ZZZ Qubit Coupler With Tunable Three-Body Josephson Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current quantum computing technologies face challenges in generating strong, tunable three-body interactions among superconducting qubits, as most particle interactions are two-body in nature and three-body terms are typically weak, making it difficult to achieve robust coupling among three qubits.

Innovation Solution

A novel coupling method using galvanic Josephson coupling between qubits, where the strength of qubit-qubit interactions is modulated based on the state of a third qubit, enabling strong, tunable three-qubit interactions (ZZZ coupling) and independently tunable two-qubit interactions, utilizing compound Josephson junctions and tunable couplers to control the coupling strengths via control signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional two-body coupling methods are used, then the coupling between two qubits can be achieved, but the three-body interaction strength remains weak and难以 to tune

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidtunability of three-body interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third qubit as an intermediary to mediate the interaction between two qubits. This intermediary qubit couples to both target qubits through tunable coupling mechanisms, enabling strong and independently controllable three-body ZZZ interactions that cannot be achieved with conventional direct two-body coupling methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically tunable coupling mechanisms where the coupling strength between qubits can be adjusted in real-time through control signals. This allows the three-body interaction strength to be independently tuned without being constrained by fixed geometric or structural parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If strong three-body interactions are generated, then robust ZZZ coupling is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness of qubit couplingVSAvoidcoupler structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the three-body coupling system into modular tunable coupler units. Each coupler unit is designed as an independent module that can be controlled separately, allowing the complex three-body interaction to be decomposed into manageable two-body interactions that are then combined through the intermediary qubit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If tunable couplers are used to control coupling strength, then independent tuning of interactions is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent tunability of coupling strengthsVSAvoidnumber of control signals required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs universal tunable coupler units that can serve multiple functions: they mediate interactions between different qubit pairs, provide independent tuning capabilities for multiple coupling strengths simultaneously, and maintain compatibility with both two-body and three-body interaction regimes through a single standardized interface

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

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

This approach allows for robust, energetically favorable alignment of qubit states along the Z-axis, facilitating efficient quantum computations by generating strong, tunable ZZZ and ZZ couplings, compatible with high coherence flux qubits, and enabling the solution of complex optimization problems like 3SAT and MAX-3SAT.

Implementation Method 1

A first tunable coupler is coupled to the first qubit and tunable via a first control signal provided to a first tuning loop of the first tunable coupler. A second tunable coupler is coupled to the first tunable coupler to direct a flux of the first qubit into a second tuning loop of the second tunable coupler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The second qubit and the third qubit are coupled to one another through the second tunable coupler via galvanic Josephson mutual inductance, such that, when the second coupling strength is non-zero, it is energetically favorable for the states of the first and second qubits to assume a specific relationship with respect to the Z-axis of the Bloch sphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJosephson effect: Josephson Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3593295B1ZZZ coupler for superconducting qubits
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP
  • EP3593295B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3593295B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3593295B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for a ZZZ coupler. A first tunable coupler is coupled to the first qubit and tunable via a first control signal. A second tunable coupler is coupled to the first tunable coupler to direct a flux of the first qubit into a tuning loop of the second tunable coupler, such that when a first coupling strength associated with the first tunable coupler is non-zero, a second coupling strength, associated with the second tunable coupler, is a function of a second control signal applied to the second tunable coupler and a state of the first qubit. The second qubit and the third qubit are coupled to one another through the second tunable coupler, such that, when the second coupling strength is non-zero it is energetically favorable for the states of the first and second qubits to assume a specific relationship with respect to the Z-axis.