Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1903.01043 · Nature Communications

Non-Gaussian noise spectroscopy with a superconducting qubit sensor

Youngkyu Sung, Félix Beaudoin, Leigh Norris, Fei Yan, David K. Kim, Jack Y. Qiu, Uwe von Lüpke, Jonilyn Yoder, Terry P. Orlando, Simon Gustavsson, Lorenza Viola, William D. Oliver

Published Sep 16, 2019• 96 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Accurate characterization of the noise influencing a quantum system of interest has far-reaching implications across quantum science, ranging from microscopic modeling of decoherence dynamics to noise-optimized quantum control. While the assumption that noise obeys Gaussian statistics is commonly employed, noise is generically non-Gaussian in nature. In particular, the Gaussian approximation breaks down whenever a qubit is strongly coupled to discrete noise sources or has a non-linear response to the environmental degrees of freedom. Thus, in order to both scrutinize the applicability of the Gaussian assumption and capture distinctive non-Gaussian signatures, a tool for characterizing non-Gaussian noise is essential. Here, we experimentally validate a quantum control protocol which, in addition to the spectrum, reconstructs the leading higher-order spectrum of engineered non-Gaussian dephasing noise using a superconducting qubit as a sensor. This first experimental demonstration of non-Gaussian noise spectroscopy represents a major step toward demonstrating a complete spectral estimation toolbox for quantum devices.

DOI
10.1038/s41467-019-11699-4

Related papers

Non-Gaussian Noise Spectroscopy with a Superconducting Qubit

Youngkyu Sung, Félix Beaudoin, Leigh Norris +9 more

Most quantum control and quantum error-correction protocols assume that the noise causing decoherence is described by Gaussian statistics. However, the Gaussianity assumption breaks down when the quantum system is strongly coupled to a sparse environment or has a non-linear response to external degrees of freedom. Here, we experimentally validate an open-loop quantum control protocol that reconstructs the higher-order spectrum of a non-Gaussian dephasing process using a superconducting qubit as a noise spectrometer. This experimental demonstration of non-Gaussian noise spectroscopy protocol represents a major step towards the goal of demonstrating a complete noise spectral characterization of quantum devices.

Bulletin of the American Physical Society•Jan 1, 2018•0 citations

Qubit Noise Spectroscopy for Non-Gaussian Dephasing Environments

Leigh Norris, Gerardo A. Paz-Silva, Lorenza Viola

We introduce open-loop quantum control protocols for characterizing the spectral properties of non-Gaussian noise, applicable to both classical and quantum dephasing environments. By engineering a multidimensional frequency comb via repetition of suitably designed pulse sequences, the desired high-order spectra may be related to observable properties of the qubit probe. We prove that access to a high time resolution is key to achieving spectral reconstruction over an extended bandwidth, overcoming the limitations of existing schemes. Non-Gaussian spectroscopy is demonstrated for a classical noise model describing quadratic dephasing at an optimal point, as well as a quantum spin-boson model out of equilibrium. In both cases, we obtain spectral reconstructions that accurately predict the qubit dynamics in the non-Gaussian regime.

arXiv:1512.01575•Physical Review Letters•Apr 14, 2016•152 citations

Multiqubit spectroscopy of Gaussian quantum noise

Gerardo A. Paz-Silva, Leigh Norris, Lorenza Viola

We introduce multipulse quantum noise spectroscopy protocols for spectral estimation of the noise affecting multiple qubits coupled to Gaussian dephasing environments including both classical and quantum sources. Our protocols are capable of reconstructing all the noise auto- and cross-correlation spectra entering the multiqubit dynamics, providing access, in particular, to the asymmetric spectra associated with nonclassical environments. Our result relies on (i) an exact analytic solution for the reduced multiqubit dynamics that holds in the presence of an arbitrary Gaussian environment and dephasing-preserving control; (ii) the use of specific timing symmetries, which allow for a frequency comb to be engineered for all filter functions of interest, and for the spectra to be related to experimentally accessible observables. We show that quantum spectra have distinctive dynamical signatures, which we explore in two paradigmatic open-system models describing spin and charge qubits coupled to bosonic environments. Complete noise spectroscopy is demonstrated numerically in a realistic setting consisting of two-exciton qubits coupled to a phonon bath. The estimated spectra allow us to accurately predict the exciton dynamics as well as extract the temperature and spectral density of the quantum environment.

arXiv:1609.01792•Physical Review A•Feb 23, 2017•116 citations

Two-Qubit Spectroscopy of Spatiotemporally Correlated Quantum Noise in Superconducting Qubits

Uwe von Lüpke, Félix Beaudoin, Leigh Norris +9 more

Noise that exhibits significant temporal and spatial correlations across multiple qubits can be especially harmful to both fault-tolerant quantum computation and quantum-enhanced metrology.However, a complete spectral characterization of the noise environment of even a two-qubit system has not been reported thus far.We propose and experimentally demonstrate a protocol for two-qubit dephasing noise spectroscopy based on continuous-control modulation.By combining ideas from spin-locking relaxometry with a statistically motivated robust estimation approach, our protocol allows for the simultaneous reconstruction of all the single-qubit and two-qubit cross-correlation spectra, including access to their distinctive nonclassical features.Only single-qubit control manipulations and state-tomography measurements are employed, with no need for entangled-state preparation or readout of two-qubit observables.While our experimental demonstration uses two superconducting qubits coupled to a shared, colored engineered noise source, our methodology is portable to a variety of dephasing-dominated qubit architectures.By pushing quantum noise spectroscopy beyond the single-qubit setting, our work heralds the characterization of spatiotemporal correlations in both engineered and naturally occurring noise environments.

arXiv:1912.04982•PRX Quantum•Sep 3, 2020•94 citations

Efficient learning and optimizing non-Gaussian correlated noise in digitally controlled qubit systems

Wenzheng Dong, Yuanlong Wang, Muhammad Qasim Khan

Precise qubit control in the presence of spatiotemporally correlated noise is pivotal for transitioning to fault-tolerant quantum computing. Generically, such noise can also have non-Gaussian statistics, which hampers existing non-Markovian noise spectroscopy protocols. By utilizing frame-based characterization and a control-based symmetry analysis, we show how to achieve higher-order spectral estimation for noise-optimized circuit design. Remarkably, we find that the digitally driven qubit dynamics can be solely determined by the complexity of the applied control rather than the nonperturbative nature of the non-Gaussian environment. This enables us to address certain nonperturbative qubit dynamics more simply. We delineate several complexity bounds for learning such high-complexity noise and demonstrate our single- and two-qubit digital characterization and control using a series of numerical simulations. Our results not only provide insights into the exact solvability of (small-size) open quantum dynamics but also highlight a resource-efficient approach for optimal control and possible error-reduction techniques for current qubit devices.

arXiv:2502.05408•Physical Review A•Jun 3, 2025•1 citation

Trispectrum reconstruction of non-Gaussian noise

Guy Ramon

Using a qubit to probe non-Gaussian noise environments is theoretically studied in the context of classical random telegraph processes. Protocols for control pulses are developed to effectively scan higher noise correlations, offering valuable information on the charge environment of the qubit. Specifically, the noise power spectrum and trispectrum are reconstructed simultaneously for a wide range of qubit-fluctuator coupling strengths, demonstrating the method's robustness. These protocols are readily testable in various qubit systems with well-developed quantum control, including quantum dot spins, superconducting qubits, and nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond.

arXiv:1909.06424•Physical review. B./Physical review. B•Oct 9, 2019•21 citations
Accurate characterization of the noise influencing a quantum system of interest has far-reaching implications across quantum science, ranging from microscopic modeling of decoherence dynamics to noise-optimized quantum control. While the assumption that noise obeys Gaussian statistics is commonly employed, noise is generically non-Gaussian in nature. In particular, the Gaussian approximation breaks down whenever a qubit is strongly coupled to discrete noise sources or has a non-linear response to the environmental degrees of freedom. Thus, in order to both scrutinize the applicability of the Gaussian assumption and capture distinctive non-Gaussian signatures, a tool for characterizing non-Gaussian noise is essential. Here, we experimentally validate a quantum control protocol which, in addition to the spectrum, reconstructs the leading higher-order spectrum of engineered non-Gaussian dephasing noise using a superconducting qubit as a sensor. This first experimental demonstration of non-Gaussian noise spectroscopy represents a major step toward demonstrating a complete spectral estimation toolbox for quantum devices.
Most quantum control and quantum error-correction protocols assume that the noise causing decoherence is described by Gaussian statistics. However, the Gaussianity assumption breaks down when the quantum system is strongly coupled to a sparse environment or has a non-linear response to external degrees of freedom. Here, we experimentally validate an open-loop quantum control protocol that reconstructs the higher-order spectrum of a non-Gaussian dephasing process using a superconducting qubit as a noise spectrometer. This experimental demonstration of non-Gaussian noise spectroscopy protocol represents a major step towards the goal of demonstrating a complete noise spectral characterization of quantum devices.
We introduce open-loop quantum control protocols for characterizing the spectral properties of non-Gaussian noise, applicable to both classical and quantum dephasing environments. By engineering a multidimensional frequency comb via repetition of suitably designed pulse sequences, the desired high-order spectra may be related to observable properties of the qubit probe. We prove that access to a high time resolution is key to achieving spectral reconstruction over an extended bandwidth, overcoming the limitations of existing schemes. Non-Gaussian spectroscopy is demonstrated for a classical noise model describing quadratic dephasing at an optimal point, as well as a quantum spin-boson model out of equilibrium. In both cases, we obtain spectral reconstructions that accurately predict the qubit dynamics in the non-Gaussian regime.
We introduce multipulse quantum noise spectroscopy protocols for spectral estimation of the noise affecting multiple qubits coupled to Gaussian dephasing environments including both classical and quantum sources. Our protocols are capable of reconstructing all the noise auto- and cross-correlation spectra entering the multiqubit dynamics, providing access, in particular, to the asymmetric spectra associated with nonclassical environments. Our result relies on (i) an exact analytic solution for the reduced multiqubit dynamics that holds in the presence of an arbitrary Gaussian environment and dephasing-preserving control; (ii) the use of specific timing symmetries, which allow for a frequency comb to be engineered for all filter functions of interest, and for the spectra to be related to experimentally accessible observables. We show that quantum spectra have distinctive dynamical signatures, which we explore in two paradigmatic open-system models describing spin and charge qubits coupled to bosonic environments. Complete noise spectroscopy is demonstrated numerically in a realistic setting consisting of two-exciton qubits coupled to a phonon bath. The estimated spectra allow us to accurately predict the exciton dynamics as well as extract the temperature and spectral density of the quantum environment.
Noise that exhibits significant temporal and spatial correlations across multiple qubits can be especially harmful to both fault-tolerant quantum computation and quantum-enhanced metrology.However, a complete spectral characterization of the noise environment of even a two-qubit system has not been reported thus far.We propose and experimentally demonstrate a protocol for two-qubit dephasing noise spectroscopy based on continuous-control modulation.By combining ideas from spin-locking relaxometry with a statistically motivated robust estimation approach, our protocol allows for the simultaneous reconstruction of all the single-qubit and two-qubit cross-correlation spectra, including access to their distinctive nonclassical features.Only single-qubit control manipulations and state-tomography measurements are employed, with no need for entangled-state preparation or readout of two-qubit observables.While our experimental demonstration uses two superconducting qubits coupled to a shared, colored engineered noise source, our methodology is portable to a variety of dephasing-dominated qubit architectures.By pushing quantum noise spectroscopy beyond the single-qubit setting, our work heralds the characterization of spatiotemporal correlations in both engineered and naturally occurring noise environments.
Precise qubit control in the presence of spatiotemporally correlated noise is pivotal for transitioning to fault-tolerant quantum computing. Generically, such noise can also have non-Gaussian statistics, which hampers existing non-Markovian noise spectroscopy protocols. By utilizing frame-based characterization and a control-based symmetry analysis, we show how to achieve higher-order spectral estimation for noise-optimized circuit design. Remarkably, we find that the digitally driven qubit dynamics can be solely determined by the complexity of the applied control rather than the nonperturbative nature of the non-Gaussian environment. This enables us to address certain nonperturbative qubit dynamics more simply. We delineate several complexity bounds for learning such high-complexity noise and demonstrate our single- and two-qubit digital characterization and control using a series of numerical simulations. Our results not only provide insights into the exact solvability of (small-size) open quantum dynamics but also highlight a resource-efficient approach for optimal control and possible error-reduction techniques for current qubit devices.
Using a qubit to probe non-Gaussian noise environments is theoretically studied in the context of classical random telegraph processes. Protocols for control pulses are developed to effectively scan higher noise correlations, offering valuable information on the charge environment of the qubit. Specifically, the noise power spectrum and trispectrum are reconstructed simultaneously for a wide range of qubit-fluctuator coupling strengths, demonstrating the method's robustness. These protocols are readily testable in various qubit systems with well-developed quantum control, including quantum dot spins, superconducting qubits, and nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond.