Bosonic Quantum Codes for Amplitude Damping
  Traditional quantum error correction involves the redundant encoding of k quantum bits using n quantum bits to allow the detection and correction of any t bit error. The smallest general t=1 code requires n=5 for k=1. However, the dominant error process in a physical system is often well known, thus inviting the question: given a specific error model, can more efficient codes be devised? We demonstrate new codes which correct just amplitude damping errors which allow, for example, a t=1, k=1 code using effectively n=4.6. Our scheme is based on using bosonic states of photons in a finite number of optical modes. We present necessary and sufficient conditions for the codes, and describe construction algorithms, physical implementation, and performance bounds. 
I. L. Chuang, Debbie W. Leung, and Yoshihisa Yamamoto