Single Superconducting Wire Layout for Configurable MZM Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Majorana zero mode (MZM) qubits lack compatibility with the full range of transport signatures for tuning the topological phase, limiting their ability to perform measurements and configure the device effectively.

Innovation Solution

A quantum device featuring a single superconducting wire with sections configurable into topological and trivial phases, integrated with semiconducting regions to store and measure quantum information using Majorana zero modes, and electrostatic gates to control the phases and density, allowing for modular operation and improved measurement capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If previous MZM qubit designs are used, then qubit measurements can be performed, but the ability to tune portions of the device into the topological phase is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to tune into topological phaseVSAvoidcompatibility with transport signatures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The superconducting wire is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently tuned into topological or trivial phases. This segmentation enables different portions of the device to be configured differently, providing the versatility needed to access various transport signatures while maintaining reliable qubit operation through proper grounding of specific sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single superconducting wire is used with configurable phases, then topological phase tuning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetopological phase configurationVSAvoidwire section configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single superconducting wire serves multiple functions: it acts as both the topological superconductor for MZM formation and as the grounding structure for electrical reference. The wire's different sections serve dual purposes of phase configuration and electrical connection, reducing the need for separate components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the multi-functional configuration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If grounding the superconducting wire is implemented, then measurement reliability is improved, but heating effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidheating in wire

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Grounding is applied locally to specific sections of the superconducting wire (the first and third sections) rather than the entire wire. This localized grounding provides the necessary electrical reference for reliable measurements while minimizing the overall heating effect by limiting the grounded portions to specific regions that require electrical connection, leaving other sections free from excessive heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 efficient tuning of topological wire segments, simplifies fabrication, and enhances measurement capabilities by allowing the device to be operated in different configurations, including grounding and floating modes, thereby improving the control and stability of qubit operations.

Implementation Method 1

each of which is configurable to be in a topological phase and at least a third section configurable to be in a trivial phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTopological phase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

a single superconducting wire having at least a first section and a second section, each of which is configurable to be in a topological phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Implementation Method 3

The quantum device may further comprise a plurality of cutter gates and a plurality of quantum dot (QD) plunger gates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic control: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20240030328A1Quantum devices formed from a single superconducting wire having a configurable ground connection

Publication Date: 2024.01.25 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Quantum devices formed from a single superconducting wire having a configurable ground connection are described. An example quantum device, configurable to be grounded, comprises a single superconducting wire having at least a first section and a second section, each of which is configurable to be in a topological phase and at least a third section configurable to be in a trivial phase. The quantum device further comprises semiconducting regions formed adjacent to the single superconducting wire, where the single superconducting wire is configurable to store quantum information in at least four Majorana zero modes (MZMs). The semiconducting regions formed adjacent to the single superconducting wire may be used to measure quantum information stored in the at least four MZMs.