arXiv · 2504.04610
Impact of Absorption due to Zero-Field Splitting on Loss in Dielectrics: A Case Study in Sapphire
Abstract
The coherence times of superconducting qubits are limited by loss mechanisms, whose microscopic origins have remained elusive. We propose a mechanism caused by transitions between zero-field-split states of paramagnetic impurities or defects. We derive the absorption cross section for a magnetic dipole transition and apply it to calculate the loss tangent. For Cr, Fe, and V impurities in sapphire, we find loss tangents at 4.5 GHz in the range of 10$^{-9}$-10$^{-8}$, comparable to the loss measured in experiments. This value suggests that magnetic loss may be a limiting factor in the coherence times of superconducting qubits.
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Mark E. Turiansky, Chris G. Van de Walle. 2025-04-06. Impact of Absorption due to Zero-Field Splitting on Loss in Dielectrics: A Case Study in Sapphire. https://doi.org/10.1103/y43k-l6xr
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