Persistent Flux Biasing in Superconducting Loops for Stable Qubits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Superconducting qubits are sensitive to noise from external flux bias lines, leading to dephasing and reduced coherence, which limits their effectiveness in quantum processors.

Innovation Solution

A tunable qubit device with a superconducting loop inductively coupled to a SQUID loop and a flux bias line, where the superconducting loop provides a persistent magnetic field by trapping flux using controlled temperature changes, isolating the qubit from noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If persistent flux biasing is applied to stabilize qubit flux states, then qubit stability and coherence are improved, but magnetic flux noise and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequbit stabilityVSAvoidmagnetic flux noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing system is divided into multiple independent superconducting loops (first loop and second loop) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows the patent to apply biasing fields to stabilize qubit states while using independent control to manage and minimize magnetic flux noise from each loop individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the superconducting loops act as mediators between the control system and the qubit. These loops provide the necessary magnetic flux biasing while their superconducting nature and configurable design allow them to filter and control the magnetic flux, reducing harmful noise transmission to the qubit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple superconducting loops are used for flux biasing, then qubit control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflux control precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The superconducting loops are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide persistent flux biasing, enable qubit state control, and serve as part of the readout mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving precise flux control through the configurable loop parameters.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If persistent current is maintained in superconducting loops, then flux bias stability is improved, but energy consumption and system overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflux bias stabilityVSAvoidenergy overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the superconducting phase transition to maintain persistent currents without energy dissipation. By operating the loops in the superconducting state, the system achieves stable flux biasing through persistent currents that flow without resistance, eliminating continuous energy consumption while maintaining composition stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The superconducting loops maintain their persistent currents through self-service mechanisms where the circulating current generates its own magnetic field without requiring external power supply. This self-sustaining property provides stable flux biasing while minimizing energy overhead, as the system only requires initial current establishment and maintains itself through the superconducting state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 persistent biasing method enhances qubit coherence by maintaining a stable magnetic field without noise interference, allowing for precise frequency tuning and extended operation.

Implementation Method 1

a superconducting loop inductively coupled to the SQUID loop, and a flux bias line inductively coupled to the superconducting loop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The superconducting loop is formed from a superconducting material having a critical temperature that is a lower temperature than a critical temperature of any superconducting material of the tunable qubit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentEP3959668B1Persistent flux biasing methodology for superconducting loops
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • EP3959668B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3959668B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3959668B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A tunable qubit device includes a tunable qubit, the tunable qubit including a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) loop. The tunable qubit device further includes a superconducting loop inductively coupled to the SQUID loop, and a flux bias line inductively coupled to the superconducting loop. The superconducting loop includes a superconducting material having a critical temperature that is a lower temperature than a critical temperature of any superconducting material of the tunable qubit. In operation, the superconducting loop provides a persistent bias to the tunable qubit.