Parametric Quantum Logic Gates Without Coupler Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current quantum computing systems face challenges in implementing efficient and scalable quantum logic gates due to limitations in qubit interaction, spatial density, and control overhead, particularly in achieving high fidelity and tunability without requiring additional coupler devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of parametrically activated two-qubit quantum logic gates, which allows for qubit coupling without direct interaction with additional devices, enabling higher spatial density, reduced control overhead, and easier tunability by modulating the magnetic flux and frequency of tunable qubit devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional coupler devices are used to enable qubit interaction, then quantum logic gate operations can be performed, but device complexity and spatial requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum logic gate operationVSAvoidcoupler device requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the coupling function from separate physical coupler devices and integrates it directly into the qubit devices themselves. Each qubit device is equipped with a flux modulation interface that enables direct parametric coupling with neighboring qubits, eliminating the need for additional coupler components while maintaining quantum logic gate operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The qubit devices are designed with dual functionality: they serve both as quantum information storage units and as active coupling elements. The flux modulation capability embedded in each qubit device allows it to perform both computation and coupling functions, reducing overall system complexity

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

2Reliability

If additional coupler devices are used to enable qubit interaction, then quantum logic gate operations can be performed, but spatial density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum logic gate operationVSAvoidspatial density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the separate coupler devices from the system architecture, the patent eliminates the additional spatial footprint they would require. The qubit devices are positioned in a dense grid arrangement where each device directly interfaces with its neighbors through flux modulation, maximizing spatial density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling functionality is merged into the qubit device structure itself, allowing adjacent qubits to interact through shared flux modulation pathways. This integration eliminates the need for intermediate coupling space, enabling tighter packing of qubit devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional coupler devices are used to enable qubit interaction, then quantum logic gate operations can be performed, but control overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum logic gate operationVSAvoidcontrol overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each qubit device autonomously performs its own coupling operations through local flux modulation. The embedded flux modulation interface allows each qubit to directly control its coupling strength with neighboring qubits without requiring external coupler control, significantly reducing control overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes flux modulation as a control parameter to dynamically adjust coupling strength. By varying the magnetic flux applied to each qubit device, the system can enable or disable coupling and adjust interaction strength, providing fine-grained control with simple parameter adjustment rather than complex device manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Area of moving object

If direct qubit interaction is implemented without additional devices, then spatial density increases, but tuning and control become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial densityVSAvoidtunability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flux modulation as a control mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of coupling parameters. By changing the magnetic flux applied to each qubit device, operators can continuously tune the coupling strength between adjacent qubits, enabling precise control despite the dense direct interaction architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic coupling control where the interaction strength between qubits can be adjusted in real-time through flux modulation. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt coupling parameters during operation, maintaining ease of tuning while preserving high spatial density

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 approach enables faster, more robust, and high-fidelity quantum logic operations with a larger selection of gates, achieving scalable quantum computing architectures and improved coherence times by eliminating the need for additional coupler devices.

Implementation Method 1

a flux-bias device that is coupled to the superconducting circuit loop to receive control signals, and to modulate a magnetic flux that threads the superconducting circuit loop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux modulation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The parametric modulation can generate an interaction between the qubit devices to apply a two-qubit quantum logic gate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParametric resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3642959B1Parametrically activated quantum logic gates
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 RIGETTI & CO INC
  • EP3642959B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3642959B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3642959B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a general aspect, a quantum logic gate is performed in a quantum computing system. In some cases, a pair of qubits are defined in a quantum processor; the pair of qubits can include a first qubit defined by a first qubit device in the quantum processor and a second qubit defined by a tunable qubit device in the quantum processor. A quantum logic gate can be applied to the pair of qubits by communicating a control signal to a control line coupled to the tunable qubit device. The control signal can be configured to modulate a transition frequency of the tunable qubit device at a modulation frequency, and the modulation frequency can be determined based on a transition frequency of the first qubit device.