Laser-Modulated Shunt Capacitor Geometry for Qubit Frequency Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Superconducting qubits exhibit an intrinsic spread in frequencies due to Josephson junction critical current variations, making it challenging to control qubit frequencies within the required tolerance for large-scale quantum computing applications.

Innovation Solution

The method involves measuring qubit characteristics, computing corrections, and adjusting the geometry of a shunt capacitor using laser direct write processes, such as deposition, subtraction, or modification, to achieve the desired frequency tolerance, minimizing coherence reduction by placing corrections in areas of minimum electric field participation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If standard semiconductor fabrication methods are used to manufacture qubits, then manufacturing scalability is improved, but qubit frequency control precision deteriorates due to intrinsic spread in Josephson junction critical currents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing scalabilityVSAvoidqubit frequency control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring qubit frequencies after fabrication and computing required adjustments before final assembly. The system determines necessary frequency corrections in advance, then applies targeted modifications to shunt capacitors to achieve desired frequency tolerances before qubits are integrated into the quantum computer system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the geometry of shunt capacitors (changing area, shape, or configuration) to adjust qubit frequencies. By varying capacitor parameters post-fabrication, the system compensates for variations in Josephson junction critical currents and brings qubit frequencies within required tolerances while maintaining standard fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If qubit frequencies are adjusted post-fabrication to achieve required tolerance, then frequency control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional adjustment steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing automated frequency measurement and adjustment systems. The system automatically measures qubit frequencies, computes required corrections, and applies adjustments to shunt capacitors without requiring manual intervention for each qubit. This automation reduces operational complexity while achieving precise frequency control across large numbers of qubits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by measuring actual qubit frequencies after fabrication, comparing them to target values, and using the measurement data to compute and apply appropriate adjustments to shunt capacitors. This closed-loop feedback process ensures frequency precision while systematically managing the complexity of adjustments across multiple qubits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If shunt capacitor geometry is modified to correct frequency deviations, then frequency distribution uniformity is improved, but coherence time may be reduced due to modifications in electric field regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency distribution uniformityVSAvoidcoherence time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making targeted, localized modifications to shunt capacitor geometries rather than uniform changes across the entire capacitor. By adjusting specific regions of the shunt capacitor that have minimal impact on the qubit's electric field distribution, the system achieves frequency correction while preserving coherence time. The modifications are locally optimized to balance frequency uniformity with coherence preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple distinct qubit frequencies are controlled within tight tolerances, then gate operation capability is improved, but drive electronics complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegate operation capabilityVSAvoiddrive electronics complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a standardized frequency adjustment system that can be applied to all qubit types in the system. The same shunt capacitor modification approach and measurement-adjustment methodology work across different qubit frequencies and configurations, providing a universal solution for frequency control that simplifies drive electronics design while maintaining the ability to operate multiple distinct frequency channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach effectively adjusts qubit frequencies to meet the necessary tolerance for quantum computing, reducing frequency spreads and maintaining coherence, enabling the use of qubits in large-scale quantum computers with minimal impact on anharmonicity.

Implementation Method 1

adjusting a geometry of a shunt capacitor, post production, using a laser direct write process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser direct write deposition: Pulsed Laser Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS10170680B2Qubits by selective laser-modulated deposition
Publication Date: 2019.01.01 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10170680B2 patent drawing
  • US10170680B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for adjusting a qubit includes measuring a qubit characteristic of a qubit device and computing a modification to correct the qubit characteristic. A geometry of a shunt capacitor is adjusted using a laser direct write process. The qubit characteristic is verified.