Simplified Quantum Weight Reduction with Optimal Bounds

Abstract:Quantum weight reduction is the task of transforming a quantum code with large check weight into one with small check weight. This problem is important in practice, since low-weight measurements are necessary for reliable implementations of quantum error correction on physical hardware. It is also important theoretically, as it can be used to construct constant-locality versions of quantum locally testable codes, which may be relevant to the quantum PCP conjecture. We give a streamlined geometric procedure for quantum weight reduction based entirely on coning and treating X and Z checks symmetrically, which simplifies Hastings' previous approach. In particular, given an arbitrary $[[n,k,d]]$ quantum code with weight $w$, our method produces a code with parameters $[[O(n w^2 \log w), k, \Omega(d w)]]$, check weight $5$, and qubit weight $6$; these bounds are optimal or close to optimal within the current geometric framework. Applied to random dense CSS codes, our procedure yields explicit quantum codes surpassing the square-root distance barrier, with parameters $[[n, \tilde \Omega(n^{1/3}), \tilde \Omega(n^{2/3})]]$. These codes also admit a three-dimensional embedding that saturates the Bravyi-Poulin-Terhal (BPT) bound, recovering the layer-code result. Our weight reduction technique also improves fault-tolerant logical-operator measurements by reducing the required number of ancilla qubits.

arXiv:2510.09601 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2510.09601v2 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2510.09601 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.