Enhancing the Q-Factor of a Practical Qubit Niobium Three-Dimensional λ/4-Resonator Through Surface Treatment
Sergey Kutsaev, R. Agustsson, Aurora Cecilia Araujo Martínez, D. M. Broun, Paul R. Carriere, M. H. Chou, Taras Chouinard, Andrew N. Cleland, P. Frigola, Michael P. Kelly, Alex Krasnok, Nanda Gopal Matavalam, A. Moro, Rhys G. Povey, Thomas Reid, A. Smirnov
Quantum computing stands as a revolutionary frontier in information technology, with the potential to solve complex problems far beyond the capacity of classical computers. At the heart of this disruptive innovation are qubits, forming the fundamental backbone of quantum computing. A leading-edge solution for constructing robust, enduring qubits involves embedding a Josephson junction within a high Q-factor, superconducting three-dimensional cavity. Our recent innovation lies in developing a uniquely optimized, quarter-wave resonator-based superconducting cavity, functioning at 6 GHz, specifically tailored for quantum computers. In this work, we elucidate our advancement towards elevating the Q-factor tenfold, an achievement made possible through the enhancement of machining precision, the application of rigorous postprocessing techniques—including mechanical, chemical, and surface treatments—as well as the refinement of our testing methods.
Quantum computing stands as a revolutionary frontier in information technology, with the potential to solve complex problems far beyond the capacity of classical computers. At the heart of this disruptive innovation are qubits, forming the fundamental backbone of quantum computing. A leading-edge solution for constructing robust, enduring qubits involves embedding a Josephson junction within a high Q-factor, superconducting three-dimensional cavity. Our recent innovation lies in developing a uniquely optimized, quarter-wave resonator-based superconducting cavity, functioning at 6 GHz, specifically tailored for quantum computers. In this work, we elucidate our advancement towards elevating the Q-factor tenfold, an achievement made possible through the enhancement of machining precision, the application of rigorous postprocessing techniques—including mechanical, chemical, and surface treatments—as well as the refinement of our testing methods.
Abstract Quantum computers (QC), if realized, could disrupt many computationally intense fields of science. The building block element of a QC is a quantum bit (qubit). Qubits enable the use of quantum superposition and multi-state entanglement in QC calculations, allowing a QC to simultaneously perform millions of computations at once. However, quantum states stored in a qubit degrade with decreased quality factors and interactions with the environment. One technical solution to improve qubit lifetimes and network interactions is a circuit comprised of a Josephson junction-based qubit located inside of a high Q-factor superconducting 3D cavity. It is known that niobium resonators can reach Q0>1011 Q0>1011 . However, existing cavity geometries are optimized for particle acceleration rather than hosting qubits. RadiaBeam Technologies, in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory and The University of Chicago, has developed a niobium superconducting radio frequency quarter-wave resonant cavity (QWR) for quantum computation. A 6 GHz QWR was optimized to include tapering of the inner and outer conductors, a toroidal shape for the resonator shorting plane, and an inner conductor tip to reduce parasitic capacitance. In this paper, we present the results of the resonator design optimization, fabrication, processing, and testing.
Abstract Quantum computers (QC) have the potential to efficiently solve problems currently unfeasible on even the fastest generation of classical computers. The building block of a QC is a quantum bit (qubit). Encoding and reading qubit states coupled via high-Q resonant cavity modes is a solution to maintaining qubit states; however there is a need for simple, scalable and robust fabrication techniques capable of realizing high density cavity arrays. RadiaBeam is developing a novel approach utilizing metal additive manufacturing(AM) using both laser and electron beam powder bed fusion. Using a 6GHz quarter wave resonator (QWR), we fabricated several niobium and titanium alloy QWR cavities and characterized their superconducting RF performance. In this letter, we provide the details of the first 3D-printed qubit cavities design and fabrication, and compare their Q-factors, measured at dilution fridge temperatures, against the machined Nb resonators.
Materials imperfections in Nb -based superconducting quantum circuits—in particular, two-level-system (TLS) defects—are a major source of decoherence, ultimately limiting the performance of quantum computation and sensing. Thus, identifying and understanding the microscopic origin of possible TLS defects in these devices will help develop strategies that eliminate them, which are key to superconducting qubit performance improvement. In this paper, we demonstrate an order-of-magnitude reduction in two-level system losses in three-dimensional superconducting radio frequency (SRF) niobium resonators by a 10-h high vacuum (HV) heat treatment at 650 °C, even after exposure to air and high-pressure rinsing (HPR). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) reveal an alteration of the native oxide composition regrown after air exposure and HPR and the creation of nanoscale crystalline oxide regions, which correlates with the measured tenfold quality factor enhancement at low fields of the 1.3 GHz niobium resonator. Tunneling spectroscopy measurements show a pronounced proximity effect that further confirms the presence of metallic layers on the niobium surface.
While significant strides have been made to increase the coherence time of superconducting qubits, further advancements are essential for realizing scalable quantum computing. Decoherence is often a result of loss and noise stemming from two-level systems and excess quasiparticles, arising due to material defects, fabrication processes, and ambient exposure, particularly at surfaces and interfaces. Our recent efforts to mitigate these decoherence mechanisms have employed a variety of strategies, including low-loss surface encapsulation materials, advanced substrate preparation techniques, modifications to metal film growth, and the development of novel fabrication processes. The structural and chemical properties of materials, surfaces, and interfaces are studied using scanning probe microscopy, electron microscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction, which is correlated to device performance metrics, including superconducting resonator internal quality factor and qubit T1 time. This information is used to identify and understand material sources of loss and their origins in the device fabrication process. Through multi-institution efforts within SQMS we have identified the loss mechanism of interstitial hydrogen in niobium-based devices and shown how standard fabrication processes introduce these hydrides, developing strategies to mitigate their formation.1 Furthermore, we have characterized the metal-substrate interface, including the loss of niobium-silicides formed at that interface, and developed silicon surface treatments that reduce atomic scale roughness and oxygen content at the metal-substrate and Josephson junction interfaces.2-4 By developing the connection between materials properties and the overall performance of superconducting quantum circuitry, we can develop fabrication strategies to mitigate material losses, thus supporting the ongoing efforts to enhance coherence time in superconducting quantum devices. 1. Torres-Castanedo, C. G.*, Goronzy, D. P.*, et al., Adv. Funct. Mater., 2401365 (2024) 2. Lu, X., et al., Phys. Rev. Materials 6, 064402 (2022) 3. Berti, G., Appl. Phys. Lett. 122, 192605 (2023) 4. Kopas, C. J., Goronzy, D. P., et al., arXiv:2408.02863 (2024)
Build quantum computers using superconducting qubits and microwave cavity technology Creating qubits with sufficiently long coherence times remains one of the central challenges in building practical quantum computers. Quantum Computing with Superconducting Qubits and Cavities unites the latest advances in superconducting qubits, ultra-high-Q microwave cavities, and cavity–transmon architectures that are emerging as one of the leading platforms for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing. By combining conceptual insight with practical implementation, the book equips readers to understand not only how these systems work, but why they are at the forefront of the quantum technology revolution. The book explores quantum computation using bosonic modes, Fock states, qudits, quantum memories, and modern bosonic error-correcting codes including cat, binomial, and GKP encodings. Fundamental concepts are developed through clear physical explanations, while rigorous mathematical treatments are introduced where needed to provide a deeper understanding. Dedicated reviews of the underlying principles of quantum physics make the material accessible to newcomers without sacrificing the depth expected by researchers and practicing engineers. Quantum Computing with Superconducting Qubits and Cavities also includes: Design principles and operation of superconducting transmon qubits integrated with high-coherence microwave cavities for scalable quantum architectures. Bosonic quantum error-correction strategies that dramatically extend coherence and move quantum computing closer to fault-tolerant operation. Applications of quantum computing, including integer factoring, database searching, quantum chemistry, condensed-matter physics, and materials science simulations beyond the reach of classical computers. Materials science, fabrication methods, and surface treatments that continue to drive record improvements in qubit and cavity coherence. The global race toward quantum computing, including major international investments and the rapidly expanding role of superconducting quantum technologies. Written for physicists, materials scientists, electrical engineers, computer scientists, graduate students, and researchers entering quantum information science, this book provides both the theoretical foundation and the practical knowledge needed to engage with one of the fastest-growing fields in modern science and engineering.
Quantum information processing using superconducting qubit based on Josephson junction has become one of the most promising candidates for possible realization of a quantum computer. In the heart of the qubit circuits, the superconducting microwave resonator plays a key role in quantum operations and measurements, which enables single-photon level microwave quantum optics. During last decade, the coherence time, or the lifetime of the quantum state, of the superconducting qubit has been dramatically improved. Among several technological innovations, the improvement of superconducting microwave resonator's quality has been the main driving force in getting the qubit performance almost ready for elementary quantum computing architecture. In this paper, I will briefly review very recent progresses of the superconducting microwave resonators especially aimed for quantum device applications during the last decade. The progresses have been driven by ingenious circuit design, material improvement, and new measurement techniques. Even a rather radical idea of three-dimensional large resonators have been successfully implemented in a qubit circuit. All those efforts contributed to our understanding of the qubit decoherence mechanism and as a result to the improvement of qubit performance.