Stackable In-Line Filter Modules for Shielded Qubit Signal Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current approaches to building quantum circuit assemblies face challenges in filtering signals for qubits operated at cryogenic temperatures, leading to compromised performance due to external radiation exposure and error-prone cable routing, which affects qubit coherence.

Innovation Solution

Integration of stackable in-line filter modules within a radiation shield structure to attenuate electromagnetic radiation and reduce noise, allowing for improved signal propagation and reduced decoherence of qubits, with modules configured to convert electromagnetic radiation to heat or perform bandpass filtering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cable routing methods are used to provide signals to qubits, then signal transmission is achieved, but external radiation exposure and noise increase, compromising qubit coherence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequbit coherenceVSAvoidexternal radiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces filter modules as intermediary components between the external signal sources and the qubits. These filters act as mediators that allow desired signals to pass through while blocking harmful electromagnetic radiation and noise, thereby protecting qubit coherence without compromising signal transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where filter modules are integrated within the radiation shield structure, which itself is nested within the cryogenic environment. This multi-layer nesting approach creates progressively tighter protection, with each layer filtering out different types of interference before signals reach the qubits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple filter modules are integrated to improve filtering performance, then noise attenuation increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise attenuationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the filtering function into multiple discrete, modular filter modules that can be independently designed, tested, and assembled. Each module handles specific frequency ranges or types of interference, allowing for systematic noise attenuation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized configurations that allow them to be applied across different quantum computing setups. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using the same modular components in various positions and configurations rather than requiring custom-designed filters for each application

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

3Reliability

If custom filtering solutions are designed for each quantum system, then optimal performance is achieved, but setup time and hardware sharing become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal filtering performanceVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs filter modules with universal interfaces, standardized mounting configurations, and adaptable filtering characteristics that can be applied across different quantum computing systems. This universality allows rapid deployment without custom design while maintaining optimal filtering performance through proven modular components

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

Solution Approach 2:

The filter modules incorporate adjustable parameters and reconfigurable elements that allow them to be dynamically adapted to different quantum system requirements. This dynamic flexibility enables the same modular components to optimize performance across various applications without requiring custom designs, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining reliability

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

Enhances qubit coherence by minimizing noise and improving signal routing, facilitating faster quantum computer setup and hardware sharing, while enabling the development of standardized quantum systems.

Implementation Method 1

filter modules integrated in a package with a quantum circuit component... configured to convert electromagnetic radiation to heat or perform bandpass filtering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

configured to convert electromagnetic radiation to heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic to thermal energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11957066B2Stackable in-line filter modules for quantum computing
Publication Date: 2024.04.09 INTEL CORP
  • US11957066B2 patent drawing
  • US11957066B2 patent drawing
  • US11957066B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe quantum circuit assemblies that include one or more filter modules integrated in a package with a quantum circuit component having at least one qubit device. Integration may be such that both the quantum circuit component and the filter module(s) are at least partially inside a chamber formed by a radiation shield structure that is configured to attenuate electromagnetic radiation incident on the quantum circuit component and the filter module(s). Placing filter modules under the protection provided by the radiation shield structure may boost coherence of the qubits. Some example filter modules may include filter(s) configured to convert electromagnetic radiation to heat and filter(s) configured to perform bandpass filtering. Modular blocks of in-line filters inside the shielded environment may allow to route signals to the quantum circuit component with reduced noise and speed up installation of a complete quantum computer.