Steane helped establish quantum error correction by connecting classical coding ideas with methods for protecting quantum information, and he initiated Oxford's ion-trap quantum-computing experiments.
University of Oxford Department of PhysicsarXivError correction is one of the conditions for extending a quantum computation beyond the lifetime of its unprotected components. Steane's 1996 paper presented code-based methods for correcting quantum errors and analyzed their limits and resource scaling. Oxford's current profile also identifies his role in co-discovering quantum error correction and initiating the university's ion-trap experiments. The record separates that individual contribution from the later work of the wider Oxford team.
University of Oxford Department of PhysicsarXivDefining contributions
Work, in context- 1996
Code-based quantum error correction
Steane connected classical error-correcting-code ideas with methods for correcting errors in quantum communication and computation. The paper analyzed conditions under which encoding can suppress decoherence with polynomial resource overhead, while also stating limits on the codes and error model.
Sole-author paper by Andrew Steane; broader credit for the independent emergence of quantum error correction is not assigned to one researcher alone.
Source-supported recordarXiv
Keep in perspective
The paper's suppression and resource statements depend on its code construction, error assumptions and asymptotic analysis; they do not prove that every physical processor can be made fault tolerant.
The evidence map
Person → documented contribution → supporting source. Select a contribution to inspect what the evidence establishes.
Code-based quantum error correction
Multiple Particle Interference and Quantum Error Correction
Supports: Authorship, code-based quantum-error-correction methods, limitations and resource-scaling analysis; date is the first preprint submission.
Published Jan 29, 1996 · Checked Sep 20, 2026Credit & limits: Sole-author paper by Andrew Steane; broader credit for the independent emergence of quantum error correction is not assigned to one researcher alone.
Read the full contribution| Contribution | Evidence & what it supports | Credit & limits |
|---|---|---|
| Code-based quantum error correction1996 | Primary paperMultiple Particle Interference and Quantum Error Correction Authorship, code-based quantum-error-correction methods, limitations and resource-scaling analysis; date is the first preprint submission. Published 1996-01-29 · Checked 2026-09-20 | Sole-author paper by Andrew Steane; broader credit for the independent emergence of quantum error correction is not assigned to one researcher alone. |
Follow the evidence
2 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- University of Oxford Department of PhysicsInstitutional record
Prof Andrew Steane
Current professorship, quantum-information research theme, co-discovery statement and role in initiating Oxford's ion-trap experiments.
Checked 2026-09-20 - arXivPrimary paper
Multiple Particle Interference and Quantum Error Correction
Authorship, code-based quantum-error-correction methods, limitations and resource-scaling analysis; date is the first preprint submission.
Published 1996-01-29 · Checked 2026-09-20