Cascaded Josephson Isolators for Frequency-Multiplexed Microwave Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current microwave isolators in quantum computing are limited in their ability to isolate frequency-multiplexed microwave signals, as they typically operate within a narrow bandwidth and cannot effectively handle signals outside their operational frequency range, leading to inefficiencies in signal propagation and isolation.

Innovation Solution

A cascading multi-path interferometric Josephson isolator system is developed, utilizing nondegenerate three-wave-mixing Josephson devices with nonoverlapping bandwidths, allowing for the isolation and propagation of frequency-multiplexed microwave signals across a broader range by series coupling multiple isolators, each operating within distinct frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single microwave isolator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the bandwidth coverage is limited and cannot handle frequency-multiplexed signals across a broad range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth coverageVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the broadband isolation task into multiple narrowband isolators, each handling a specific frequency band. The cascaded architecture segments the overall frequency range into distinct segments, with each isolator optimized for its segment, thereby achieving broad bandwidth coverage through composition of specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimension (single frequency band) isolator to a multi-dimensional (multiple frequency bands) system by cascading multiple isolators with different center frequencies. This dimensional expansion in frequency space enables comprehensive coverage of frequency-multiplexed signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple isolators with nonoverlapping bandwidths are cascaded, then the total isolation bandwidth increases, but the device complexity and signal path length increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal isolation bandwidthVSAvoidsignal path length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple isolators into a single cascaded system where the output of one isolator feeds into the input of the next. This merging of components creates a unified isolation system that handles multiple frequency bands simultaneously, achieving broad bandwidth while managing signal path length through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple isolators are cascaded to cover broader bandwidth, then the isolation effectiveness across frequency-multiplexed signals improves, but the loss of time for signal propagation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolation effectivenessVSAvoidsignal propagation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically tunable isolators where the isolation characteristics can be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize signal propagation speed while maintaining effective isolation, adapting to different operational conditions and minimizing unnecessary delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables efficient isolation and propagation of multiple frequency signals across a broader bandwidth than a single isolator, enhancing the operational capabilities of quantum computing systems by effectively managing signals within and outside the individual isolator bandwidths.

Implementation Method 1

nondegenerate three-wave-mixing Josephson devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThree-wave-mixing:

Implementation Method 2

Josephson devices, where each device in the set is based on nondegenerate three-wave-mixing Josephson devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJosephson effect: Josephson Effect

Implementation Method 3

different operating bandwidths have different corresponding center frequencies... series coupling between first Josephson device from the set and an n th Josephson device from the set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency selective filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP3718209B1Isolation of frequency multiplexed microwave signals using cascading multi-path interferometric josephson isolators with nonoverlapping bandwidths
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • EP3718209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3718209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cascading microwave isolator (cascade) includes a set of Josephson devices, each Josephson device in the set having a corresponding operating bandwidth of microwave frequencies. Different operating bandwidths have different corresponding center frequencies. A series coupling is formed between first Josephson device from the set and an nth Josephson device from the set. The series coupling causes the first Josephson device to isolate a signal at a first frequency from a frequency multiplexed microwave signal (multiplexed signal) in a first signal flow direction through the series coupling and the nth Josephson device to isolate a signal at an nth frequency from the multiplexed signal in the first signal flow direction through the series.