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arXiv · 2512.18171

Superconducting qubit decoherence correlated with detected radiation events

Abstract

Most quantum error correction (QEC) protocols for superconducting qubits assume spatially and temporally uncorrelated decoherence events; however, recent evidence suggests that cosmic radiation induces spatially correlated errors. We present a platform that sandwiches a superconducting transmon qubit between two microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) arrays, enabling real-time detection of radiation-induced phonon bursts. By synchronizing MKID event detection with single-shot measurements of qubit energy relaxation ($T_1$) and phase coherence ($T_2$), we observe statistically significant reductions in both $T_1$ and $T_2$-up to 30.5%-immediately following dual MKID events attributed to penetrating muons. Our findings directly link radiating events to correlated qubit decoherence. Furthermore, our experimental platform provides a foundation for systematic studies of radiation effects, the development of shielding and mitigation techniques, and the refinement of error-correction algorithms tailored to correlated noise sources.

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BibTeXRIS

A. R. Castelli, K. M. Beck, L. D. H. Alegria, L. A. Martinez, K. R. Chaves, S. R. O'Kelley, N. Materise, J. L DuBois, Y. J. Rosen. 2025-12-20. Superconducting qubit decoherence correlated with detected radiation events. https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.18171

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