Superconducting Parametric Amplifiers: Resonator Design and Role in Qubit Readout
- URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2511.20097v2
- Date: Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:02:05 GMT
- Title: Superconducting Parametric Amplifiers: Resonator Design and Role in Qubit Readout
- Authors: Babak Mohammadian,
- Abstract summary: Superconducting parametric amplifiers (SPAs) are critical components for ultralow-noise qubit readout in quantum computing.<n>Unlike classical amplifiers, SPAs can achieve or closely approach quantum-limited performance.
- Score: 0.0
- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
- Abstract: Superconducting parametric amplifiers (SPAs) are critical components for ultralow-noise qubit readout in quantum computing, addressing the critical challenge of amplifying weak quantum signals without introducing noise that degrades coherence and computational fidelity. Unlike classical amplifiers, SPAs can achieve or closely approach quantum-limited performance, specifically the Standard Quantum Limit (SQL) of half a photon of added noise for phase-preserving amplification. The core principle of SPAs relies on parametric amplification, where energy is transferred from a strong pump tone to a weak input signal through non-dissipative nonlinear mixing processes. This is enabled by intrinsic nonlinearities in superconducting materials, primarily kinetic inductance in thin films (e.g., NbTiN, Al) and, more significantly, the Josephson effect in Josephson junctions. These nonlinear elements facilitate frequency mixing (three-wave or four-wave mixing) and can operate in phase-preserving or phase-sensitive amplification modes, with the latter allowing for noise squeezing below the SQL. This chapter emphasizes the significant role of resonator design in determining critical SPA performance metrics such as gain, bandwidth, and noise characteristics. It details both lumped-element (LC) and distributed-element (coplanar waveguide, CPW) resonators, discussing their unique properties, suitability for different frequency ranges, and the importance of achieving high-quality factors (Q) for efficient energy storage and minimal loss. A practical design and simulation of a meandered quarterwavelength CPW resonator coupled to a feed line is presented, illustrating how precise control over geometric parameters optimizes resonant frequency, coupling strength, and quality factor for high-fidelity qubit state discrimination.
Related papers
- Hybridized-Mode Parametric Amplifier in Kinetic-Inductance Circuits [0.0]
Two-mode kinetic-inductance amplifier based on capacitively coupled Kerr-nonlinear resonators fabricated from NbTiN and NbN thin films.<n>Results establish coupled kinetic-inductance resonators as a robust platform for broadband, high-power, and magnetically resilient quantum-limited amplification.
arXiv Detail & Related papers (2025-12-03T01:56:00Z) - A Linear Quantum Coupler for Clean Bosonic Control [40.363378379378524]
An ideal quantum nonlinearity would selectively activate desired coherent processes at high strength.<n>The wide bandwidth of the Josephson nonlinearity makes this difficult, with undesired drive-induced transitions and decoherence limiting qubit readout, gates, couplers and amplifiers.<n>We propose a novel mixer that combines both these strengths, with engineered selection rules that make it essentially linear (not just Kerr-free) when idle, and activate clean parametric processes even when driven at high strength.
arXiv Detail & Related papers (2025-01-29T22:26:14Z) - Blochnium-Based Josephson Junction Parametric Amplifiers: Superior Tunability and Linearity [0.0]
weak quantum signal amplification is an essential task in quantum computing.
Josephson junctions array called Blochnium (N series Quarton structure) is utilized as a parametric amplifier.
New proposed design offers significant advantages over traditional designs due to its ability to manipulate nonlinearity.
arXiv Detail & Related papers (2024-09-04T17:21:25Z) - Josephson bifurcation readout: beyond the monochromatic approximation [49.1574468325115]
We analyze properties of bifurcation quantum detectors based on weakly nonlinear superconducting resonance circuits.
This circuit can serve as an efficient detector of the quantum state of superconducting qubits.
arXiv Detail & Related papers (2024-05-25T22:22:37Z) - Toolbox for nonreciprocal dispersive models in circuit QED [41.94295877935867]
We provide a systematic method for constructing effective dispersive Lindblad master equations to describe weakly anharmonic superconducting circuits coupled by a generic dissipationless nonreciprocal linear system.
Results can be used for the design of complex superconducting quantum processors with nontrivial routing of quantum information, as well as quantum simulators of condensed matter systems.
arXiv Detail & Related papers (2023-12-13T18:44:55Z) - Selective Single and Double-Mode Quantum Limited Amplifier [0.0]
A quantum-limited amplifier enables the amplification of weak signals while introducing minimal noise dictated by the principles of quantum mechanics.
These amplifiers serve a broad spectrum of applications in quantum computing, including fast and accurate readout of superconducting qubits and spins.
We experimentally develop a novel quantum-limited amplifier based on superconducting kinetic inductance.
arXiv Detail & Related papers (2023-11-20T02:37:58Z) - Topological Josephson parametric amplifier array: A proposal for directional, broadband, and low-noise amplification [39.58317527488534]
Low-noise microwave amplifiers are crucial for detecting weak signals in fields such as quantum technology and radio astronomy.
We show that compact devices with few sites can achieve exceptional performance, with gains exceeding 20 dB over a bandwidth ranging from hundreds of MHz to GHz.
The device also operates near the quantum noise limit and provides topological protection against up to 15% fabrication disorder.
arXiv Detail & Related papers (2022-07-27T18:07:20Z) - Frequency fluctuations of ferromagnetic resonances at milliKelvin
temperatures [50.591267188664666]
Noise is detrimental to device performance, especially for quantum coherent circuits.
Recent efforts have demonstrated routes to utilizing magnon systems for quantum technologies, which are based on single magnons to superconducting qubits.
Researching the temporal behavior can help to identify the underlying noise sources.
arXiv Detail & Related papers (2021-07-14T08:00:37Z) - Topologically Protecting Squeezed Light on a Photonic Chip [58.71663911863411]
Integrated photonics offers an elegant way to increase the nonlinearity by confining light strictly inside the waveguide.
We experimentally demonstrate the topologically protected nonlinear process of spontaneous four-wave mixing enabling the generation of squeezed light on a silica chip.
arXiv Detail & Related papers (2021-06-14T13:39:46Z) - Tuneable and weakly-invasive probing of a superconducting resonator
based onelectromagnetically induced transparency [0.0]
We propose and demonstrate a spectroscopic probe of high-Q resonators based on electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) between the resonator and qubit.
We observe an interference dip originated from EIT in the qubit spectroscopy, originating from the quantum interference between the qubit probe signal and sideband transition.
Working in a previously unexplored regime in which the qubit has a larger linewidth than the resonator reduces the technical challenge of making a high-coherence qubit.
arXiv Detail & Related papers (2020-05-05T07:28:04Z)
This list is automatically generated from the titles and abstracts of the papers in this site.
This site does not guarantee the quality of this site (including all information) and is not responsible for any consequences.