Optimising Mach-Zehnder Interferometer with Quantum Error Correction Protocols

The Mach-Zehnder interferometer is a simple device that demonstrates the clear path-choice problem in quantum mechanics through amplitude division. Experiments carried out in labs often encounter noise due to component inefficiencies and other environmental factors. The present study maps the interferometer and its inherent inefficiencies to a quantum circuit using Qiskit. This work highlights the crucial role of quantum error correction (QEC) protocols in managing the noise present in the quantum circuit. By employing the Shor code, an error-correcting code devised by Peter Shor, it becomes feasible to detect and rectify errors.