arXiv subjects

Michel Devoret

Publications and source records attributed to Michel Devoret.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Constructive interference at the edge of quantum ergodic dynamics

Quantum observables in the form of few-point correlators are the key to characterizing the dynamics of quantum many-body systems. In dynamics with fast entanglement generation, quantum observables generally become insensitive to the details of the underlying dynamics at long times due to the effects of scrambling. In experimental systems, repeated time-reversal protocols have been successfully implemented to restore sensitivities of quantum observables. Using a 103-qubit superconducting quantum processor, we characterize ergodic dynamics using the second-order out-of-time-order correlators, OTOC$^{(2)}$. In contrast to dynamics without time reversal, OTOC$^{(2)}$ are observed to remain sensitive to the underlying dynamics at long time scales. Furthermore, by inserting Pauli operators during quantum evolution and randomizing the phases of Pauli strings in the Heisenberg picture, we observe substantial changes in OTOC$^{(2)}$ values. This indicates that OTOC$^{(2)}$ is dominated by constructive interference between Pauli strings that form large loops in configuration space. The observed interference mechanism endows OTOC$^{(2)}$ with a high degree of classical simulation complexity, which culminates in a set of large-scale OTOC$^{(2)}$ measurements exceeding the simulation capacity of known classical algorithms. Further supported by an example of Hamiltonian learning through OTOC$^{(2)}$, our results indicate a viable path to practical quantum advantage.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Quantum error correction below the surface code threshold

Quantum error correction provides a path to reach practical quantum computing by combining multiple physical qubits into a logical qubit, where the logical error rate is suppressed exponentially as more qubits are added. However, this exponential suppression only occurs if the physical error rate is below a critical threshold. In this work, we present two surface code memories operating below this threshold: a distance-7 code and a distance-5 code integrated with a real-time decoder. The logical error rate of our larger quantum memory is suppressed by a factor of $\Lambda$ = 2.14 $\pm$ 0.02 when increasing the code distance by two, culminating in a 101-qubit distance-7 code with 0.143% $\pm$ 0.003% error per cycle of error correction. This logical memory is also beyond break-even, exceeding its best physical qubit's lifetime by a factor of 2.4 $\pm$ 0.3. We maintain below-threshold performance when decoding in real time, achieving an average decoder latency of 63 $\mu$s at distance-5 up to a million cycles, with a cycle time of 1.1 $\mu$s. To probe the limits of our error-correction performance, we run repetition codes up to distance-29 and find that logical performance is limited by rare correlated error events occurring approximately once every hour, or 3 $\times$ 10$^9$ cycles. Our results present device performance that, if scaled, could realize the operational requirements of large scale fault-tolerant quantum algorithms.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Resisting high-energy impact events through gap engineering in superconducting qubit arrays

Quantum error correction (QEC) provides a practical path to fault-tolerant quantum computing through scaling to large qubit numbers, assuming that physical errors are sufficiently uncorrelated in time and space. In superconducting qubit arrays, high-energy impact events produce correlated errors, violating this key assumption. Following such an event, phonons with energy above the superconducting gap propagate throughout the device substrate, which in turn generate a temporary surge in quasiparticle (QP) density throughout the array. When these QPs tunnel across the qubits' Josephson junctions, they induce correlated errors. Engineering different superconducting gaps across the qubit's Josephson junctions provides a method to resist this form of QP tunneling. By fabricating all-aluminum transmon qubits with both strong and weak gap engineering on the same substrate, we observe starkly different responses during high-energy impact events. Strongly gap engineered qubits do not show any degradation in T1 during impact events, while weakly gap engineered qubits show events of correlated degradation in T1. We also show that strongly gap engineered qubits are robust to QP poisoning from increasing optical illumination intensity, whereas weakly gap engineered qubits display rapid degradation in coherence. Based on these results, gap engineering removes the threat of high-energy impacts to QEC in superconducting qubit arrays.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Quantum-limited Parametric Amplification with Josephson Circuits in the Regime of Pump Depletion

Linear parametric amplification is a key operation in information processing. Our interest here is quantum-limited parametric amplification, $i.e.$, amplification of quantum signals while adding the minimum amount of noise allowed by quantum mechanics, which is essential for any viable implementation of quantum information processing. We describe parametric amplifiers based on the dispersive nonlinearity of Josephson junctions driven with appropriate tones playing the role of pumps. We discuss two defining characteristics in the architecture of these amplifiers: the number of modes occupied by the signal, idler and pump waves and the number of independent ports through which these waves enter into the circuit. The scattering properties of these amplifiers is also reviewed. The main focus of this work are the computations of the dynamic range and phase-space distributions of the fluctuations of the modes of the amplifiers.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Introduction to Quantum-limited Parametric Amplification of Quantum Signals with Josephson Circuits

This short and opinionated review starts with a concept of quantum signals at microwave frequencies and focuses on the principle of linear parametric amplification. The amplification process arises from the dispersive nonlinearity of Josephson junctions driven with appropriate tones. We discuss two defining characteristics of these amplifiers: the number of modes receiving the signal, idler and pump waves and the number of independent ports through which these waves enter into the circuit.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Remote Entanglement by Coherent Multiplication of Concurrent Quantum Signals

Concurrent remote entanglement of distant, non-interacting quantum entities is a crucial function for quantum information processing. In contrast with the existing protocols which employ addition of signals to generate entanglement between two remote qubits, the protocol we present is based on multiplication of signals. This protocol can be straightforwardly implemented by a novel Josephson junction mixing circuit. Our scheme would be able to generate provable entanglement even in presence of practical imperfections: finite quantum efficiency of detectors and undesired photon loss in current state-of-the-art devices.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2014

Continuous Generation and Stabilization of Mesoscopic Field Superposition States in a Quantum Circuit

While dissipation is widely considered as being harmful for quantum coherence, it can, when properly engineered, lead to the stabilization of non-trivial pure quantum states. We propose a scheme for continuous generation and stabilization of Schr\"{o}dinger cat states in a cavity using dissipation engineering. We first generate non-classical photon states with definite parity by means of a two-photon drive and dissipation, and then stabilize these transient states against single-photon decay. The single-photon stabilization is autonomous, and is implemented through a second engineered bath, which exploits the photon number dependent frequency-splitting due to Kerr interactions in the strongly dispersive regime of circuit QED. Starting with the Hamiltonian of the baths plus cavity, we derive an effective model of only the cavity photon states along with analytic expressions for relevant physical quantities, such as the stabilization rate. The deterministic generation of such cat states is one of the key ingredients in performing universal quantum computation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Josephson directional amplifier for quantum measurement of superconducting circuits

We have realized a microwave quantum-limited amplifier that is directional and can therefore function without the front circulator needed in many quantum measurements. The amplification takes place in only one direction between the input and output ports. Directionality is achieved by multi-pump parametric amplification combined with wave interference. We have verified the device noise performances by using it to readout a superconducting qubit and observed quantum jumps. With an improved version of this device, qubit and preamplifer could be integrated on the same chip.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Directional amplification with a Josephson circuit

Non-reciprocal devices, which have different transmission coefficients for propagating waves in opposite directions, are crucial components in many low noise quantum measurements. In most schemes, magneto-optical effects provide the necessary non-reciprocity. In contrast, the proof-of-principle device presented here, consists of two on-chip coupled Josephson parametric converters (JPCs), which achieves directionality by exploiting the non-reciprocal phase response of the JPC in the trans-gain mode. The non-reciprocity of the device is controlled in-situ by varying the amplitude and phase difference of two independent microwave pump tones feeding the system. At the desired working point and for a signal frequency of 8.453 GHz, the device achieves a forward power gain of 15 dB within a dynamical bandwidth of 9 MHz, a reverse gain of -6 dB and suppression of the reflected signal by 8 dB. We also find that the amplifier adds a noise equivalent to less than one and a half photons at the signal frequency (referred to the input). It can process up to 3 photons at the signal frequency per inverse dynamical bandwidth. With a directional amplifier operating along the principles of this device, qubit and readout preamplifier could be integrated on the same chip.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Hardware-efficient autonomous quantum error correction

We propose a new method to autonomously correct for errors of a logical qubit induced by energy relaxation. This scheme encodes the logical qubit as a multi-component superposition of coherent states in a harmonic oscillator, more specifically a cavity mode. The sequences of encoding, decoding and correction operations employ the non-linearity provided by a single physical qubit coupled to the cavity. We layout in detail how to implement these operations in a practical system. This proposal directly addresses the task of building a hardware-efficient and technically realizable quantum memory.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

Gain, directionality and noise in microwave SQUID amplifiers: Input-output approach

We present a new theoretical framework to analyze microwave amplifiers based on the dc SQUID. Our analysis applies input-output theory generalized for Josephson junction devices biased in the running state. Using this approach we express the high frequency dynamics of the SQUID as a scattering between the participating modes. This enables us to elucidate the inherently nonreciprocal nature of gain as a function of bias current and input frequency. This method can, in principle, accommodate an arbitrary number of Josephson harmonics generated in the running state of the junction. We report detailed calculations taking into account the first few harmonics that provide simple semi-quantitative results showing a degradation of gain, directionality and noise of the device as a function of increasing signal frequency. We also discuss the fundamental limits on device performance and applications of this formalism to real devices.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Deterministic protocol for mapping a qubit to coherent state superpositions in a cavity

We introduce a new gate that transfers an arbitrary state of a qubit into a superposition of two quasi-orthogonal coherent states of a cavity mode, with opposite phases. This qcMAP gate is based on conditional qubit and cavity operations exploiting the energy level dispersive shifts, in the regime where they are much stronger than the cavity and qubit linewidths. The generation of multi-component superpositions of quasi-orthogonal coherent states, non-local entangled states of two resonators and multi-qubit GHZ states can be efficiently achieved by this gate.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

Black-box superconducting circuit quantization

We present a semi-classical method for determining the effective low-energy quantum Hamiltonian of weakly anharmonic superconducting circuits containing mesoscopic Josephson junctions coupled to electromagnetic environments made of an arbitrary combination of distributed and lumped elements. A convenient basis, capturing the multi-mode physics, is given by the quantized eigenmodes of the linearized circuit and is fully determined by a classical linear response function. The method is used to calculate numerically the low-energy spectrum of a 3D-transmon system, and quantitative agreement with measurements is found.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2011

Josephson Amplifier for Qubit Readout

We report on measurements of a Josephson amplifier (J-amp) suitable for quantum-state qubit readout in the microwave domain. It consists of two microstrip resonators which intersect at a Josephson ring modulator. A maximum gain of about 20 dB, a bandwidth of 9 MHz, and a center-frequency tunability of about 60 MHz with gain in excess of 10 dB have been attained for idler and signal of frequencies 6.4 GHz and 8.1 GHz, in accordance with theory. Maximum input power measurements of the J-amp show a relatively good agreement with theoretical prediction. We discuss how the amplifier characteristics can be improved.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2010

Noiseless nonreciprocity in a parametric active device

Nonreciprocal devices such as circulators and isolators belong to an important class of microwave components employed in applications like the measurement of mesoscopic circuits at cryogenic temperatures. The measurement protocols usually involve an amplification chain which relies on circulators to separate input and output channels and to suppress backaction from different stages on the sample under test. In these devices the usual reciprocal symmetry of circuits is broken by the phenomenon of Faraday rotation based on magnetic materials and fields. However, magnets are averse to on-chip integration, and magnetic fields are deleterious to delicate superconducting devices. Here we present a new proposal combining two stages of parametric modulation emulating the action of a circulator. It is devoid of magnetic components and suitable for on-chip integration. As the design is free of any dissipative elements and based on reversible operation, the device operates noiselessly, giving it an important advantage over other nonreciprocal active devices for quantum information processing applications.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2009

Exponential quantum enhancement for distributed addition with local nonlinearity

We consider classical and entanglement-assisted versions of a distributed computation scheme that computes nonlinear Boolean functions of a set of input bits supplied by separated parties. Communication between the parties is restricted to take place through a specific apparatus which enforces the constraints that all nonlinear, nonlocal classical logic is performed by a single receiver, and that all communication occurs through a limited number of one-bit channels. In the entanglement-assisted version, the number of channels required to compute a Boolean function of fixed nonlinearity can become exponentially smaller than in the classical version. We demonstrate this exponential enhancement for the problem of distributed integer addition.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2009

Fluxonium: single Cooper pair circuit free of charge offsets

The promise of single Cooper pair quantum circuits based on tunnel junctions for metrology and quantum information applications is severely limited by the influence of "offset" charges - random, slowly drifting microscopic charges inherent to many solid-state systems. By shunting a small junction with the Josephson kinetic inductance of a series array of large capacitance tunnel junctions, thereby ensuring that all superconducting islands are connected to the circuit by at least one large junction, we have realized a new superconducting artificial atom which is totally insensitive to offset charges. Yet, its energy levels manifest the anharmonic structure associated with single Cooper pair effects, a useful component for solid state quantum computation.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2009

Signal-to-pump back-action and self-oscillation in Double-Pump Josephson Parametric Amplifier

We present the theory of a Josephson parametric amplifier employing two pump sources. Our calculations are based on Input-Output Theory, and can easily be generalized to any coupled system involving parametric interactions. We analyze the operation of the device, taking into account the feedback introduced by the reaction of the signal and noise on the pump power, and in this framework, compute the response functions of interest - signal and idler gains, internal gain of the amplifier, and self-oscillation signal amplitude. To account for this back-action between signal and pump, we adopt a mean-field approach and self-consistently explore the boundary between amplification and self-oscillation. The coincidence of bifurcation and self-oscillation thresholds reveals that the origin of coherent emission of the amplifier lies in the multi-wave mixing of the noise components. Incorporation of the back-action leads the system to exhibit hysteresis, dependent on parameters like temperature and detuning from resonance. Our analysis also shows that the resonance condition itself changes in the presence of back-action and this can be understood in terms of the change in plasma frequency of the junction. The potential of the double pump amplifier for quantum-limited measurements and as a squeezer is also discussed.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗