arXiv:2510.26085 · Physical review. B./Physical review. B
Modeling of simple bandpass filters: Bandwidth broadening of Josephson parametric devices due to non-Markovian coupling to dressed transmission-line modes
Josephson parametric devices are widely used in superconducting quantum computing research but suffer from an inherent gain-bandwidth trade-off. This limitation is partly overcome by coupling the device to its input/output transmission line via a bandpass filter, leading to wider bandwidth at undiminished gain. Here we perform a non-perturbative circuit analysis in terms of dressed transmission-line modes for representative resonant coupling circuits, going beyond the weak-coupling treatment. The strong frequency dependence of the resulting coupling coefficients implies that the Markov approximation commonly employed in cQED analysis is inadequate. By retaining the full frequency dependence of the coupling, we arrive at a non-Markovian form of the quantum Langevin equation with the frequency-dependent complex-valued self-energy of the coupling in place of a single damping parameter. We also consistently generalize the input-output relations and unitarity conditions. Using the exact self-energies of elementary filter networks -- a series- and parallel-LC circuit and a simple representative bandpass filter consisting of their combination -- we calculate the generalized parametric gain factors. Compared with their Markovian counterpart, these gain profiles are strongly modified. We find bandwidth broadening not only in the established parameter regime, where the self-energy of the coupling is in resonance with the device and its real part has unity slope, but also within off-resonant parameter regimes where the real part of the self-energy is large. Our results offer insight for the bandwidth engineering of Josephson parametric devices using simple coupling networks.
Josephson parametric devices are widely used in superconducting quantum computing research but suffer from an inherent gain-bandwidth trade-off. This limitation is partly overcome by coupling the device to its input/output transmission line via a bandpass filter, leading to wider bandwidth at undiminished gain. Here we perform a non-perturbative circuit analysis in terms of dressed transmission-line modes for representative resonant coupling circuits, going beyond the weak-coupling treatment. The strong frequency dependence of the resulting coupling coefficients implies that the Markov approximation commonly employed in cQED analysis is inadequate. By retaining the full frequency dependence of the coupling, we arrive at a non-Markovian form of the quantum Langevin equation with the frequency-dependent complex-valued self-energy of the coupling in place of a single damping parameter. We also consistently generalize the input-output relations and unitarity conditions. Using the exact self-energies of elementary filter networks -- a series- and parallel-LC circuit and a simple representative bandpass filter consisting of their combination -- we calculate the generalized parametric gain factors. Compared with their Markovian counterpart, these gain profiles are strongly modified. We find bandwidth broadening not only in the established parameter regime, where the self-energy of the coupling is in resonance with the device and its real part has unity slope, but also within off-resonant parameter regimes where the real part of the self-energy is large. Our results offer insight for the bandwidth engineering of Josephson parametric devices using simple coupling networks.
Recently Yaakobi and co-workers [Phys. Rev. B 87, 144301 (2013)] theoretically studied four-wave mixing and parametric amplification in a nonlinear transmission line consisting of capacitively shunted Josephson junctions. By deriving and solving the coupled-mode equations, they have arrived at the conclusion that in a wide frequency range around the pump frequency exponential parametric gain (in which the signal grows exponentially with distance) can be achieved. However, we have found a mathematical error in their derivation of the coupled-mode equations (Equation (A13)), which leads to the wrong expression of the gain factor and invalidates their conclusions on the gain and bandwidth. In this comment, we present the correct expression for the parametric gain. We show that for a transmission line with weak dispersion or positive dispersion ($Δk>0 $), as is the case discussed by Yaakobi et al, while quadratic (power) gain can occur around the pump frequency, exponential gain is impossible. Furthermore, for a transmission line with proper intrinsic or engineered dispersion, exponential gain occurs at frequencies where the phase matching condition is met, while around the pump frequency the gain is still quadratic.
This research investigates the realization of parametric amplification in superconducting circuits and structures where nonlinearity is provided by Josephson junction (JJ) elements. We aim to develop a systematic analysis over JJ-based devices toward design of novel traveling-wave Josephson parametric amplifiers (TW-JPA). Chapters of this thesis fall into three categories: lumped JPA, superconducting periodic structures and discrete Josephson transmission lines (DJTL). \nThe unbiased Josephson junction (JJ) is a nonlinear element suitable for parametric amplification through a four-photon process. Two circuit topologies are introduced to capture the unique property of the JJ in order to efficiently mix signal, pump and idler signals for the purpose of signal amplification. Closed-form expressions are derived for gain characteristics, bandwidth determination, noise properties and impedance for this kind of parametric power amplifier. The concept of negative resistance in the gain formulation is observed. A design process is also introduced to find the regimes of operation for gain achievement. Two regimes of operation, oscillation and amplification, are highlighted and distinguished in the result section. Optimization of the circuits to enhance the bandwidth is also carried out. \nMoving toward TW-JPA, the second part is devoted to modelling the linear wave propagation in a periodic superconducting structure. We derive closed-form equations for dispersion and s-parameters of infinite and finite periodic structures, respectively. Band gap formation is highlighted and its potential applications in the design of passive filters and resonators are discussed. The superconducting structures are fabricated using YBCO and measured, illustrating a good correlation with the numerical results. \nA novel superconducting Transmission Line (TL), which is periodically loaded by Josephson junctions (JJ) and assisted by open stubs, is proposed as a platform to realize a traveling-wave parametric device. Using the TL model, this structure is modeled by a system of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDE) with a driving source and mixed-boundary conditions at the input and output terminals, respectively. This model successfully emulates parametric and nonlinear microwave propagation when long-wave approximation is applicable. The influence of dispersion to sustain three non-degenerate phased-locked waves through the TL is highlighted. \nA rigorous and robust Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) solver based on the explicit Lax-Wendroff and implicit Crank-Nicolson schemes has been developed to investigate the device responses under various excitations. Linearization of the wave equation, under small-amplitude assumption, dispersion and impedance analysis is performed to explore more aspects of the device for the purpose of efficient design of a traveling-wave parametric amplifier. \nKnowing all microwave characteristics and identifying different regimes of operation, which include impedance properties, cut-off propagation, dispersive behaviour and shock-wave formation, we exploit perturbation theory accompanied by the method of multiple scale to derive the three nonlinear coupled amplitude equations to describe the parametric interaction. A graphical technique is suggested to find three waves on the dispersion diagram satisfying the phase-matching conditions. Both cases of perfect phase-matching and slight mismatching are addressed in this work. The incorporation of two numerical techniques, spectral method in space and multistep Adams-Bashforth in time domain, is employed to monitor the unilateral gain, superior stability and bandwidth of this structure. Two types of functionality, mixing and amplification, with their requirements are described. These properties make this structure desirable for applications ranging from superconducting optoelectronics to dispersive readout of superconducting qubits where high sensitivity and ultra-low noise operation is required.
Broadband quantum-limited amplifiers play a critical role in the single-shot readout of superconducting qubits, but a popular implementation, the traveling wave parametric amplifier, involves a complex design and fabrication process. Here, we present a simple design for a Josephson parametric amplifier, using a lumped element resonator comprising a superconducting quantum interference device whose useful bandwidth is enhanced with an on-chip impedance-matching circuit. We demonstrate a flux-coupling geometry that maximizes the coupling to the Josephson loop and minimizes spurious excitation of the amplifier resonant circuit. The amplifier, which operates in a flux-pumped mode, is demonstrated with a power gain of more than 20 dB over a bandwidth of about 300 MHz, where approximate noise measurements indicate quantum-limited performance. A procedure is given for optimizing the bandwidth for this kind of amplifier, using a linearized circuit simulation while minimizing non-linearities.
Circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) is a prominent platform for quantum information processing, in which microwave photons are confined into resonant cavities coupled to superconducting quantum bits (qubits). The large effective dipole moment of the qubit, in combination with the high energy density of the quasi 1-D resonator allow these systems to enter the so-called strong coupling regime. The quantum state of the qubit can then be assessed by probing the frequency of the resonator, protecting the qubit from otherwise losing its energy to the environment. However, eventhough this so-called dispersive readout technique has proven useful, it is often in itself insufficient to render single-shot readout performance | one of the crucial tasks required for realizing a quantum computer. This thesis describes the demonstration of a single-shot readout technique forsuperconducting quantum bits, based on coupling the qubit to a frequency-tunable resonator. The backbone of our device is a 5 GHz quarter-wavelength coplanar waveguide resonator, terminated at one end by a non-linear inductance provided by a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The SQUID acts as a flux-controlled boundary condition, which effectively changes the electrical length of the resonator. This enables the modulation of the resonant frequency by coupling microwave magnetic flux into the SQUID, using an on-chip transmission line. The modulation occurs on a timescale much faster than the photon loss out of the resonator and if the pump strength exceeds a threshold value set by the damping rate of the resonator, an intense photon field will build up inside the resonator | known as "parametric oscillations". By heterodyne detection of the output signal from the Josephson parametric oscillator (JPO), we first extracted two leading nonlinear effects of the system (dominating in different limits of applied magnetic flux). Next, we couple a qubit to the JPO and demonstrate that we can encode its quantum state onto the strong output field of the parametric oscillator (or lack thereof), rendering a signal-to-noise ratio sufficient for single-shot state detection and therefore also obviating a quantum limited parametric amplifier. The thesis also contains results from microscopic studies of the Josephson junctions, which we use to provide the necessary nonlinearities in the above mentioned devices. In particular, we show how the microstructure of the barrier layer and its atomic composition can be used to infer important electrical properties of the junctions. This knowledge allows us to better tailor the properties of Josephson-based devices.
We present the Josephson junction intersected superconducting transmission line resonator. In contrast to the Josephson parametric amplifier, Josephson bifurcation amplifier and Josephson parametric converter we consider the regime of few microwave photons. We review the derivation of eigenmode frequencies and zero point fluctuations of the nonlinear transmission line resonator and the derivation of the eigenmode Kerr nonlinearities. Remarkably these nonlinearities can reach values comparable to Transmon qubits rendering the device ideal for accessing the strongly correlated regime. This is particularly interesting for investigation of quantum many-body dynamics of interacting particles under the influence of drive and dissipation. We provide current profiles for the device modes and investigate the coupling between resonators in a network of nonlinear transmission line resonators.
In this thesis, we study two topics on superconducting circuits. \nThe first topic is the tunable coupler for resonators. \nThis coupler is implemented with a superconducting circuit coupling with resonators in the dispersive regime. \nIt possesses a high on/off ratio and the coupling between two degenerate resonators can be turned off by tuning the frequency of the coupler via the biasing flux. \nWe present the design, the simulation, \nand the fabrication of the chip implementing this coupler. \nWe derive the Hamiltonian of the chip via formal circuit quantization. \nWe also present numerical results of the eigenenergies and the eigenstates of the chip. \nFrom the numerical results, \nwe show that the tunable coupling and the turn-off point can be realized on the chip. \n \nThe second topic is impedance engineering for enhancing the bandwidth of a Josephson parametric amplifier. \nBy transforming the input impedance seen by the Josephson parametric amplifier, \nthe frequency dependence of the gain function can be decreased and the bandwidth of the Josephson parametric amplifier can be enhanced. \nWe study impedance engineering for two different types of flux pumping Josephson parametric amplifier. \nFor each type of amplifier, \nwe develop a corresponding method of impedance engineering, \nand study implementing the method with transmission lines.