Disorder effects in NbTiN superconducting resonators

Disordered superconducting materials like NbTiN possess a high kinetic inductance fraction and an adjustable critical temperature, making them a good choice for low-temperature detectors. Their energy gap(D), critical temperature(T_(c)),and quasiparticle density of states(QDOS) distribution, however, deviate from the classical BCS theory due to the disorder effects. The Usadel equation, which takes account of elastic scattering, non-elastic scattering, and electro–phonon coupling,can be applied to explain and describe these deviations. This paper presents numerical simulations of the disorder effects based on the Usadel equation to investigate their effects on the △, Tc, QDOS distribution, and complex conductivity of the NbTiN film. Furthermore, NbTiN superconducting resonators with coplanar waveguide(CPW) structures are fabricated and characterized at different temperatures to validate our numerical simulations. The pair-breaking parameter α and the critical temperature in the pure state T_(c)^(P) of our NbTiN film are determined from the experimental results and numerical simulations. This study has significant implications for the development of low-temperature detectors made of disordered superconducting materials.

Interplay between topology and localization on superconducting circuits

Topological insulators occupy a prominent position in the realm of condensed matter physics. Nevertheless, the presence of strong disorder has the potential to disrupt the integrity of topological states, leading to the localization of all states.This study delves into the intricate interplay between topology and localization within the one-dimensional Su–Schrieffer–Heeger(SSH) model, which incorporates controllable off-diagonal quasi-periodic modulations on superconducting circuits.Through the application of external alternating current(ac) magnetic fluxes, each transmon undergoes controlled driving,enabling independent tuning of all coupling strengths. Within a framework of this model, we construct comprehensive phase diagrams delineating regions characterized by extended topologically nontrivial states, critical localization, and coexisting topological and critical localization phases. The paper also addresses the dynamics of qubit excitations, elucidating distinct quantum state transfers resulting from the intricate interplay between topology and localization. Additionally, we propose a method for detecting diverse quantum phases utilizing existing experimental setups.

Tunable superconducting resonators via on-chip control of local magnetic field

Superconducting microwave resonators play a pivotal role in superconducting quantum circuits.The ability to finetune their resonant frequencies provides enhanced control and flexibility.Here,we introduce a frequency-tunable superconducting coplanar waveguide resonator.By applying electrical currents through specifically designed ground wires,we achieve the generation and control of a localized magnetic field on the central line of the resonator,enabling continuous tuning of its resonant frequency.We demonstrate a frequency tuning range of 54.85 MHz in a 6.21-GHz resonator.This integrated and tunable resonator holds great potential as a dynamically tunable filter and as a key component of communication buses and memory elements in superconducting quantum computing.

Simulations of superconducting quantum gates by digital flux tuner for qubits

The interconnection bottleneck caused by limitations of cable number, inner space and cooling power of dilution refrigerators has been an outstanding challenge for building scalable superconducting quantum computers with the increasing number of qubits in quantum processors. To surmount such an obstacle, it is desirable to integrate qubits with quantum–classical interface(QCI) circuits based on rapid single flux quantum(RSFQ) circuits. In this work, a digital flux tuner for qubits(DFTQ) is proposed for manipulating flux of qubits as a crucial part of the interface circuit. A schematic diagram of the DFTQ is presented, consisting of a coarse tuning unit and a fine-tuning unit for providing magnetic flux with different precision to qubits. The method of using DFTQ to provide flux for gate operations is discussed from the optimization of circuit design and input signal. To verify the effectiveness of the method, simulations of a single DFTQ and quantum gates including a Z gate and an iSWAP gate with DFTQs are performed for flux-tunable transmons. The quantum process tomography corresponding to the two gates is also carried out to analyze the sources of gate error. The results of tomography show that the gate fidelities independent of the initial states of the Z gate and the iSWAP gate are 99.935% and 99.676%,respectively. With DFTQs inside, the QCI would be a powerful tool for building large-scale quantum computers.

Nonreciprocal transport in the superconducting state of the chiral crystal NbGe_(2)

Due to the lack of inversion,mirror or other roto-inversion symmetries,chiral crystals possess a well-defined handedness which,when combined with time-reversal symmetry breaking from the application of magnetic fields,can give rise to directional dichroism of the electrical transport phenomena via the magnetochiral anisotropy.In this study,we investigate the nonreciprocal magneto-transport in microdevices of NbGe_(2),a superconductor with structural chirality.A giant nonreciprocal signal from vortex motions is observed during the superconducting transition,with the ratio of nonreciprocal resistance to the normal resistanceγreaching 6×10^(5)T^(-1)·A^(-1).Interestingly,the intensity can be adjusted and even sign-reversed by varying the current,the temperature,and the crystalline orientation.Our findings illustrate intricate vortex dynamics and offer ways of manipulation on the rectification effect in superconductors with structural chirality.

Coulomb-assisted nonlocal electron transport between two pairs of Majorana bound states in a superconducting island

We investigate the nonlocal transport modulated by Coulomb interactions in devices comprising two interacting Majorana wires,where both nanowires are in proximity to a mesoscopic superconducting(SC)island.Each Majorana bound state(MBS)is coupled to one lead via a quantum dot with resonant levels.In this device,the nonlocal correlations can be induced in the absence of Majorana energy splitting.We find that the negative differential conductance and giant current noise cross correlation could be induced,due to the interplay between nonlocality of MBSs and dynamical Coulomb blockade effect.This feature may provide a signature for the existence of the MBSs.

Gradient coil design with enhanced shielding constraint for a cryogen-free superconducting MRI system

The relatively fragile low-temperature stability of cryogen-free superconducting magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)magnets requires the careful management of exogenous heat sources.A strongly shielded gradient magnetic field is important for the optimal operation of cryogen-free MRI systems.In this study,we present an enhanced shielding method incorporating a regionalized stray field constraining strategy.By optimizing the constraint parameters,we could develop engineering-feasible gradient coil schemes without increasing system complexity but with the stray field intensity reduced by half.In real measurement in an integrated MRI system,the developed gradient assembly demonstrated good performance and supported to output images of excellent quality.Our findings suggested that the proposed method could potentially form a useful design paradigm for cryogen-free MRI magnets.

Terahertz high-sensitivity SIS mixer based on Nb–AlN–NbN hybrid superconducting tunnel junctions

The terahertz band,a unique segment of the electromagnetic spectrum,is crucial for observing the cold,dark universe and plays a pivotal role in cutting-edge scientific research,including the study of cosmic environments that support life and imaging black holes.High-sensitivity superconductor–insulator–superconductor(SIS)mixers are essential detectors for terahertz astronomical telescopes and interferometric arrays.Compared to the commonly used classical Nb/AlO_(x)/Nb superconducting tunnel junction,the Nb/AlN/NbN hybrid superconducting tunnel junction has a higher energy gap voltage and can achieve a higher critical current density.This makes it particularly promising for the development of ultra-wideband,high-sensitivity coherent detectors or mixers in various scientific research fields.In this paper,we present a superconducting SIS mixer based on Nb/AlN/NbN parallel-connected twin junctions(PCTJ),which has a bandwidth extending up to490 GHz–720 GHz.The best achieved double-sideband(DSB)noise temperature(sensitivity)is below three times the quantum noise level.

Analytical computation of magnetic field in coil-dominated superconducting quadrupole magnets based on racetrack coils

Currently,three types of superconducting quadrupole magnets are used in particle accelerators:cos 2θ,CCT,and serpentine.However,all three coil configurations have complex spatial geometries,which make magnet manufacturing and strain-sensitive superconductor applications difficult.Compared with the three existing quadrupole coils,the racetrack quadrupole coil has a simple shape and manufacturing process,but there have been few theoretical studies.In this paper,the two-dimensional and three-dimensional analytical expressions for the magnetic field in coil-dominated racetrack superconducting quadrupole magnets are presented.The analytical expressions of the field harmonics and gradient are fully resolved and depend only on the geometric parameters of the coil and current density.Then,a genetic algorithm is applied to obtain a solution for the coil geometry parameters with field harmonics on the order of 10^(-4).Finally,considering the practical engineering needs of the accelerator interaction region,electromagnetic design examples of racetrack quadrupole magnets with high gradients,large apertures,and small apertures are described,and the application prospects of racetrack quadrupole coils are analyzed.

Structure and superconducting properties of Ru_(1-x)Mo_(x)(x=0.1-0.9)alloys

We report the detailed crystal structures and physical properties of Ru_(1-x)Mo_(x)alloys in the solid solution range of x=0.1-0.9.Structure characterizations indicate that the crystal structure changes from the hcp-Mg-type,toβ-CrFe-type,and then bcc-W-type.The measurements of physical properties show that the Ru_(1-x)Mo_(x)samples with x≥0.2are superconductors and the superconducting transition temperature T_c as a function of Mo content exhibits a dome-like behavior.

Superconducting joints using reacted multifilament MgB_(2)wires:A technology toward cryogen-free MRI magnets

The development of superconducting joining technology for reacted magnesium diboride(MgB_(2))conductors remains a critical challenge for the advancement of cryogen-free MgB_(2)-based magnets for magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Herein,the fabrication of superconducting joints using reacted carbon-doped multifilament MgB_(2)wires for MRI magnets is reported.To achieve successful superconducting joints,the powder-in-mold method was employed,which involved tuning the filament protection mechanism,the powder compaction pressure,and the heat treatment condition.The fabricated joints demonstrated clear superconducting-to-normal transitions in self-field,with effective magnetic field screening up to 0.5 T at 20 K.To evaluate the interface between one of the MgB_(2)filaments and the MgB_(2)bulk within the joint,serial sectioning was conducted for the first time in this type of superconducting joint.The serial sectioning revealed space formation at the interface,potentially caused by the volume shrinkage associated with the MgB_(2)formation or the combined effect of the volume shrinkage and the different thermal expansion coefficients of the MgB_(2)bulk,the filament,the mold,and the sealing material.These findings are expected to be pivotal in developing MgB_(2)superconducting joining technology for MRI magnet applications through interface engineering.

Integrated multi-scale approach combining global homogenization and local refinement for multi-field analysis of high-temperature superconducting composite magnets

Second-generation high-temperature superconducting(HTS)conductors,specifically rare earth-barium-copper-oxide(REBCO)coated conductor(CC)tapes,are promising candidates for high-energy and high-field superconducting applications.With respect to epoxy-impregnated REBCO composite magnets that comprise multilayer components,the thermomechanical characteristics of each component differ considerably under extremely low temperatures and strong electromagnetic fields.Traditional numerical models include homogenized orthotropic models,which simplify overall field calculation but miss detailed multi-physics aspects,and full refinement(FR)ones that are thorough but computationally demanding.Herein,we propose an extended multi-scale approach for analyzing the multi-field characteristics of an epoxy-impregnated composite magnet assembled by HTS pancake coils.This approach combines a global homogenization(GH)scheme based on the homogenized electromagnetic T-A model,a method for solving Maxwell's equations for superconducting materials based on the current vector potential T and the magnetic field vector potential A,and a homogenized orthotropic thermoelastic model to assess the electromagnetic and thermoelastic properties at the macroscopic scale.We then identify“dangerous regions”at the macroscopic scale and obtain finer details using a local refinement(LR)scheme to capture the responses of each component material in the HTS composite tapes at the mesoscopic scale.The results of the present GH-LR multi-scale approach agree well with those of the FR scheme and the experimental data in the literature,indicating that the present approach is accurate and efficient.The proposed GH-LR multi-scale approach can serve as a valuable tool for evaluating the risk of failure in large-scale HTS composite magnets.

Numerical simulation of the mechanical behavior of superconducting tape in conductor on round core cable using the cohesive zone model

Cables composed of rare-earth barium copper oxide(REBCO)tapes have been extensively used in various superconducting devices.In recent years,conductor on round core(CORC)cable has drawn the attention of researchers with its outstanding current-carrying capacity and mechanical properties.The REBCO tapes are wound spirally on the surface of CORC cable.Under extreme loadings,the REBCO tapes with layered composite structures are vulnerable,which can lead to degradation of critical current and even quenching of superconducting devices.In this paper,we simulate the deformation of CORC cable under external loads,and analyze the damage inside the tape with the cohesive zone model(CZM).Firstly,the fabrication and cabling of CORC are simulated,and the stresses and strains generated in the tape are extracted as the initial condition of the next step.Then,the tension and bending loads are applied to CORC cable,and the damage distribution inside the tape is presented.In addition,the effects of some parameters on the damage are discussed during the bending simulations.

Transient multi-physics behavior of an insert high temperature superconducting no-insulation coil in hybrid superconducting magnets with inductive coupling

A transient multi-physics model incorporated with an electromagneto-thermomechanical coupling is developed to capture the multi-field behavior of a single-pancake(SP)insert no-insulation(NI)coil in a hybrid magnet during the charging and discharging processes.The coupled problem is resolved by means of the finite element method(FEM)for the magneto-thermo-elastic behaviors and the Runge-Kutta method for the transient responses of the electrical circuits of the hybrid superconducting magnet system.The results reveal that the transient multi-physics responses of the insert NI coil primarily depend on the charging/discharging procedure of the hybrid magnet.Moreover,a reverse azimuthal current and a compressive hoop stress are induced in the insert NI coil during the charging process,while a forward azimuthal current and a tensile hoop stress are observed during the discharging process.The induced voltages in the insert NI coil can drive the currents flowing across the radial turns where the contact resistance exists.Therefore,it brings forth significant Joule heat,causing a temperature rise and a uniform distribution of this heat in the coil turns.Accordingly,a thermally/mechanically unstable or quenching event may be encountered when a high operating current is flowing in the insert NI coil.It is numerically predicted that a quick charging will induce a compressive hoop stress which may bring a risk of buckling instability in the coil,while a discharging will not.The simulations provide an insight of hybrid superconducting magnets under transient start-up or shutdown phases which are inevitably encountered in practical applications.

Fast population transfer with a superconducting qutrit via non-Hermitian shortcut to adiabaticity

Non-Hermitian dissipation dynamics,capable of turning the conventionally detrimental decoherence effects to useful resources for state engineering,is highly attractive to quantum information processing.In this work,an effective scheme is developed for implementing fast population transfer with a superconducting qutrit via the non-Hermitian shortcut to adiabaticity(STA).We first deal with aΛ-configuration interaction between the qutrit and microwave drivings,in which the dephasing-assisted qubit state inversion requiring an overlarge dephasing rate is constructed non-adiabatically.After introducing a feasible ancillary driving that directly acts upon the qubit states,the target state transfer can be well realized but with an accessible qubit dephasing rate.Moreover,a high fidelity could be numerically obtained in the considered system.The strategy could provide a new route towards the non-Hermitian shortcut operations on superconducting quantum circuits.

Theoretical Predictions on Superconducting Phase above Room Temperature in Lutetium-Beryllium Hydrides at High Pressures

High-pressure structural search was performed on the hydrogen-rich compound LuBeH8at pressures up to 200 GPa.We found an Fm3m structure that exhibits stability and superconductivity above 100 GPa.Our phonon dispersion,electronic band structure,and superconductivity analyses in the 100–200 GPa pressure range reveal a strong electron–phonon coupling in Lu Be H8,while the superconducting critical temperature Tcshows a decreasing trend as the pressure increases,with T_(c)=255 K at 200 GPa and maximal T_(c)=355 K at 100 GPa.This study demonstrated the room-temperature superconductivity in Fm3m thus enriching the family of ternary hydrides.These findings provide valuable guidance for identifying new high-temperature superconducting hydrides.

A fresh class of superconducting and hard pentaborides

On the basis of the current theoretical understanding of boron-based hard superconductors under ambient conditions,numerous studies have been conducted with the aim of developing superconducting materials with favorable mechanical properties using boron-rich compounds.In this paper,first-principles calculations reveal the existence of an unprecedented family of tetragonal pentaborides MB_(5)(M=Na,K,Rb,Ca,Sr,Ba,Sc,and Y),comprising B_(20)cages and centered metal atoms acting as stabilizers and electron donors to the boron sublattice.These compounds exhibit both superconductivity and high hardness,with the maximum superconducting transition temperature T_(c)of 18.6 K being achieved in RbB5 and the peak Vickers hardness Hv of 35.1 GPa being achieved in KB_(5)at 1 atm.The combination of these properties is particularly evident in KB_(5),RbB5,and BaB5,with Tc values of∼14.7,18.6,and 16.3 K and H_(v)values of∼35.1,32.4,and 33.8 GPa,respectively.The results presented here reveal that pentaborides can provide a framework for exploring and designing novel superconducting materials with favorable hardness at achievable pressures and even under ambient conditions.

Calibration and cancellation of microwave crosstalk in superconducting circuits

The precise control and manipulation of the qubit state are vital for quantum simulation and quantum computation.In superconducting circuits,one notorious error comes from the crosstalk of microwave signals applied to different qubit control lines.In this work,we present a method for the calibration and cancellation of the microwave crosstalk and experimentally demonstrate its effectiveness in a superconducting 10-qubit chain.The method is convenient and efficient especially for calibrating the microwave crosstalk with large amplitudes and variations,which can be performed successively to reduce the microwave crosstalk by two to three orders.The qubit chain with microwave driving is governed by one-dimensional(1D)Bose-Hubbard model in transverse field,which is nonintegrable and shows thermalization behaviour during the time evolution from certain initial states.Such thermalization process is observed with excellent agreement between experiment and theory further confirming the effective global cancellation of the microwave crosstalk.

A 3–5μm broadband YBCO high-temperature superconducting photonic crystal

Photonic crystal structures have excellent optical properties,so they are widely studied in conventional optical materials.Recent research shows that high-temperature superconducting periodic structures have natural photonic crystal features and they are favourable candidates for single-photon detection.Considering that superconductors have completely different properties from conventional optical materials,we study the energy level diagram and mid-infrared 3μm–5μm transmission spectrum of two-dimensional superconducting photonic crystals in both superconducting and quenched states with the finite element method.The energy level diagram of the circular crystal column superconducting structure shows that the structure has a large band gap width in both states.At the same fill factor,the circular crystal column superconducting structure has a larger band gap width than the others structures.For lattice structures,the zero transmission point of the square lattice structure is robust to the incident angle and environmental temperature.Our research has guiding significance for the design of new material photonic crystals,photon modulation and detection.

Entanglement properties of superconducting qubits coupled to a semi-infinite transmission line

Quantum entanglement, a key resource in quantum information processing, is reduced by interaction between the quantum system concerned and its unavoidable noisy environment. Therefore it is of particular importance to study the dynamical properties of entanglement in open quantum systems. In this work, we mainly focus on two qubits coupled to an adjustable environment, namely a semi-infinite transmission line. The two qubits' relaxations, through individual channels or collective channel or both, can be adjusted by the qubits' transition frequencies. We examine entanglement dynamics in this model system with initial Werner state, and show that the phenomena of entanglement sudden death and revival can be observed. Due to the hardness of preparing the Werner state experimentally, we introduce a new type of entangled state called pseudo-Werner state, which preserves as much entangling property as the Werner state, and more importantly,it is experiment friendly. Furthermore, we provide detailed procedures for generating pseudo-Werner state and studying entanglement dynamics with it, which can be straightforwardly implemented in a superconducting waveguide quantum electrodynamics system.