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QubitWire

2026 SELECTION

QubitWire 100

100 people recognized for contributions to quantum computing. Unranked and alphabetical by surname.

About the selection

An unranked collection. Browse by surname or start with an idea.

Browse by topic
Filter this list by topicError correctionNeutral atomsQuantum networksAlgorithmsFoundations
Explain these topics
Error correction
Methods that protect encoded quantum information by detecting and correcting certain errors.
Neutral atoms
A hardware approach that stores quantum information in electrically neutral atoms.
Quantum networks
Links that distribute quantum information or entanglement between locations.
Algorithms & complexity
How quantum calculations work and what resources they require.
Foundations
The concepts and physical principles that quantum information builds on.

The 2026 selection3 of 100 people

About error correction
Error correction
Methods that protect encoded quantum information by detecting and correcting certain errors.

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L

2 people

Raymond Laflamme

Laflamme helped establish the theory of quantum error correction, a route to computing with linear optics, and Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing. He died in 2025.

University of Waterloo

Quantum-information physicist; founding executive director of the Institute for Quantum Computing (historical)

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Why included? 3 sources

Laflamme’s enduring contribution combines mathematical foundations with institution building. His work with Emanuel Knill formalized conditions for recovering encoded quantum information after noise. With Knill and Gerard Milburn, he also developed a route to quantum computation using linear optics, photon detection and feedback. At Waterloo he served as the founding executive director of the Institute for Quantum Computing. This historical profile recognizes that continuing scientific legacy while explicitly recording his death in June 2025.

Error correctionFoundations
3 linked sources · 2 research sources

Documented work base: Canada

Identification checked Explore the contributions and sources

Mikhail D. Lukin

Lukin connects quantum optics with computation and communication, contributing to atomic-ensemble networking protocols and experiments that process encoded logical qubits in reconfigurable neutral-atom arrays.

Harvard University

Joshua and Beth Friedman University Professor, Harvard University

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Why included? 3 sources

Lukin’s contributions span ways to distribute quantum information and ways to process it while controlling errors. The Duan–Lukin–Cirac–Zoller proposal uses atomic ensembles and optical measurements to address long-distance communication. More recently, his collaborations have operated encoded logical qubits in reconfigurable atom arrays, testing how logical control and error detection improve computations. These strands share a focus on controlling light and matter at the level of quantum information, with achievements attributed to their full research teams.

Error correctionQuantum networks
3 linked sources · 2 research sources

Documented work base: United States

Identification checked Explore the contributions and sources

N

1 person

Naomi Nickerson

Designs fault-tolerant architectures for photonic quantum computers, developing ways to assemble small entangled resources and use connectivity efficiently while controlling the cost of error correction.

PsiQuantum

Vice President of Quantum Architecture

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Why included? 3 sources

Nickerson works on the architecture between physical photonic components and reliable computation. Fusion-based quantum computing makes small resource states and entangling measurements the building blocks of a larger machine. Her work with Daniel Litinski on active volume asks a complementary question: how can available nonlocal connections reduce the cost of logical operations? These are theoretical architecture contributions with explicit assumptions. They help define what hardware must deliver rather than establish that the full proposed computer has already been built.

Error correctionQuantum hardware
3 linked sources · 2 research sources

Documented work base: United States

Identification checked Explore the contributions and sources
About these checks

Linked sources support selected statements in each profile. Research sources include papers and preprints. A source count is not a ranking or a quality score.

The identification check date relates to the recorded professional description. Individual sources have their own check dates. The fixed 2026 selection stays separate from later profile corrections.

THE EDITORIAL VIEW

Why these people.
Why this field.

Quantum computing is shaped by more than headline breakthroughs. Progress also depends on the people who establish its limits, make its systems more reliable and turn difficult ideas into tools others can use.

The QubitWire 100 recognizes contributions across that work. Each profile explains what is being recognized and connects the account to its supporting evidence.

View the permanent 2026 record