Develops the theory of reliable quantum information processing, from oscillator error-correcting codes to the language used to assess what noisy intermediate-scale quantum computers can realistically accomplish.
arXiv / Physical Review AQuantumPreskill’s work combines concrete methods for protecting quantum information with a widely used framework for discussing the field’s development. The Gottesman–Kitaev–Preskill construction encodes a discrete qubit in a continuous-variable oscillator and supplies an approach to correcting displacement errors. His NISQ-era paper then examines what becomes possible before comprehensive error correction is available. The connection is practical: understanding the promise of near-term machines requires understanding what noise prevents them from doing. Neither contribution depends on a particular company’s hardware roadmap.
CaltecharXiv / Physical Review AQuantumDefining contributions
Work, in context- 2001
Encoding a qubit in an oscillator
With Daniel Gottesman and Alexei Kitaev, introduced an oscillator encoding that protects quantum information against small displacement errors, now commonly called the GKP code.
Coauthor with Daniel Gottesman and Alexei Kitaev of the GKP oscillator encoding.
Source-supported recordarXiv / Physical Review A - 2018
Defining the NISQ-era challenge
Analyzed the opportunities and limitations of noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices, establishing a shared vocabulary for research before fully error-corrected machines become available.
Sole author of the NISQ-era analysis and framing paper.
Source-supported recordQuantum
Follow the evidence
3 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- CaltechInstitutional profile
John Preskill
Identity, professional identification and contribution context
Checked 2026-09-19 - arXiv / Physical Review AResearch paper
Encoding a qubit in an oscillator
Coauthorship, oscillator encoding and displacement-error correction; journal publication 2001
Published 2000-08-08 · Checked 2026-09-19 - QuantumResearch paper
Quantum Computing in the NISQ era and beyond
Authorship and NISQ framework
Published 2018-08-06 · Checked 2026-09-19