Tunable Qubit Coupler Control for Faster High-Fidelity Two-Qubit Gates

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current quantum computing technologies face challenges in implementing two-qubit quantum logic gates efficiently, particularly in achieving high fidelity and reducing execution time, circuit depth, and intrinsic errors.

Innovation Solution

The use of a tunable coupler between qubits, allowing for dynamic control of the interaction by adjusting a control parameter such as voltage, to apply a unitary transformation control signal and achieve a target unitary transformation with high accuracy, enabling faster and more efficient two-qubit gate operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a fixed coupler is used between qubits, then the structure is simple, but the gate execution time cannot be optimized and fidelity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegate execution timeVSAvoidcoupler structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed coupler into a tunable coupler whose coupling strength can be dynamically adjusted during operation. The coupler's resonant frequency is modulated via a control signal applied to a tunable element (such as a varactor diode or SQUID), enabling the system to switch between coupled and uncoupled states and optimize gate execution time based on computational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the operating parameters of the coupler, specifically its resonant frequency and coupling strength. By applying control signals that change these parameters in real-time, the system can optimize the interaction between qubits for different gate operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If coupling strength is increased to reduce gate execution time, then speed improves, but intrinsic errors and reduced fidelity occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegate execution timeVSAvoidgate operation fidelity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tunable coupler enables dynamic control of coupling strength, allowing the system to use strong coupling only when and where needed for fast gate operations, while maintaining weak or zero coupling at other times to minimize errors. This temporal and spatial differentiation of coupling strength optimizes both speed and fidelity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic modulation of the coupler's coupling strength through oscillating control signals. This periodic action allows the system to achieve the necessary coupling for gate operations while spending the majority of time in a low-coupling state that minimizes intrinsic errors and maintains qubit coherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If tunable coupler is implemented to optimize gate operations, then gate execution time and fidelity improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegate operation fidelityVSAvoidcoupler control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control signal as an intermediary that mediates between the control system and the qubit-coupler system. This control signal applies to the tunable element of the coupler, enabling precise control of coupling strength without requiring direct complex interaction between the control system and the quantum components, thus managing complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If control signals are applied to tune coupler frequency, then coupling precision improves, but control complexity and calibration requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling strength precisionVSAvoidcontrol and calibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the actual coupling strength or coupler frequency is measured and compared to the desired value, and the control signal is adjusted accordingly. This feedback loop enables precise control of coupling parameters while automating the calibration process, reducing the complexity of manual tuning and improving reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12260297B2Two-qubit gates implemented with a tunable coupler
Publication Date: 2025.03.25 GOOGLE LLC
  • US12260297B2 patent drawing
  • US12260297B2 patent drawing
  • US12260297B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems and apparatus for implementing two-qubit gates using a tunable coupler. In one aspect, a method of implementing a two-qubit gate includes: applying a unitary transformation control signal to a tunable coupler arranged between a first data qubit and a second data qubit to obtain a target unitary transformation of the first data qubit and the second data qubit, wherein the unitary transformation control signal is applied to the tunable coupler over a predetermined period of time to allow coupling between the first data qubit and the second data qubit through the tunable coupler.