Qubit Coupler Pulse Control for Scalable Quantum Gates

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quantum computing systems face challenges in efficiently and scalably coupling qubits for entanglement and computation, particularly in large architectures where direct control lines become impractical.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for generating a coupling gate between qubits using a compound Josephson junction and biasing signals to control a coupler and resonator, with optional use of quantum flux parametrons and filters, enabling inductive or capacitive coupling and synchronized pulse delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct control lines are used to couple qubits, then precise control over qubit coupling is achieved, but device complexity and scalability deteriorate in large architectures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coupler as an intermediary device between qubits that enables controlled coupling interactions. The coupler acts as a mediator that can be activated or deactivated to establish or break quantum entanglement between qubits, eliminating the need for direct control lines between every qubit pair while maintaining precise coupling control through the coupler's state management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler serves multiple functions: it enables coupling between different qubit pairs, acts as a quantum gate, and can be controlled through various mechanisms (flux bias, microwave pulses). This multi-functional component reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control functionality into a single versatile element rather than requiring dedicated control lines for each interaction

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

2Productivity

If more qubits are added to the quantum processor, then computational capability is improved, but control line management and coupling precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational capabilityVSAvoidcontrol line management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quantum processor architecture is segmented into modular units where qubits are grouped and interconnected through shared couplers. This segmentation allows the system to scale by adding modular blocks rather than managing individual control lines between all qubit pairs, reducing the complexity growth rate as the number of qubits increases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-to-one control line mapping to a many-to-few architecture where multiple qubits share common control resources through the coupler. This dimensional change in control architecture allows N qubits to be managed with significantly fewer than N(N-1)/2 control lines, enabling scalable quantum processing

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

3Reliability

If coupling duration is extended to improve entanglement quality, then quantum computation accuracy is improved, but decoherence effects worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentanglement qualityVSAvoidcoupling duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling interaction is applied periodically through pulsed control signals rather than continuously. The coupler is activated for specific time intervals to establish entanglement, then deactivated to preserve the quantum state. This periodic activation allows sufficient coupling time for high-fidelity entanglement while minimizing exposure to decoherence during the overall computation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling strength and duration are dynamically adjusted based on computational requirements. The system can modulate the coupler's interaction strength and activation timing to optimize the balance between achieving sufficient entanglement fidelity and minimizing decoherence accumulation, adapting to different computational stages and qubit states

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

Facilitates efficient and scalable coupling of qubits, allowing for entanglement and computation with precise control over coupling duration and scalability, enhancing quantum processor performance.

Implementation Method 1

A pulse source is provided, the pulse source including a compound Josephson junction interrupting a superconducting loop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJosephson effect: Josephson Effect

Implementation Method 2

A resonator is in communication with the pulse source and in communication with the coupler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

enabling inductive or capacitive coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12519471B2Systems and methods for qubit control
Publication Date: 2026.01.06 D WAVE SYSTEMS INC
  • US12519471B2 patent drawing
  • US12519471B2 patent drawing
  • US12519471B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of generating a coupling gate between qubits and a superconducting integrated circuit providing a pulse source are discussed. The method includes energizing a power line connected to a pulse source, applying a signal to a control line in communication with a coupler, the coupler in communication between the two qubits, and applying a second signal to a control line in communication with a resonator. The method further includes inducing a tone on a transmission line that selectively communicates with the resonator to bias the resonator, the resonator coupling a signal to the pulse source in combination with the power line, and applying a third signal to a pulse source control line in communication with the pulse source, the pulse source applying a pulse to the coupler in response to the third signal to couple the two qubits for a duration of the coupling gate.