Flexible Readout and Unconditional Reset for Superconducting Multi-Qubit Processors with Tunable Purcell Filters

  1. Yong-Xi Xiao,
  2. Da'er Feng,
  3. Xu-Yang Gu,
  4. Gui-Han Liang,
  5. Ming-Chuan Wang,
  6. Zheng-Yu Peng,
  7. Bing-Jie Chen,
  8. Yu Yan,
  9. Zheng-Yang Mei,
  10. Si-Lu Zhao,
  11. Yi-Zhou Bu,
  12. Cheng-Lin Deng,
  13. Xiaohui Song,
  14. Dongning Zheng,
  15. Yu-Xiang Zhang,
  16. Yun-Hao Shi,
  17. Zhongcheng Xiang,
  18. Kai Xu,
  19. and Heng Fan
Qubit readout and reset are critical components for the practical realization of quantum computing systems, as outlined by the DiVincenzo criteria. Here, we present a scalable architecture
employing frequency-tunable nonlinear Purcell filters designed specifically for superconducting qubits. This architecture enables flexible readout and unconditional reset functionalities. Our readout protocol dynamically adjusts the effective linewidth of the readout resonator through a tunable filter, optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio during measurement while suppressing photon noise during idle periods. Achieving a readout fidelity of 99.3% without using Josephson parametric amplifiers or traveling-wave parametric amplifiers, even with a small dispersive shift, demonstrates its effectiveness. For reset operations, our protocol utilizes the tunable coupler adjacent to the target qubit as an intermediary to channel qubit excitations into the Purcell filter, enabling rapid dissipation. We demonstrate unconditional reset of both leakage-induced |2⟩ and |1⟩ states within 200 ns (error rate ≤1%), and reset of the |1⟩ state alone in just 75 ns. Repeated reset cycles (≤600 ns) further reduce the error rate below 0.1%. Furthermore, the filter suppresses both photon noise and the Purcell effect, thereby reducing qubit decoherence. This scalable Purcell filter architecture shows exceptional performance in qubit readout, reset, and protection, marking it as a promising hardware component for advancing fault-tolerant quantum computing systems.

Engineering a Multi-Mode Purcell Filter for Superconducting-Qubit Reset and Readout with Intrinsic Purcell Protection

  1. Xu-Yang Gu,
  2. Da'er Feng,
  3. Zhen-Yu Peng,
  4. Gui-Han Liang,
  5. Yang He,
  6. Yongxi Xiao,
  7. Ming-Chuan Wang,
  8. Yu Yan,
  9. Bing-Jie Chen,
  10. Zheng-Yang Mei,
  11. Yi-Zhou Bu,
  12. Jia-Chi Zhang,
  13. Jia-Cheng Song,
  14. Cheng-Lin Deng,
  15. Xiaohui Song,
  16. Dongning Zheng,
  17. Kai Xu,
  18. Zhongcheng Xiang,
  19. and Heng Fan
Efficient qubit reset and leakage reduction are essential for scalable superconducting quantum computing, particularly in the context of quantum error correction. However, such operations
often require additional on-chip components. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a mode-efficient approach to qubit reset and readout using a multi-mode Purcell filter in a superconducting quantum circuit. We exploit the inherent multi-mode structure of a coplanar waveguide resonator, using its fundamental and second-order modes for qubit reset and readout, respectively, thereby avoiding additional circuit elements. Implemented in a flip-chip architecture, our device achieves unconditional reset with residual excitation below 1% in 220 ns, and a leakage reduction unit that selectively resets the second excited state within 62 ns. Simulations predict Purcell-limited relaxation times exceeding 1 ms over an 800 MHz bandwidth. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental trial that exploits different-order modes of a microwave resonator for distinct qubit operations, representing a new direction toward scalable, mode-efficient quantum processor design.

Microwave Engineering of Tunable Spin Interactions with Superconducting Qubits

  1. Kui Zhao,
  2. Ziting Wang,
  3. Yu Liu,
  4. Gui-Han Liang,
  5. Cai-Ping Fang,
  6. Yun-Hao Shi,
  7. Lv Zhang,
  8. Jia-Chi Zhang,
  9. Tian-Ming Li,
  10. Hao Li,
  11. Yueshan Xu,
  12. Wei - Guo Ma,
  13. Hao-Tian Liu,
  14. Jia-Cheng Song,
  15. Zhen - Ting Bao,
  16. Yong-Xi Xiao,
  17. Bing-Jie Chen,
  18. Cheng-Lin Deng,
  19. Zheng-He Liu,
  20. Yang He,
  21. Si-Yun Zhou,
  22. Xiaohui Song,
  23. Zhongcheng Xiang,
  24. Dongning Zheng,
  25. Kaixuan Huang,
  26. Kai Xu,
  27. and Heng Fan
Quantum simulation has emerged as a powerful framework for investigating complex many – body phenomena. A key requirement for emulating these dynamics is the realization of fully
controllable quantum systems enabling various spin interactions. Yet, quantum simulators remain constrained in the types of attainable interactions. Here we demonstrate experimental realization of multiple microwave – engineered spin interactions in superconducting quantum circuits. By precisely controlling the native XY interaction and microwave drives, we achieve tunable spin Hamiltonians including: (i) XYZ spin models with continuously adjustable parameters, (ii) transverse – field Ising systems, and (iii) Dzyaloshinskii – Moriya interacting systems. Our work expands the toolbox for analogue – digital quantum simulation, enabling exploration of a wide range of exotic quantum spin models.

Procedure of tuning up a three-site artificial Kitaev chain based on transmon measurements

  1. Xiaozhou Yang,
  2. Zhaozheng Lyu,
  3. Xiang Wang,
  4. Enna Zhuo,
  5. Yunxiao Zhang,
  6. Duolin Wang,
  7. Yukun Shi,
  8. Yuyang Huang,
  9. Bing Li,
  10. Xiaohui Song,
  11. Peiling Li,
  12. Bingbing Tong,
  13. Ziwei Dou,
  14. Jie Shen,
  15. Guangtong Liu,
  16. Fanming Qu,
  17. and Li Lu
Artificial Kitaev chains (AKCs), formed of quantum dot-superconductor linear arrays, provide a promising platform for hosting Majorana bound states (MBSs) and implementing topological
quantum computing. The main challenges along this research direction would include the tuning up of AKCs for hosting MBSs and the readout of the parity of the chains. In this work, we present a step-by-step procedure for tuning up a three-site AKC to its sweet spots based on the spectra of a transmon circuit which is integrated with the chain for the purpose of reading out the parity of the chain. The signatures of the transmon’s plasma modes in each step, particular those related to the appearance of MBSs in the chain, will be given. We find that the sweet spots in a three-site AKC can be classified into three types based on the relative strengths of elastic cotunneling (ECT) and crossed Andreev reflection (CAR): ECT-dominated sweet spots, genuine sweet spots and CAR-dominated sweet spots. We show that the ECT-dominated and CAR-dominated sweet spots can be more conveniently accessed and utilized in transmon-based measurements.

Stable and Efficient Charging of Superconducting C-shunt Flux Quantum Batteries

  1. Li Li,
  2. Si-Lu Zhao,
  3. Yun-Hao Shi,
  4. Bing-Jie Chen,
  5. Xinhui Ruan,
  6. Gui-Han Liang,
  7. Wei-Ping Yuan,
  8. Jia-Cheng Song,
  9. Cheng-Lin Deng,
  10. Yu Liu,
  11. Tian-Ming Li,
  12. Zheng-He Liu,
  13. Xue-Yi Guo,
  14. Xiaohui Song,
  15. Kai Xu,
  16. Heng Fan,
  17. Zhongcheng Xiang,
  18. and Dongning Zheng
Quantum batteries, as miniature energy storage devices, have sparked significant research interest in recent years. However, achieving rapid and stable energy transfer in quantum batteries
while obeying quantum speed limits remains a critical challenge. In this work, we experimentally optimize the charging process by leveraging the unique energy level structure of a superconducting capacitively-shunted flux qubit, using counterdiabatic pulses in the stimulated Raman adiabatic passage. Compared to previous studies, we impose two different norm constraints on the driving Hamiltonian, achieving optimal charging without exceeding the overall driving strength. Furthermore, we experimentally demonstrate a charging process that achieves the quantum speed limit. In addition, we introduce a dimensionless parameter  to unify charging speed and stability, offering a universal metric for performance optimization. In contrast to metrics such as charging power and thermodynamic efficiency, the  criterion quantitatively captures the stability of ergentropy while also considering the charging speed. Our results highlight the potential of the capacitively-shunted qubit platform as an ideal candidate for realizing three-level quantum batteries and deliver novel strategies for optimizing energy transfer protocols.

Direct Implementation of High-Fidelity Three-Qubit Gates for Superconducting Processor with Tunable Couplers

  1. Hao-Tian Liu,
  2. Bing-Jie Chen,
  3. Jia-Chi Zhang,
  4. Yong-Xi Xiao,
  5. Tian-Ming Li,
  6. Kaixuan Huang,
  7. Ziting Wang,
  8. Hao Li,
  9. Kui Zhao,
  10. Yueshan Xu,
  11. Cheng-Lin Deng,
  12. Gui-Han Liang,
  13. Zheng-He Liu,
  14. Si-Yun Zhou,
  15. Cai-Ping Fang,
  16. Xiaohui Song,
  17. Zhongcheng Xiang,
  18. Dongning Zheng,
  19. Yun-Hao Shi,
  20. Kai Xu,
  21. and Heng Fan
Three-qubit gates can be constructed using combinations of single-qubit and two-qubit gates, making their independent realization unnecessary. However, direct implementation of three-qubit
gates reduces the depth of quantum circuits, streamlines quantum programming, and facilitates efficient circuit optimization, thereby enhancing overall performance in quantum computation. In this work, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a high-fidelity scheme for implementing a three-qubit controlled-controlled-Z (CCZ) gate in a flip-chip superconducting quantum processor with tunable couplers. This direct CCZ gate is implemented by simultaneously leveraging two tunable couplers interspersed between three qubits to enable three-qubit interactions, achieving an average final state fidelity of 97.94% and a process fidelity of 93.54%. This high fidelity cannot be achieved through a simple combination of single- and two-qubit gate sequences from processors with similar performance levels. Our experiments also verify that multi-layer direct implementation of the CCZ gate exhibits lower leakage compared to decomposed gate approaches. To further showcase the versatility of our approach, we construct a Toffoli gate by combining the CCZ gate with Hadamard gates. As a showcase, we utilize the CCZ gate as an oracle to implement the Grover search algorithm on three qubits, demonstrating high performance with the target probability amplitude significantly enhanced after two iterations. These results highlight the advantage of our approach, and facilitate the implementation of complex quantum circuits.

Read out the fermion parity of a potential artificial Kitaev chain utilizing a transmon qubit

  1. Enna Zhuo,
  2. Xiaozhou Yang,
  3. Yuyang Huang,
  4. Zhaozheng Lyu,
  5. Ang Li,
  6. Bing Li,
  7. Yunxiao Zhang,
  8. Xiang Wang,
  9. Duolin Wang,
  10. Yukun Shi,
  11. Anqi Wang,
  12. E. P. A. M. Bakkers,
  13. Xiaodong Han,
  14. Xiaohui Song,
  15. Peiling Li,
  16. Bingbing Tong,
  17. Ziwei Dou,
  18. Guangtong Liu,
  19. Fanming Qu,
  20. Jie Shen,
  21. and Li Lu
Artificial Kitaev chains have emerged as a promising platform for realizing topological quantum computing. Once the chains are formed and the Majorana zero modes are braided/fused,
reading out the parity of the chains is essential for further verifying the non-Abelian property of the Majorana zero modes. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of using a superconducting transmon qubit, which incorporates an end of a four-site quantum dot-superconductor chain based on a Ge/Si nanowire, to directly detect the singlet/doublet state, and thus the parity of the entire chain. We also demonstrate that for multiple-dot chains there are two types of 0-{\pi} transitions between different charging states: the parity-flip 0-{\pi} transition and the parity-preserved 0-{\pi} transition. Furthermore, we show that the inter-dot coupling, hence the strengths of cross Andreev reflection and elastic cotunneling of electrons, can be adjusted by local electrostatic gating in chains fabricated on Ge/Si core-shell nanowires. Our exploration would be helpful for the ultimate realization of topological quantum computing based on artificial Kitaev chains.

Tunable coupling of a quantum phononic resonator to a transmon qubit with flip-chip architecture

  1. Xinhui Ruan,
  2. Li Li,
  3. Guihan Liang,
  4. Silu Zhao,
  5. Jia-heng Wang,
  6. Yizhou Bu,
  7. Bingjie Chen,
  8. Xiaohui Song,
  9. Xiang Li,
  10. He Zhang,
  11. Jinzhe Wang,
  12. Qianchuan Zhao,
  13. Kai Xu,
  14. Heng Fan,
  15. Yu-xi Liu,
  16. Jing Zhang,
  17. Zhihui Peng,
  18. Zhongcheng Xiang,
  19. and Dongning Zheng
A hybrid system with tunable coupling between phonons and qubits shows great potential for advancing quantum information processing. In this work, we demonstrate strong and tunable
coupling between a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator and a transmon qubit based on galvanic-contact flip-chip technique. The coupling strength varies from 2π×7.0 MHz to -2π×20.6 MHz, which is extracted from different vacuum Rabi oscillation frequencies. The phonon-induced ac Stark shift of the qubit at different coupling strengths is also shown. Our approach offers a good experimental platform for exploring quantum acoustics and hybrid systems.

Quasiparticle poisoning rate in a superconducting transmon qubit involving Majorana zero modes

  1. Xiaopei Sun,
  2. Zhaozheng Lyu,
  3. Enna Zhuo,
  4. Bing Li,
  5. Zhongqing Ji,
  6. Jie Fan,
  7. Xiaohui Song,
  8. Fanning Qu,
  9. Guangtong Liu,
  10. Jie Shen,
  11. and Li Lu
Majorana zero modes have been attracting considerable attention because of their prospective applications in fault-tolerant topological quantum computing. In recent years, some schemes
have been proposed to detect and manipulate Majorana zero modes using superconducting qubits. However, manipulating and reading the Majorana zero modes must be kept in the time window of quasiparticle poisoning. In this work, we study the problem of quasiparticle poisoning in a split transmon qubit containing hybrid Josephson junctions involving Majorana zero modes. We show that Majorana coupling will cause parity mixing and 4{\pi} Josephson effect. In addition, we obtained the expression of qubit parameter-dependent parity switching rate and demonstrated that quasiparticle poisoning can be greatly suppressed by reducing E_J/E_C via qubit design.

Observation of critical phase transition in a generalized Aubry-André-Harper model on a superconducting quantum processor with tunable couplers

  1. Hao Li,
  2. Yong-Yi Wang,
  3. Yun-Hao Shi,
  4. Kaixuan Huang,
  5. Xiaohui Song,
  6. Gui-Han Liang,
  7. Zheng-Yang Mei,
  8. Bozhen Zhou,
  9. He Zhang,
  10. Jia-Chi Zhang,
  11. Shu Chen,
  12. Shiping Zhao,
  13. Ye Tian,
  14. Zhan-Ying Yang,
  15. Zhongcheng Xiang,
  16. Kai Xu,
  17. Dongning Zheng,
  18. and Heng Fan
Quantum simulation enables study of many-body systems in non-equilibrium by mapping to a controllable quantum system, providing a new tool for computational intractable problems. Here,
using a programmable quantum processor with a chain of 10 superconducting qubits interacted through tunable couplers, we simulate the one-dimensional generalized Aubry-André-Harper model for three different phases, i.e., extended, localized and critical phases. The properties of phase transitions and many-body dynamics are studied in the presence of quasi-periodic modulations for both off-diagonal hopping coefficients and on-site potentials of the model controlled respectively by adjusting strength of couplings and qubit frequencies. We observe the spin transport for initial single- and multi-excitation states in different phases, and characterize phase transitions by experimentally measuring dynamics of participation entropies. Our experimental results demonstrate that the newly developed tunable coupling architecture of superconducting processor extends greatly the simulation realms for a wide variety of Hamiltonians, and may trigger further investigations on various quantum and topological phenomena.