Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots
Thu 22 Oct · 15:00
Huxley Building, South Kensington Campus
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13°C · 19% rain
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Dr Henry Legg from St Andrews presents a talk at the Huxley Building, South Kensington Campus, critically examining the Topological Gap Protocol. The discussion highlights fundamental blind spots in the protocol and concludes that claims of having already realised topological qubits are not reliable.
Speaker: Dr Henry Legg (St Andrews) Abstract: Recently, significant attention has been focused on realising a topological qubit based on Majorana zero modes, driven in particular by claims from Microsoft Quantum. Here, I critically examine the Topological Gap Protocol (TGP) and demonstrate its fundamental Blind Spots. I show that the TGP is unreliable both as a diagnostic tool for topological superconductivity and associated Majorana zero modes, and as a method for verifying a bulk superconducting gap — a prerequisite for parity readout and qubit operation. Based on these insights, I will conclude that claims to have already realised topological qubits are not reliable and should be revisited. References: [1] Hess, Legg, Loss, Klinovaja Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 207001 (2023) [2] Legg, arXiv:2502.19560 (Comment accepted to PRB) [3] Legg, Nature 654, E22–E26 (2026)
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Frequently asked questions
Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots takes place on Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 15:00.
Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots is held at Huxley Building, South Kensington Campus in London (H503-level 5 , Huxley Building, SW7 2AZ).
Entry to Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots is free.
The forecast for Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots is Partly cloudy · 13°C.
Yes — hotels within walking distance of Huxley Building, South Kensington Campus can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
Tickets for Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots can be booked via imperial.ac.uk using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
Editorial summaryAbout this event
Dr Henry Legg from St Andrews presents a talk at the Huxley Building, South Kensington Campus, critically examining the Topological Gap Protocol. The discussion highlights fundamental blind spots in the protocol and concludes that claims of having already realised topological qubits are not reliable.
This summary was automatically generated from event data sourced from official ticketing providers.
Speaker: Dr Henry Legg (St Andrews) Abstract: Recently, significant attention has been focused on realising a topological qubit based on Majorana zero modes, driven in particular by claims from Microsoft Quantum. Here, I critically examine the Topological Gap Protocol (TGP) and demonstrate its fundamental Blind Spots. I show that the TGP is unreliable both as a diagnostic tool for topological superconductivity and associated Majorana zero modes, and as a method for verifying a bulk superconducting gap — a prerequisite for parity readout and qubit operation. Based on these insights, I will conclude that claims to have already realised topological qubits are not reliable and should be revisited. References: [1] Hess, Legg, Loss, Klinovaja Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 207001 (2023) [2] Legg, arXiv:2502.19560 (Comment accepted to PRB) [3] Legg, Nature 654, E22–E26 (2026)
Description supplied by the event organiser.
StayStaying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of Huxley Building, South Kensington Campus. Searching near H503-level 5 , Huxley Building, SW7 2AZ; check-in Thursday, 22 October 2026.
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WhereHuxley Building, South Kensington Campus
Before you goFrequently asked questions
When is Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots?
Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots takes place on Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 15:00.
Where is Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots taking place?
Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots is held at Huxley Building, South Kensington Campus in London (H503-level 5 , Huxley Building, SW7 2AZ).
How much are tickets for Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots?
Entry to Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots is free.
What will the weather be like at Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots?
The forecast for Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots is Partly cloudy · 13°C.
Is there anywhere to stay near Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots?
Yes — hotels within walking distance of Huxley Building, South Kensington Campus can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
How do I get tickets for Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots?
Tickets for Mind the Gap: Topological Quantum Blind Spots can be booked via imperial.ac.uk using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
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Date
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feels like 10°C · chance of rain 19% · wind 11 km/h
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H503-level 5 , Huxley Building, SW7 2AZ
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