Feedback sum-product decoding of sparse quantum codes for X-Z Pauli channels

Abstract

In this paper, a feedback sum-product decoding algorithm of sparse quantum codes for X-Z Pauli channels is developed. Compared with the previous decoding algorithm, our feedback strategy exploits not just the syndrome but also the values of the frustrated checks on individual qubits of the code and the character of the channel model with the portion of each error to adjust the probability distribution of information nodes. Due to the smart adjustment, our decoding algorithm, on one hand, can break the symmetric degeneracy, and on the other hand, can feed back more useful information to the SPA decoder to help the decoder determine a valid output, thereby significantly improving the decoding ability of the decoder. Moreover, our algorithm, which is based on GF(4), overcomes the limitation caused by decoding in GF(2). Finally, we want to point out that, our method does not increase the measurement overhead in comparison wioth the previous methods, as the extra information comes for free from the requisite stabilizer measurement.