FPGA-based controller to continuously estimate and update the qubit's relaxation rate within milliseconds, matching the natural speed of the fluctuations. This approach eliminates the need for slow data transfers to conventional computers and allows the system to refine its understanding of the qubit's condition in real time. By using a Bayesian model that adapts after every measurement, they achieved unprecedented precision in tracking qubit behavior. This breakthrough not only accelerates the stabilization process but also provides new insights into how quickly these fluctuations occur in superconducting qubits.
The project involved collaboration with international partners and relied on commercially available hardware, such as the OPX1000 controller from Quantum Machines. This integration of advanced quantum hardware with fast classical control systems represents a significant step forward in quantum computing technology. The ability to monitor and adjust qubit performance in real time is crucial for scaling up quantum processors, which are expected to revolutionize computing by solving complex problems faster than traditional machines.
This discovery opens new possibilities for improving the stability and scalability of future quantum computers. By addressing the unpredictable disruptions caused by qubit fluctuations, researchers can develop more reliable systems that harness the full potential of quantum computing. The development also highlights the importance of combining cutting-edge hardware with innovative measurement techniques to overcome the challenges posed by qubit sensitivity. This advancement brings us closer to realizing practical and powerful quantum technologies.
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Originally published on Science Daily on 2/20/2026