arXiv subjects

Anne-Marie Valente-Feliciano

Publications and source records attributed to Anne-Marie Valente-Feliciano.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Failure of Conventional Roughness Metrics in Assessing Field-Limiting Mesoscopic Topography in SRF Nb Films on Cu

A characteristic corrugated surface morphology of Nb films on Cu is identified, with mesoscopic features comparable to the London penetration depth and coherence length, and its impact on superconducting radio frequency cavity performance metrics is examined. Magnetic field enhancement factors and superheating field suppression factors are calculated within the London model for a representative corrugated geometry. These results demonstrate that roughness trends derived from buffered chemical polished and electropolished Nb cavities do not capture the impact of nanoscale surface morphology on SRF Nb thin film performance, as even surfaces that possess low average roughness can contain geometric features that generate substantial local field enhancement and significantly suppress the Bean Livingston barrier. The influence of surface roughness on impurity diffusion is also investigated, which highlights the roles of increased surface area and local geometric confinement in modifying near surface impurity distributions. Tracking the effect of impurity diffusion on the evolution of magnetic field enhancement, we show that geometrically confined impurity distributions can mitigate nanoscale magnetic field enhancement substantially.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2026

Design optimization, commissioning, and uncertainty analysis of the quadrupole resonator system at Jefferson Lab for SRF material characterization

A quadrupole resonator (QPR) provides a sample-based platform for characterizing materials for superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) applications under controlled field, frequency, and temperature conditions. This paper presents the design optimization, commissioning, and validation of the Jefferson Lab QPR system, including a quantitative assessment of measurement uncertainty. The resonator geometry was re-optimized from the CERN version-II design to improve quadrupole-mode separation and enable four usable modes at 400, 806, 1221, and 1640 MHz. The measurement system combines self-excited-loop RF operation, cable-loss-corrected power calibration, decay-based external-Q calibration, and RF-DC thermal-substitution calorimetry to determine the peak surface magnetic field Bpk and sample surface resistance Rs. Commissioning measurements on bulk Nb and Nb3Sn-Ta-Cu samples validated the system response over a broad range of frequency, temperature, and RF field. The extracted superconducting energy-gap parameters are consistent with the reported values for Nb and Nb3Sn, as well as with those obtained from single-cell cavity measurements. The commissioned system operates from 1.8 K to near the superconducting transition temperature of the sample, with accessible Bpk values from approximately 5 mT to a sample- and temperature-dependent heater-power-budget limit; a maximum field of 60 mT was demonstrated for bulk Nb at 400 MHz and 4 K. The combined relative standard uncertainties are 8.3% for Bpk and below 18% for Rs when r = PDC2/PDC1 is less than 0.9. The worst-case Bpk resolution at the 95% confidence level is approximately 1.35 mT, while the Rs resolution is below 1 nOhm at 10 mT and 2 K. These results establish the JLab QPR as a calibrated, multi-frequency platform with quantified measurement uncertainty for SRF material characterization.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2026

RF-Budgeted Frame Compilation for Frequency-Multiplexed Superconducting-Qubit Control Using Qubit-Control Identity Records and a Circuit-Informed RFSoC Model

Frequency-multiplexed superconducting-qubit control requires more than carrier assignment: the RF budget of a shared source can perturb multi-qubit rotations through finite bandwidth, crest factor, clipping, quantization, jitter, spurs, compression, crosstalk, and leakage. We present an RF-budgeted frame-compilation and validation workflow that combines qubit-control identity (QID) records, a MATLAB/Simulink-based circuit-informed RFSoC source-chain model, QuTiP qutrit dynamics, and Qiskit-derived algorithm workloads. QID records encode qubit-specific computational and leakage transition frequencies, pulse parameters, and drive-scale calibration, while the RF-chain profile and effective crosstalk-coupling matrix are provided as separate compiler inputs. Candidate multitone RF frames are scheduled under RF-budget constraints, propagated through the RFSoC model, decoded into computational and leakage transition frames, and evaluated in QuTiP for rotation error, leakage-aware fidelity, computational-subspace survival, and transient leakage. The studies progress from single-qutrit pulse closure to pairwise coexistence, multitone RF-frame capacity, and Bernstein-Vazirani (BV) and QAOA microwave layers extracted from Qiskit circuits. The simulations show that longer pulses improve per-frame aggregation but do not necessarily minimize time-normalized layer cost; clustered frequency maps, larger rotations, and multitone leakage stacking tighten closure. Under the nominal RF budget, a Qiskit-derived 12-qubit BV -Y90 layer closes in three validated four-tone frames at 240 ns, while QAOA mixer partitions vary with rotation angle and pulse duration. All reported results are model-based, decoherence-free simulation diagnostics rather than measured hardware fidelities or wiring-reduction claims.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Flux trapping in NbTiN strips

We use scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscopy to image individual vortices in superconducting strips fabricated from NbTiN thin films. By repeatedly field-cooling strips of different widths in applied magnetic fields, we extract the threshold field at which the first vortex enters a strip, as well as the number and spatial configuration of vortices beyond this threshold. We model vortex behavior with and without considering the effect of pinning by numerically minimizing the Gibbs free energy of vortices in the strips. Our measurements provide a first experimental benchmark for understanding the flux trapping properties of NbTiN thin films, directly relevant to NbTiN-based superconducting circuits and devices.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2026

Investigation of coherence of niobium-based resonators enabled by a fast-sealing microwave cavity

Resonators and qubits with a niobium (Nb) base metal layer achieve some of the highest coherence times in superconducting quantum devices. The performance of such devices is often limited by loss associated with two-level systems, which are found primarily at material surfaces and interfaces. The metal-air (MA) interface is a major contributor to device loss. In this work, we develop a fast-sealing microwave cavity that enables devices to be placed under vacuum within five minutes of oxide removal, thereby significantly reducing the MA interface loss compared to common device processing and packaging approaches. Using coplanar stripline resonators, we demonstrate that devices sealed in such a cavity exhibit internal quality factors exceeding one million at single-photon power. After re-exposure to air, the devices show downward resonance frequency shifts and quality factor degradations, quantitatively consistent with a model of Nb oxide regrowth. The fast-sealing microwave cavity provides a practical and consistent method to mitigate MA interface loss and sustain high coherence in Nb devices, and establishes a controlled platform for studying metal oxide regrowth kinetics and dielectric properties, the understanding of which is critical to achieving high coherence in superconducting quantum devices.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Electropolishing-Induced Topographic Defects in Niobium: Insights and Implications for Superconducting Radio Frequency Applications

Electropolishing is the premier surface preparation method for high-Q, high-gradient superconducting RF cavities made of Nb. This leaves behind an apparently smooth surface, yet the achievable peak magnetic fields fall well below the superheating field of Nb, in most cases. In this work, the ultimate surface finish of electropolishing was investigated by studying its effect on highly polished Nb samples. Electropolishing introduces high slope angle sloped-steps at grain boundaries. The magnetic field enhancement and superheating field suppression factors associated with such a geometry are calculated in the London theory. Despite the by-eye smoothness of electropolished Nb, such defects compromise the stability of the low-loss Meissner state, likely limiting the achievable peak accelerating fields in superconducting RF cavities. Finally, the impact of surface roughness on impurity diffusion is investigated which can link surface roughness to the effectiveness of heat treatments like low-temperature baking or nitrogen infusion in the vortex nucleation or hydride hypotheses. Surface roughness tends to decrease the effective dose of impurities as a result of the expansion of impurities into regions with greater internal angle. The effective dose of impurities can be protected by minimizing slope angles and step heights, ensuring uniformity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2026

Nb3Sn coating of SRF cavity by co-sputtering from a composite target

We deposited Nb3Sn film on the inner surface of a 2.6 GHz Nb superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavity by co-sputtering using a composite of Nb and Sn tube targets in a DC cylindrical magnetron sputtering system, followed by thermal annealing of the coated cavity. An aluminum mockup cavity, replicating a 2.6 GHz Nb SRF cavity geometry, was utilized to optimize deposition parameters, resulting in co-sputtered Nb-Sn films with Sn content of 32 - 42 at. % on the beam tubes and equator positions. Several annealing conditions were investigated to improve the surface homogeneity of the Nb3Sn film. The best co-sputtered Nb-Sn film was achieved after annealing at 600 C for 6 h, followed by annealing at 950 C for 1 h. The best process was applied to a Nb cavity, which was RF tested in a cryogenic dewar. RF testing of the Nb3Sn-coated cavity demonstrated a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) close to the highest reported, at 17.78 K. The Nb3Sn cavity underwent a light Sn recoating process, followed by additional RF testing, resulting in enhancement of the RF performance, primarily due to improved surface homogeneity of the Nb3Sn coating.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2025

Impact of metallographic polishing on the RF properties of Niobium for SRF applications

The performance of superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities made of Niobium is tied to the quality of their inner surfaces exposed to the radio frequency (RF) waves. Future superconducting particle accelerators, because of their dimensions or the unprecedented stringent technical requirements, require the development of innovative surface processing techniques to improve processing reliability and if possible ecological footprint and cost, compared to conventional chemical processes. Metallographic polishing (MP) has emerged as a promising polishing technology to address these challenges. Previous studies focused on the characterization of the processed material surface at room temperature in the absence of RF waves. However, the evaluation of material properties, such as surface resistance under RF, at cryogenic temperature has failed, primarily due to the unavailability of devices capable of achieving the necessary resolution in the nanohm range. To overcome this limitation, a quadrupole resonator (QPR) has been utilized. The RF results demonstrate that the MP polishing, developed to preserve a high-quality niobium surface with very low surface resistance, is highly effective compared to conventional polishing. This conclusion is further supported by topography and microstructural analysis of the QPR top-hat samples, which revealed the clear superiority of the metallographic approach.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2025

Optically accessible high-finesse millimeter-wave resonator for cavity quantum electrodynamics with atom arrays

Cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) is a powerful tool in quantum science, enabling preparation of non-classical states of light and scalable entanglement of many atoms coupled to a single field mode. While the most coherent atom-photon interactions have been achieved using superconducting millimeter-wave cavities coupled to Rydberg atoms, these platforms so far lack the optical access required for trapping and addressing individual atomic qubits. We present a millimeter-wave Fabry-Pérot cavity with finesse $5.8(1) \times 10^7$ at a temperature of 1 K providing generous transverse optical access (numerical aperture 0.56). Conflicting goals of strong atom-photon coupling and optical access motivate a near-confocal geometry. Close to confocality, however, post-paraxial corrections to the cavity spectrum introduce unexpected degeneracies between transverse modes, leading to excess cavity loss. Modeling these corrections allows for tuning the cavity geometry to evade this loss, producing a high finesse that will enable cavity QED experiments with trapped atoms deep in the strong coupling regime.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Properties of Nb\_xTi\_{(1-x)}N thin films deposited on 300 mm silicon wafers for upscaling superconducting digital circuits

Scaling superconducting digital circuits requires fundamental changes in the current material set and fabrication process. The transition to 300 mm wafers and the implementation of advanced lithography are instrumental in facilitating mature CMOS processes, ensuring uniformity, and optimizing the yield. This study explores the properties of NbxTi(1-x)N films fabricated by magnetron DC sputtering on 300 mm Si wafers. As a promising alternative to traditional Nb in device manufacturing, NbxTi(1-x)N offers numerous advantages, including enhanced stability and scalability to smaller dimensions, in both processing and design. As a ternary material, NbxTi(1-x)N allows engineering material parameters by changing deposition conditions. The engineered properties can be used to modulate device parameters through the stack and mitigate failure modes. We report characterization of NbxTi(1-x)N films at less than 2% thickness variability, 2.4% Tc variability and 3% composition variability. The films material properties such as resistivity (140-375 Ωcm) and critical temperature Tc (4.6 K - 14.1 K) are correlated with stoichiometry and morphology of the films. Our results highlight the significant influence of deposition conditions on crystallographic texture along the films and its correlation with Tc.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2023

Evidence for current suppression in superconductor-superconductor bilayers

Superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities, which are critical components in many particle accelerators, need to be operated in the Meissner state to avoid strong dissipation from magnetic vortices. For a defect-free superconductor, the maximum attainable magnetic field for operation is set by the superheating field, $B_{\mathrm{sh}}$, which directly depends on the surface current. In heterostructures composed of different superconductors, the current in each layer depends not only on the properties of the individual material, but also on the electromagnetic response of the adjacent layers through boundary conditions at the interfaces. Three prototypical bilayers [$\mathrm{Nb_{1-x}Ti_xN}$(50 nm)/Nb, $\mathrm{Nb_{1-x}Ti_xN}$(80 nm)/Nb, and $\mathrm{Nb_{1-x}Ti_xN}$(160 nm)/Nb] are investigated here by depth-resolved measurements of their Meissner screening profiles using low-energy muon spin rotation (LE-$μ$SR). From fits to a model based on London theory (with appropriate boundary and continuity conditions), a magnetic penetration depth for the thin $\mathrm{Nb_{1-x}Ti_xN}$ layers of $λ_\mathrm{Nb_{1-x}Ti_xN} =$ 182.5(31) nm is found, in good agreement with literature values for the bulk alloy. Using the measured $λ_\mathrm{Nb_{1-x}Ti_xN}$, the maximum vortex-free field, $B_{\mathrm{max}}$, of the superconductor-superconductor (SS) bilayer structure was estimated to be 610(40) mT. The strong suppression of the surface current in the $\mathrm{Nb_{1-x}Ti_xN}$ layer suggests an optimal thickness of $\sim 1.4 λ_{\mathrm{Nb_{1-x}Ti_xN}} =$ 261(14) nm.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2023

Scaling NbTiN-based ac-powered Josephson digital to 400M devices/cm$^2$

We describe a fabrication stackup for digital logic with 16 superconducting NbTiN layers, self-shunted a-silicon barrier Josephson Junctions (JJs), and low loss, high-$κ$ tunable HZO capacitors. The stack enables 400 MJJ/cm$^2$ device density, efficient routing, and AC power distribution on a resonant network. The materials scale beyond 28nm lithography and are compatible with standard high-temperature CMOS processes. We report initial results for two-metal layer NbTiN wires with 50nm critical dimension. A semi-ascendance wire-and-via process module using 193i lithography and 50nm critical dimension has shown cross-section uniformity of 1%=1s across the 300mm wafer, critical temperature of 12.5K, and critical current of 0.1mA at 4.2K. We also present a new design of the resonant AC power network enabled by NbTiN wires and HZO MIM capacitors. The design matches the device density and provides a 30 GHz clock with estimated efficiency of up to 90%. Finally, magnetic imaging of patterned NbTiN ground planes shows low intrinsic defectivity and consistent trapping of vorteces in 0.5 mm holes spaced on a 20 $μ$m x 20 $μ$m grid.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2022

RF Accelerator Technology R&D: Report of AF7-rf Topical Group to Snowmass 2021

Accelerator radio frequency (RF) technology has been and remains critical for modern high energy physics (HEP) experiments based on particle accelerators. Tremendous progress in advancing this technology has been achieved over the past decade in several areas highlighted in this report. These achievements and new results expected from continued R&D efforts could pave the way for upgrades of existing facilities, improvements to accelerators already under construction (e.g., PIP-II), well-developed proposals (e.g., ILC, CLIC), and/or enable concepts under development, such as FCC-ee, CEPC, C3, HELEN, multi-MW Fermilab Proton Intensity Upgrade, future Muon Colloder, etc. Advances in RF technology have impact beyond HEP on accelerators built for nuclear physics, basic energy sciences, and other areas. Recent examples of such accelerators are European XFEL, LCLS-II and LCLS-II-HE, SHINE, SNS, ESS, FRIB, and EIC. To support and enable new accelerator-based applications and even make some of them feasible, we must continue addressing their challenges via a comprehensive RF R&D program that would advance the existing RF technologies and explore the nascent ones.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2019

High Frequency Nonlinear Response of Superconducting Cavity-Grade Nb surfaces

Nb Superconducting Radio-Frequency (SRF) cavities are observed to break down and lose their high-Q superconducting properties at accelerating gradients below the limits imposed by theory. The microscopic origins of SRF cavity breakdown are still a matter of some debate. To investigate these microscopic issues temperature and power dependent local third harmonic response was measured on bulk Nb and Nb thin film samples using a novel near-field magnetic microwave microscope between 2.9K-10K and 2GHz-6GHz. Both periodic and non-periodic response as a function of applied RF field amplitude are observed. We attribute these features to extrinsic and intrinsic nonlinear responses of the sample. The RF-current-biased Resistively Shunted Junction (RSJ) model can account for the periodic response and fits very well to the data using reasonable parameters. The non-periodic response is consistent with vortex semi-loops penetrating into the bulk of the sample once sufficiently high RF magnetic field is applied, and the data can be fit to a Time-Dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) model of this process. The fact that these responses are measured on a wide variety of Nb samples suggests that we have captured the generic nonlinear response of air-exposed Nb surfaces.

cond-mat.supr-con↗