Laurence Cochrane, Theodor Lundberg, David J. Ibberson, Lisa A. Ibberson, Louis Hutin, Benoît Bertrand, Nadia A. Stelmashenko, Jason W. A. Robinson, M. Vinet, Ashwin A. Seshia, M. Fernando González-Zalba
Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs) approaching quantum-limited noise performance have been instrumental in enabling high fidelity readout of superconducting qubits and, recently, semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). We propose that the quantum capacitance arising in electronic two-level systems (the dual of Josephson inductance) can provide an alternative dissipationless nonlinear element for parametric amplification. We experimentally demonstrate phase-sensitive parametric amplification using a QD-reservoir electron transition in a CMOS nanowire split-gate transistor embedded in a 1.8 GHz superconducting lumped-element microwave cavity, achieving parametric gains of -3 to +3 dB, limited by Sisyphus dissipation. Using a semiclassical model, we find an optimized design within current technological capabilities could achieve gains and bandwidths comparable to JPAs, while providing complementary specifications with respect to integration in semiconductor platforms or operation at higher magnetic fields.
Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs) approaching quantum-limited noise performance have been instrumental in enabling high fidelity readout of superconducting qubits and, recently, semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). We propose that the quantum capacitance arising in electronic two-level systems (the dual of Josephson inductance) can provide an alternative dissipationless nonlinear element for parametric amplification. We experimentally demonstrate phase-sensitive parametric amplification using a QD-reservoir electron transition in a CMOS nanowire split-gate transistor embedded in a 1.8 GHz superconducting lumped-element microwave cavity, achieving parametric gains of -3 to +3 dB, limited by Sisyphus dissipation. Using a semiclassical model, we find an optimized design within current technological capabilities could achieve gains and bandwidths comparable to JPAs, while providing complementary specifications with respect to integration in semiconductor platforms or operation at higher magnetic fields.
Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs) approaching quantum-limited noise performance have been instrumental in enabling high fidelity readout of superconducting qubits and, recently, semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). We propose that the quantum capacitance arising in electronic two-level systems (the dual of Josephson inductance) can provide an alternative dissipation-less non-linear element for parametric amplification. We experimentally demonstrate phase-sensitive parametric amplification using a QD-reservoir electron transition in a CMOS nanowire split-gate transistor embedded in a 1.8~GHz superconducting lumped-element microwave cavity, achieving parametric gains of -3 to +3 dB, limited by Sisyphus dissipation. Using a semi-classical model, we find an optimised design within current technological capabilities could achieve gains and bandwidths comparable to JPAs, while providing complementary specifications with respect to integration in semiconductor platforms or operation at higher magnetic fields.
In microwave-based quantum circuits, including double quantum dots (DQDs), superconducting qubits and spin qubits, parametric amplifiers are indispensable in achieving high-fidelity qubit readouts. Despite its importance, the application of parametric amplifiers is hampered by several challenges, such as high insertion losses, constrained tunability, and a pronounced vulnerability to magnetic fields. Here, we demonstrate an on-site single-atom parametric amplifier (SAPA) within a reconfigurable quantum circuit, which consists of a superconducting microwave cavity and two GaAs gate-defined DQDs. Leveraging the inherent nonlinearity of the DQD, a parametric gain exceeding 11 dB is achieved. This gain contributes to enhance the qubit readout, as evidenced by exceeding two times improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) when employing the DQD-based amplifier for reading out another DQD. Our work not only presents a versatile experimental platform with enhanced readout capabilities in quantum computing, but also introduces alternative choices of parametric amplifiers for a variety of microwave-based quantum circuits.
Superconductor-semiconductor hybrid materials have been extensively used for experiments on electrically tunable quantum devices. Notably, Josephson junctions utilizing nanowire weak links have enabled a number of new gate-tunable qubits, including gatemons, Andreev level qubits and spin qubits. Conversely, superconducting parametric amplifiers based on Josephson junctions have not yet been implemented using nanowires, even though such nearly quantum limited amplifiers are key elements in experiments on quantum circuits. Here we present Josephson parametric amplifiers based on arrays of parallel InAs nanowires that feature a large critical current as required for linear amplification. The resonance frequency of the devices is gate-tunable by almost 1 GHz, with a gain exceeding 20 dB in multiple frequencies and noise approaching the quantum-limit. This new platform enables on-chip integration of gate-tunable qubits with quantum limited amplifiers using the same hybrid materials and on any substrate.
Superconducting quantum circuits are a leading platform for building a large-scale quantum processor [1]. A crucial component necessary for the high-fidelity readout of qubits in this framework, is an ultra-low-noise microwave amplifier. Thus, over the past two decades, superconducting Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs) have been developed that achieve near quantum-limited noise performance, an order of magnitude lower than competing microwave amplifiers based on semiconductor transistors [2]. Nevertheless, JPAs suffer from drawbacks such as limited bandwidth and compression power that makes them difficult to use in an eventual large-scale quantum processor. Thus, an ongoing theme in JPA development is to optimize the circuit to improve these specifications without sacrificing other desirable properties such as the noise performance, ease of construction and operation, etc. Here, we review some results of optimizing a specific JPA circuit called the SNAIL parametric amplifier [3]–[5], shown in Fig. 1, where the acronym SNAIL refers to the Superconducting Nonlinear Asymmetric Inductive eLement. The SNAIL is a composite element made from conventional Al/AlOx/Al Josephson junctions, which has a nonlinear current-phase relation that can be approximated as a nonlinear inductance. By applying a strong microwave frequency pump to modulate the nonlinear inductance, parametric amplification can be realized. By device and circuit engineering we have demonstrated two orders of magnitude improvement in compression power (Fig. 2) in such devices without sacrificing other desirable characteristics.
Josephson Parametric Amplifiers (JPAs) are key components in quantum information processing due to their ability to amplify weak quantum signals with near-quantum-limited noise performance. This is essential for applications such as qubit readout, quantum sensing, and communication, where signal fidelity and coherence preservation are critical. Unlike CMOS and HEMT amplifiers used in conventional RF systems, JPAs are specifically optimized for millikelvin (mK) cryogenic environments. CMOS amplifiers offer good integration but perform poorly at ultra-low temperatures due to high noise. HEMT amplifiers provide better noise performance but are power-intensive and less suited for mK operation. JPAs, by contrast, combine low power consumption with ultra-low noise and excellent cryogenic compatibility, making them ideal for quantum systems. The first part of this study compares these RF amplifier types and explains why JPAs are preferred in cryogenic quantum applications. The second part focuses on the design and analysis of JPAs based on both single Josephson junctions and junction arrays. While single-junction JPAs utilize nonlinear inductance for amplification, they suffer from gain compression, limited dynamic range, and sensitivity to fabrication variations. To overcome these challenges, this work explores JPA designs using Josephson junction arrays. Arrays distribute the nonlinear response, enhancing power handling, linearity, impedance tunability, and coherence while reducing phase noise. Several advanced JPA architectures are proposed, simulated, and compared using quantum theory and CAD tools to assess performance trade-offs and improvements over conventional designs.
Josephson parametric amplification is a tool of paramount importance in circuit-QED especially for the quantum-noise-limited single-shot read-out of superconducting qubits. We developed a Josephson parametric amplifier (JPA) based on a lumped-element LC resonator, in which the inductance L is composed by a geometric inductance and an array of 4 superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). We characterized the main figures of merit of the device, obtaining a −3 dB bandwidth BW = 15 MHz for a gain G = 21 dB and a 1 dB compression point P1dB = −115 dBm. The obtained results are promising for the future use of such JPA as the first stage of amplification for single-shot readout of superconducting qubits.