arXiv subjects

F. K. Wilhelm

Publications and source records attributed to F. K. Wilhelm.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Performance-centric roadmap for building a superconducting quantum computer

One of the outstanding challenges in contemporary science and technology is building a quantum computer that is useful in applications. By starting from an estimate of the algorithm success rate, we can explicitly connect gate fidelity to quantum system size targets and define a quantitative roadmap that maximizes performance while avoiding distractions. We identify four distinct phases for quantum hardware and enabling technology development. The aim is to improve performance as we scale and increase the algorithmic complexity the quantum hardware is capable of running, the algorithmic radius, towards a point that sets us up for quantum advantage with deep noisy intermediate-scale quantum computing (NISQ) as well as building a large-scale error-corrected quantum computer (QEC). Our hope is that this document contributes to shaping the discussion about the future of the field.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Coherent and non-unitary errors in ZZ-generated gates

Variational algorithms such as the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm have attracted attention due to their potential for solving problems using near-term quantum computers. The $ZZ$ interaction typically generates the primitive two-qubit gate in such algorithms applied for a time, typically a variational parameter, $γ$. Different compilation techniques exist with respect to the implementation of two-qubit gates. Due to the importance of the $ZZ$-gate, we present an error analysis comparing the continuous-angle controlled phase gate (CP) against the fixed angle controlled $Z$-gate (CZ). We analyze both techniques under the influence of coherent over-rotation and depolarizing noise. We show that CP and CZ compilation techniques achieve comparable $ZZ$-gate fidelities if the incoherent error is below $0.03 \, \%$ and the coherent error is below $0.8 \, \%$. Thus, we argue that for small coherent and incoherent error a non-parameterized two-qubit gate such as CZ in combination with virtual $Z$ decomposition for single-qubit gates could lead to a significant reduction in the calibration required and, therefore, a less error-prone quantum device. We show that above a coherent error of $0.04 π$ ($2 \, \%$), the CZ gate fidelity depends significantly on $γ$.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Role of the proximity effect for normal-metal quasiparticle traps

The performance of many superconducting devices is degraded in presence of non-equilibrium quasiparticles in the superconducting part. One promising approach towards their evacuation is the use of normal-metal quasiparticle traps, where normal metal is brought into good metallic contact with the superconductor. A voltage biased normal-metal--insulator--superconductor junction equipped with such a trap is used to investigate on the trapping performance and the part played by the superconducting proximity effect therein. This involves an appropriate one-dimensional model of the junction and the numerical solution of Usadel equations describing the non-equilibrium state of the superconductor. The functionality of the trap is determined by the density of states (DOS) at the tunnel barrier. Herein, the proximity effect leads to two antagonistic characteristics affecting the trapping performance: the beneficial reduction of the DOS at an energy $|E| = Δ_{\text{BCS}}$ versus the contraction of the spectral energy gap causing quasiparticle poisoning. For both effects the trap position is decisive, which needs to be taken into account for optimizing the trapping performance. In addition, the conversion between dissipative normal and supercurrent inside the superconducting part with its impact on the quasiparticle density is studied.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2020

Quantum simulation of particle creation in curved space-time

Conversion of vacuum fluctuations into real particles was first predicted by L. Parker considering an expanding universe, followed in S. Hawking's work on black hole radiation. Since their experimental observation is challenging, analogue systems have gained attention in the verification of this concept. Here we propose an experimental set-up consisting of two adjacent piezoelectric semiconducting layers, one of them carrying dynamic quantum dots (DQDs), and the other being p-doped with an attached gate on top, which introduces a space-dependent layer conductivity. The propagation of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) on the latter layer is governed by a wave equation with an effective metric. In the frame of the DQDs, this space- and time-dependent metric possesses a sonic horizon for SAWs and resembles that of a two dimensional non-rotating and uncharged black hole to some extent. The non-thermal steady state of the DQD spin indicates particle creation in form of piezophonons.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Nonpairwise interactions induced by virtual transitions in four coupled artificial atoms

The field of quantum information has matured and various protocols implementing a quantum computer are being pursued. Most similar to a classical computer is the circuit model. In 2007 Aharonov et al. showed the equivalence between the circuit model and a quantum annealer, and with this proofed the universality of quantum annealing. Here the system starts in an easily preparable ground state and evolves adiabatically to a final ground state which yields the solution of the computational problem. However, equivalence with the circuit model requires multi-local interactions, i.e. interaction terms involving more than two subsystems. Natural interactions are only two-local, hence the construction or simulation of higher order couplers is indispensable for a universal quantum annealer. Also, four-local couplers allow compact implementation of error correction with the Bacon-Shor code. Four-local interactions can further serve as a tool for basic research. Here we show that in a specific flux qubit coupler design without ancilla qubits, four body interactions are induced by virtual coupler excitations. For specific parameter regimes they are even the leading effect and can be tuned up to the GHz range.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Mode Structure in Superconducting Metamaterial Transmission Line Resonators

Superconducting metamaterials are a promising resource for quantum information science. In the context of circuit QED, they provide a means to engineer on-chip, novel dispersion relations and a band structure that could ultimately be utilized for generating complex entangled states of quantum circuitry, for quantum reservoir engineering, and as an element for quantum simulation architectures. Here we report on the development and measurement at millikelvin temperatures of a particular type of circuit metamaterial resonator composed of planar superconducting lumped-element reactances in the form of a discrete left-handed transmission line (LHTL). We discuss the details of the design, fabrication, and circuit properties of this system. As well, we provide an extensive characterization of the dense mode spectrum in these metamaterial resonators, which we conducted using both microwave transmission measurements and laser scanning microscopy (LSM). Results are observed to be in good quantitative agreement with numerical simulations and also an analytical model based upon current-voltage relationships for a discrete transmission line. In particular, we demonstrate that the metamaterial mode frequencies, spatial profiles of current and charge densities, and damping due to external loading can be readily modeled and understood, making this system a promising tool for future use in quantum circuit applications and for studies of complex quantum systems.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Counteracting systems of diabaticities using DRAG controls: The status after 10 years

The task of controlling a quantum system under time and bandwidth limitations is made difficult by unwanted excitations of spectrally neighboring energy levels. In this article we review the Derivative Removal by Adiabatic Gate (DRAG) framework. DRAG is a multi-transition variant of counterdiabatic driving, where multiple low-lying gapped states in an adiabatic evolution can be avoided simultaneously, greatly reducing operation times compared to the adiabatic limit. In its essence, the method corresponds to a convergent version of the superadiabatic expansion where multiple counterdiabaticity conditions can be met simultaneously. When transitions are strongly crowded, the system of equations can instead be favorably solved by an average Hamiltonian (Magnus) expansion, suggesting the use of additional sideband control. We give some examples of common systems where DRAG and variants thereof can be applied to improve performance.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Gap-independent cooling and hybrid quantum-classical annealing

In this letter we present an efficient gap-independent cooling scheme for a quantum annealer that benefits from finite temperatures. We choose a system based on superconducting flux qubits as a prominent example of current quantum annealing platforms. We propose coupling the qubit system transversely to a coplanar waveguide to counter noise and heating that arise from always-present longitudinal thermal noise. We provide a schematic circuit layout for the system and show how, for feasible coupling strengths, we achieve global performance enhancements. Specifically, we achieve cooling improvements of about $50\%$ in the adiabatic and a few hundred percent in the non-adiabatic regime, respectively.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Optimizing single microwave-photon detection: Input-Output theory

High fidelity microwave photon counting is an important tool for various areas from background radiation analysis in astronomy to the implementation of circuit QED architectures for the realization of a scalable quantum information processor. In this work we describe a microwave photon counter coupled to a semi-infinite transmission line. We employ input-output theory to examine a continuously driven transmission line as well as traveling photon wave packets. Using analytic and numerical methods, we calculate the conditions on the system parameters necessary to optimize measurement and achieve high detection efficiency.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Quantum--Classical Interface Based on Single Flux Quantum Digital Logic

We describe an approach to the integrated control and measurement of a large-scale superconducting multiqubit circuit using a proximal coprocessor based on the Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) digital logic family. Coherent control is realized by irradiating the qubits directly with classical bitstreams derived from optimal control theory. Qubit measurement is performed by a Josephson photon counter, which provides access to the classical result of projective quantum measurement at the millikelvin stage. We analyze the power budget and physical footprint of the SFQ coprocessor and discuss challenges and opportunities associated with this approach.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Arbitrary n-Qubit State Transfer Implemented by Coherent Control and Simplest Switchable Local Noise

We study reachable sets of open n-qubit quantum systems, whose coherent parts are under full unitary control, by adding as a further degree of incoherent control switchable Markovian noise on a single qubit. In particular, adding bang-bang control of amplitude damping noise (non-unital) allows the dynamic system to act transitively on the entire set of density operators. Thus one can transform any initial quantum state into any desired target state. Adding switchable bit-flip noise (unital) instead suffices to get all states majorised by the initial state. Our open-loop optimal control package DYNAMO is extended by incoherent control to exploit these unprecedented reachable sets in experiments. We propose implementation by a GMon, a superconducting device with fast tunable coupling to an open transmission line, and illustrate how open-loop control with noise switching achieves all state transfers without measurement-based closed-loop feedback and resettable ancilla.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Nonadiabatic corrections to fast dispersive multiqubit gates involving Z control

We review a time-dependent version of the Schrieffer-Wolff transformation that accounts for real-time control of system parameters, soon to be rendered possible on a broad basis due to technical progress. The dispersive regime of $N$ multilevel systems coupled to a cavity via a Jaynes-Cummings interaction is extended to the most general case. As a concrete example we rigorously apply the technique to dispersive two-qubit gates in a superconducting architecture, showing that fidelities based on previous models are off by up to $10^{-2}$, which is certainly relevant for high-fidelity gates compatible with fault-tolerant quantum information devices. A closed analytic form for the error depending on the target evolution closes our work.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Restless Tuneup of High-Fidelity Qubit Gates

We present a tuneup protocol for qubit gates with tenfold speedup over traditional methods reliant on qubit initialization by energy relaxation. This speedup is achieved by constructing a cost function for Nelder-Mead optimization from real-time correlation of non-demolition measurements interleaving gate operations without pause. Applying the protocol on a transmon qubit achieves 0.999 average Clifford fidelity in one minute, as independently verified using randomized benchmarking and gate set tomography. The adjustable sensitivity of the cost function allows detecting fractional changes in gate error with nearly constant signal-to-noise ratio. The restless concept demonstrated can be readily extended to the tuneup of two-qubit gates and measurement operations.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

High-fidelity Rydberg-blockade entangling gate using shaped, analytic pulses

We show that the use of shaped pulses improves the fidelity of a Rydberg blockade two-qubit entangling gate by several orders of magnitude compared to previous protocols based on square pulses or optimal control pulses. Using analytical Derivative Removal by Adiabatic Gate (DRAG) pulses that reduce excitation of primary leakage states and an analytical method of finding the optimal Rydberg blockade we generate Bell states with a fidelity of $F>0.9999$ in a 300 K environment for a gate time of only $50\;{\rm ns}$, which is an order of magnitude faster than previous protocols. These results establish the potential of neutral atom qubits with Rydberg blockade gates for scalable quantum computation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Simultaneous gates in frequency-crowded multilevel systems using fast, robust, analytic control shapes

We present a few-parameter ansatz for pulses to implement a broad set of simultaneous single-qubit rotations in frequency-crowded multilevel systems. Specifically, we consider a system of two qutrits whose working and leakage transitions suffer from spectral crowding (detuned by $δ$). In order to achieve precise controllability, we make use of two driving fields (each having two quadratures) at two different tones to implement arbitrary simultaneous rotations. Expanding the waveforms in terms of Hanning windows, we show how analytic pulses containing smooth and composite-pulse features can easily achieve gate errors less than $10^{-4}$ and considerably outperform known adiabatic techniques. Moreover, we find a generalization of the WahWah method by Schutjens et al. [Phys. Rev. A 88, 052330 (2013)] that allows precise separate single-qubit rotations for all gate times beyond a quantum speed limit. We find in all cases a quantum speed limit slightly below $2π/δ$ for the gate time and show that our pulses are robust against variations in system parameters and filtering due to transfer functions, making them suitable for experimental implementations.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

A complete Randomized Benchmarking Protocol accounting for Leakage Errors

Randomized Benchmarking allows to efficiently and scalably characterize the average error of an unitary 2-design such as the Clifford group $\mathcal{C}$ on a physical candidate for quantum computation, as long as there are no non-computational leakage levels in the system. We investigate the effect of leakage errors on Randomized Benchmarking induced from an additional level per physical qubit and provide a modified protocol that allows to derive reliable estimates for the error per gate in their presence. We assess the variance of the sequence fidelity corresponding to the number of random sequences needed for valid fidelity estimation. Our protocol allows for gate dependent error channels without being restricted to perturbations. We show that our protocol is compatible with Interleaved Randomized Benchmarking and expand to benchmarking of arbitrary gates. This setting is relevant for superconducting transmon qubits, among other systems.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Engineering adiabaticity at an avoided crossing with optimal control

We investigate ways to optimize adiabaticity and diabaticity in the Landau-Zener model with non-uniform sweeps. We show how diabaticity can be engineered with a pulse consisting of a linear sweep augmented by an oscillating term. We show that the oscillation leads to jumps in populations whose value can be accurately modeled using a model of multiple, photon-assisted Landau-Zener transitions, which generalizes work by Wubs et al. [New J. Phys. 7, 218 (2005)]. We extend the study on diabaticity using methods derived from optimal control. We also show how to preserve adiabaticity with optimal pulses at limited time, finding a non-uniform quantum speed limit.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2014

Adaptive hybrid optimal quantum control for imprecisely characterized systems

Optimal quantum control theory carries a huge promise for quantum technology. Its experimental application, however, is often hindered by imprecise knowledge of the its input variables, the quantum system's parameters. We show how to overcome this by Adaptive Hybrid Optimal Control (Ad-HOC). This protocol combines open- and closed-loop optimal by first performing a gradient search towards a near-optimal control pulse and then an experimental fidelity measure with a gradient-free method. For typical settings in solid-state quantum information processing, Ad-Hoc enhances gate fidelities by an order of magnitude hence making optimal control theory applicable and useful.

quant-ph↗