Interconnect Chip L-Coupler Relieves Stress on Quantum Processors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Quantum processors face mechanical stress and unintended microwave crosstalk due to traditional connection methods, which degrade performance and coherence, especially when scaling to larger systems.

Innovation Solution

The use of interconnect chips and L-couplers to mechanically and electrically support superconducting cables, relieving mechanical stress and reducing microwave interference by creating a modular quantum processor design with plug-and-play architecture, allowing for low-loss connections between quantum processors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional connection methods are used to attach cables to quantum processors, then mechanical stress is exerted on the bond connections, but this degrades quantum processor performance and coherence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stress resistanceVSAvoidquantum processor performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate functional components: an interconnect chip that handles mechanical support and electrical connection, and a quantum processor that maintains quantum coherence. The interconnect chip acts as an intermediary layer that segments the mechanical stress function from the quantum processing function, allowing each to optimize for its specific requirements without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnect chip serves as an intermediary component between the cable connection and the quantum processor. It mediates the mechanical stress and electrical connection, protecting the quantum processor from direct exposure to mechanical forces and electromagnetic interference while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If connections are made near the quantum processor to facilitate larger quantum systems, then quantum channels can be used, but unintended microwave crosstalk occurs between shielded quantum components and the packaging environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum system scalabilityVSAvoidmicrowave crosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnect chip acts as an intermediary that isolates the quantum processor from the packaging environment. It provides a controlled interface where cables can be connected without exposing the quantum processor to external electromagnetic fields, thereby preventing microwave crosstalk while enabling system scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnect chip provides localized electromagnetic shielding and controlled impedance routing in the specific region where cables connect to the quantum processor. This local quality enhancement protects the delicate quantum components from environmental interference while maintaining the overall system architecture for scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If soldering is used to attach connections to the quantum processor, then electrical connection is achieved, but heat operations degrade quantum processor performance and coherence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidheat exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnect chip serves as a thermal intermediary that decouples the heating process from the quantum processor. Soldering can be performed on the interconnect chip without directly heating the quantum processor, as the interconnect chip acts as a thermal barrier and isolates the sensitive quantum components from thermal damage while still achieving reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240412090A1Interconnect chip and l-coupler for modular quantum links
Publication Date: 2024.12.12 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US20240412090A1 patent drawing
  • US20240412090A1 patent drawing
  • US20240412090A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and techniques that facilitate coupling a superconducting cable to a interconnect chip and a quantum processor. In various embodiments, a system can comprise a quantum processor, one or more interconnect chips, and one or more cable connections. The quantum processor can comprise a plurality of qubits. Additionally, the one or more interconnect chips can be bonded to the quantum processor, and the one or more cable connections can be coupled to the one or more interconnect chips. With embodiments, the one or more interconnect chips can comprise one or more signal routings from the one or more cable connections to the quantum processor. Further, in embodiments, a first signal can pass from the one or more cable connections to at least one of the plurality of qubits.