Multi-Resonant Qubit Couplers for ZZ Interaction Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coupling methods for superconducting qubits result in always-on ZZ interaction, which degrades the coherence of quantum computing systems, and existing solutions like echoing and tunable-frequency elements either require time or introduce coherence degradation.

Innovation Solution

A multi-resonant coupling architecture that uses fixed-frequency elements, such as λ/2 and λ/4 resonators, and differential direct couplers to reduce ZZ interaction without affecting the ZX interaction, thereby maintaining coherence times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional single fixed-frequency resonator coupling is used, then strong ZX interaction and high coherence are achieved, but always-on ZZ interaction accumulates and corrodes the cross resonance mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecoherenceVSAvoidZZ interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single resonator coupling into multiple resonators with different resonant frequencies. Specifically, it uses a first resonator with resonant frequency below both qubit frequencies and a second resonator with resonant frequency above both qubit frequencies. This segmentation allows independent control of ZZ and ZX interactions through frequency selection, resolving the contradiction by enabling strong ZX coupling while suppressing ZZ interaction through careful frequency matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the resonant frequency parameter of the coupling resonators relative to the qubit operating frequencies. By setting the first resonator's frequency below both qubits and the second resonator's frequency above both qubits, the system exploits frequency detuning to suppress ZZ interaction while maintaining ZX coupling strength. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between achieving strong coupling and minimizing harmful ZZ interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If echoing pulses are used to cancel ZZ interaction, then ZZ error is reduced, but coherence budget is significantly reduced due to finite coherence times

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveZZ interactionVSAvoidcoherence budget
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by designing the coupling architecture to inherently suppress ZZ interaction from the outset, rather than requiring corrective echoing pulses afterward. The multi-resonator configuration with specific frequency relationships pre-compensates for ZZ coupling, eliminating the need for time-consuming echo correction sequences and preserving the coherence budget.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If tunable-frequency couplers are used to reduce ZZ interaction, then ZZ error is reduced, but coherence degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveZZ interactionVSAvoidcoherence
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fixed-frequency resonators with carefully selected resonant frequencies rather than tunable-frequency elements. The first resonator operates below both qubit frequencies and the second resonator operates above both qubit frequencies, creating frequency detuning that suppresses ZZ interaction. This approach maintains coherence by avoiding the complexity and potential instability of tunable elements while achieving ZZ suppression through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The multi-resonant coupling architecture effectively reduces ZZ interaction by an order of magnitude without decreasing the coupling strength or cross-resonance gate speed, eliminating the need for echoing and tunable-frequency elements, thus preserving coherence times.

Implementation Method 1

a first resonator that capacitively couples the first qubit to the second qubit and a second resonator that capacitively couples the first qubit to the second qubit... the first resonator can have a first resonant frequency that is less than the first operational frequency and that is less than the second operational frequency... the second resonator can have a second resonant frequency that is greater than the first operational frequency and that is greater than the second operational frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a first resonator that capacitively couples the first qubit to the second qubit and a second resonator that capacitively couples the first qubit to the second qubit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11728797B2Multi-resonant coupling architectures for ZZ interaction reduction
Publication Date: 2023.08.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US11728797B2 patent drawing
  • US11728797B2 patent drawing
  • US11728797B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and techniques that facilitate multi-resonant couplers for preserving ZX interaction while reducing ZZ interaction are provided. In various embodiments, a first qubit can have a first operational frequency and a second qubit can have a second operational frequency, and a multi-resonant architecture can couple the first qubit to the second qubit. In various embodiments, the multi-resonant architecture can comprise a first resonator and a second resonator. In various cases, the first resonator can capacitively couple the first qubit to the second qubit, and a second resonator can capacitively couple the first qubit to the second qubit. In various aspects, the first resonator and the second resonator can be in parallel. In various instances, the first resonator can have a first resonant frequency less than the first operational frequency and the second operational frequency, and the second resonator can have a second resonant frequency greater than the first operational frequency and the second operational frequency. In various other embodiments, the multi-resonant architecture can comprise a resonator, a first end of which can be capacitively coupled to the first qubit and to the second qubit, and a second end of which can be coupled to ground. In various instances, the resonator can have a first harmonic less than the first operational frequency and the second operational frequency, and can have a second harmonic greater than the first operational frequency and the second operational frequency. In various other embodiments, the multi-resonant architecture can comprise a resonator and a direct coupler. In various embodiments, the resonator and the direct coupler can both capacitively couple the first qubit to the second qubit, and the resonator and the direct coupler can be in parallel. In various cases, the direct coupler can couple opposite pads of the first qubit and the second qubit. In various embodiments, a first end of the resonator can be capacitively coupled to the first qubit and the second qubit, a second end of the resonator can be coupled to ground, and the direct coupler can capacitively couple common pads of the first qubit and the second qubit.