Qubit Reset via Frequency-Tuned Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

In quantum computing, existing methods are inefficient for initializing and resetting solid-state qubits to a known state with high fidelity, particularly in recycling qubits during computation, due to slow reset operations and persistence of unwanted thermal excitations.

Innovation Solution

A qubit apparatus and method involving a qubit coupled to a resistive load through a filter with a pass band and stop band, where the qubit's transition frequency is tuned to selectively reset or cool the qubit by moving it between these frequency bands, using a Josephson transmission line to facilitate fast reset and cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the qubit is coupled directly to a resistive load for reset operations, then the reset speed is improved, but unwanted thermal excitations persist and fidelity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset speedVSAvoidinitialization fidelity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the qubit and the resistive load. The filter selectively couples frequency bands, allowing the qubit to be reset efficiently while blocking unwanted thermal excitations. This mediator enables controlled interaction with the load only at desired frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter provides frequency-dependent coupling characteristics, creating different coupling conditions for different frequency bands. The pass band allows strong coupling for efficient reset, while the stop band provides isolation to prevent thermal excitations. This local quality variation in coupling strength resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the qubit transition frequency is kept fixed, then the system design is simplified, but the qubit cannot be selectively tuned between pass band and stop band for different operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem design complexityVSAvoidfrequency tuning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The qubit transition frequency is made dynamically tunable rather than fixed. This allows the system to adapt the qubit frequency to match either the pass band or stop band of the filter depending on the operational requirement. The dynamic tuning capability enables versatile operation without permanently increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same qubit-frequency-tuning mechanism serves multiple functions: enabling reset operations by tuning to the pass band, preventing thermal excitations by tuning to the stop band, and potentially supporting other quantum operations. This multi-functionality justifies the added tuning capability.

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

3Productivity

If fast reset operations are implemented, then qubit recycling speed is improved, but phase coherence is degraded due to increased interaction with the resistive load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequbit recycling speedVSAvoidphase coherence
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter enables periodic or selective interaction between the qubit and resistive load only when the qubit frequency is tuned to the pass band. During quantum computation operations, the qubit can be tuned away from the pass band frequency, periodically disengaging from the load to preserve phase coherence while maintaining fast reset capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables fast and efficient initialization of qubits to a known state with high fidelity, reducing excited state populations below thermal levels, thereby improving qubit recycling speed and phase coherence.

Implementation Method 1

The filter has at least a first pass band and a first stop band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFilter (electronic): Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

using a Josephson transmission line to facilitate fast reset and cooling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJosephson effect: Josephson Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2730029B1Controlling a state of a qubit assembly
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP
  • EP2730029B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2730029B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2730029B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are provided for controlling the state of a qubit. A qubit apparatus includes a qubit and a load coupled to the qubit through a filter. The filter has at least a first pass band and a first stop band. A qubit control is configured to tune the qubit to alter an associated transition frequency of the qubit from a first frequency in the first stop band of the filter to a second frequency in the first pass band of the filter.