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arXiv:2501.00545 · Optica Quantum

Cryogenic photonic link using an extended-InGaAs photodiode and short pulse illumination toward high-fidelity drive of superconducting qubits

Takuma Nakamura, Dahyeon Lee, Jason Horng, Florent Lecocq, John D. Teufel, Franklyn Quinlan

Published May 2, 2025• 6 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We investigate short pulse illumination of a high-speed extended-InGaAs photodiode at cryogenic temperatures toward its use in control and readout of superconducting qubits. First, we demonstrate high detector responsivity at 1550 nm illumination at 20 mK, a wavelength band unavailable to cryogenic standard InGaAs detectors due to the temperature-dependent bandgap shift. Second, we demonstrate an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the shot noise limit for cryogenic short optical pulse detection when compared with conventional modulated continuous-wave laser detection. At 40 μA of photocurrent and a detector temperature of 4 K, short pulse detection yields an SNR improvement of 20 dB and 3 dB for phase and amplitude quadratures, respectively. Last, we discuss how short pulse detection offers a path for signal multiplexing, with a demonstration of simultaneous production of microwave pulses at two different carrier frequencies. Together, these advancements establish a path toward low noise and power efficient multiplexed photonic links for quantum computing with a large number of superconducting qubits.

DOI
10.1364/opticaq.546795

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This paper presents the results of a performance evaluation of a photonic link in a cryogenic environment. The transmission from room temperature to 4.7 K was achieved using a 904 nm and 1310 nm lasers with a bandwidth exceeding 1 GHz using both silicon-based and InGaAs-based commercial photodiodes. A reduction in DC photocurrent was observed. Moreover, the frequency response measurements demonstrate that both photodiodes improve their maximum bandwidth even when unbiased at cryogenic environment. Furthermore, this work presents a demonstration of photonic control of cryogenic electronics for quantum computing applications.
The photodetection of ultrashort optical pulse trains has applications in RF and microwave photonics systems that wish to take advantage of the exceptional frequency and timing precision available from optical sources. Room temperature applications include low phase noise microwave generation and sources for very long baseline interferometry, whereas cryogenic applications include driving quantum-based voltage standards and the drive and readout of superconducting qubits. Both room temperature and cryogenic applications of short pulse detection are reviewed.
Current control techniques for cryogenically cooled qubits are realized with coaxial cables, posing multiple challenges in terms of cost, thermal load, size, and long-term scalability. Emerging approaches to tackle this issue include cryogenic CMOS electronics at 4 K, and photonic links for direct qubit control. In this paper, we propose a multiplexed all-passive cryogenic high frequency direct detection control platform (cryo HFDD). The proposed classical interface for direct qubit control utilizes optical or sub-THz bands. We present the possible tradeoffs of this platform, and compare it with current state of-the-art cryogenic CMOS and conventional coaxial approaches. Weassess the feasibility of adopting these efficient links for a wide range of microwave qubit power levels. Specifically, we estimate the heat load to achieve the required signal-to-noise ratio SNR considering different noise sources, component losses, as well as link density. We show that multiplexed photonic receivers at 4 K can aggressively scale the control of thousands of qubits. This opens the door for low cost scalable quantum computing systems.