Showing papers on "Qubit published in 2016"

Quantum sensing

Abstract: "Quantum sensing" describes the use of a quantum system, quantum properties or quantum phenomena to perform a measurement of a physical quantity Historical examples of quantum sensors include magnetometers based on superconducting quantum interference devices and atomic vapors, or atomic clocks More recently, quantum sensing has become a distinct and rapidly growing branch of research within the area of quantum science and technology, with the most common platforms being spin qubits, trapped ions and flux qubits The field is expected to provide new opportunities - especially with regard to high sensitivity and precision - in applied physics and other areas of science In this review, we provide an introduction to the basic principles, methods and concepts of quantum sensing from the viewpoint of the interested experimentalist

Scalable Quantum Simulation of Molecular Energies

Abstract: We report the first electronic structure calculation performed on a quantum computer without exponentially costly precompilation. We use a programmable array of superconducting qubits to compute the energy surface of molecular hydrogen using two distinct quantum algorithms. First, we experimentally execute the unitary coupled cluster method using the variational quantum eigensolver. Our efficient implementation predicts the correct dissociation energy to within chemical accuracy of the numerically exact result. Second, we experimentally demonstrate the canonical quantum algorithm for chemistry, which consists of Trotterization and quantum phase estimation. We compare the experimental performance of these approaches to show clear evidence that the variational quantum eigensolver is robust to certain errors. This error tolerance inspires hope that variational quantum simulations of classically intractable molecules may be viable in the near future.

Extending the lifetime of a quantum bit with error correction in superconducting circuits

Abstract: Quantum error correction (QEC) can overcome the errors experienced by qubits1 and is therefore an essential component of a future quantum computer. To implement QEC, a qubit is redundantly encoded in a higher-dimensional space using quantum states with carefully tailored symmetry properties. Projective measurements of these parity-type observables provide error syndrome information, with which errors can be corrected via simple operations2. The ‘break-even’ point of QEC—at which the lifetime of a qubit exceeds the lifetime of the constituents of the system—has so far remained out of reach3. Although previous works have demonstrated elements of QEC4–16, they primarily illustrate the signatures or scaling properties of QEC codes rather than test the capacity of the system to preserve a qubit over time. Here we demonstrate a QEC system that reaches the break-even point by suppressing the natural errors due to energy loss for a qubit logically encoded in superpositions of Schrodinger-cat states17 of a superconducting resonator18–21. We implement a full QEC protocol by using real-time feedback to encode, monitor naturally occurring errors, decode and correct. As measured by full process tomography, without any post-selection, the corrected qubit lifetime is 320 microseconds, which is longer than the lifetime of any of the parts of the system: 20 times longer than the lifetime of the transmon, about 2.2 times longer than the lifetime of an uncorrected logical encoding and about 1.1 longer than the lifetime of the best physical qubit (the |0〉f and |1〉f Fock states of the resonator). Our results illustrate the benefit of using hardware-efficient qubit encodings rather than traditional QEC schemes. Furthermore, they advance the field of experimental error correction from confirming basic concepts to exploring the metrics that drive system performance and the challenges in realizing a fault-tolerant system.

High-Fidelity Quantum Logic Gates Using Trapped-Ion Hyperfine Qubits.

Abstract: The highest two-qubit gate fidelities have been demonstrated in two experiments that use scalable trapped ion platforms.

The flux qubit revisited to enhance coherence and reproducibility.

Abstract: The scalable application of quantum information science will stand on reproducible and controllable high-coherence quantum bits (qubits). Here, we revisit the design and fabrication of the superconducting flux qubit, achieving a planar device with broad-frequency tunability, strong anharmonicity, high reproducibility and relaxation times in excess of 40 μs at its flux-insensitive point. Qubit relaxation times T1 across 22 qubits are consistently matched with a single model involving resonator loss, ohmic charge noise and 1/f-flux noise, a noise source previously considered primarily in the context of dephasing. We furthermore demonstrate that qubit dephasing at the flux-insensitive point is dominated by residual thermal-photons in the readout resonator. The resulting photon shot noise is mitigated using a dynamical decoupling protocol, resulting in T2≈85 μs, approximately the 2T1 limit. In addition to realizing an improved flux qubit, our results uniquely identify photon shot noise as limiting T2 in contemporary qubits based on transverse qubit–resonator interaction. Scalable quantum information processing requires controllable high-coherence qubits. Here, the authors present superconducting flux qubits with broad frequency tunability, strong anharmonicity and high reproducibility, identifying photon shot noise as the main source of dephasing for further improvements.

A CMOS silicon spin qubit.

Abstract: Silicon, the main constituent of microprocessor chips, is emerging as a promising material for the realization of future quantum processors. Leveraging its well-established complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology would be a clear asset to the development of scalable quantum computing architectures and to their co-integration with classical control hardware. Here we report a silicon quantum bit (qubit) device made with an industry-standard fabrication process. The device consists of a two-gate, p-type transistor with an undoped channel. At low temperature, the first gate defines a quantum dot encoding a hole spin qubit, the second one a quantum dot used for the qubit read-out. All electrical, two-axis control of the spin qubit is achieved by applying a phase-tunable microwave modulation to the first gate. The demonstrated qubit functionality in a basic transistor-like device constitutes a promising step towards the elaboration of scalable spin qubit geometries in a readily exploitable CMOS platform.

Quantum computing with atomic qubits and Rydberg interactions: progress and challenges

Abstract: We present a review of quantum computation with neutral atom qubits. After an overview of architectural options and approaches to preparing large qubit arrays we examine Rydberg mediated gate protocols and fidelity for two- and multi-qubit interactions. Quantum simulation and Rydberg dressing are alternatives to circuit based quantum computing for exploring many body quantum dynamics. We review the properties of the dressing interaction and provide a quantitative figure of merit for the complexity of the coherent dynamics that can be accessed with dressing. We conclude with a summary of the current status and an outlook for future progress.

Generation of multiphoton entangled quantum states by means of integrated frequency combs

Abstract: Complex optical photon states with entanglement shared among several modes are critical to improving our fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics and have applications for quantum information processing, imaging, and microscopy. We demonstrate that optical integrated Kerr frequency combs can be used to generate several bi- and multiphoton entangled qubits, with direct applications for quantum communication and computation. Our method is compatible with contemporary fiber and quantum memory infrastructures and with chip-scale semiconductor technology, enabling compact, low-cost, and scalable implementations. The exploitation of integrated Kerr frequency combs, with their ability to generate multiple, customizable, and complex quantum states, can provide a scalable, practical, and compact platform for quantum technologies.

Milestones toward Majorana-based quantum computing

Abstract: We introduce a scheme for preparation, manipulation, and read out of Majorana zero modes in semiconducting wires with mesoscopic superconducting islands. Our approach synthesizes recent advances in materials growth with tools commonly used in quantum-dot experiments, including gate control of tunnel barriers and Coulomb effects, charge sensing, and charge pumping. We outline a sequence of milestones interpolating between zero-mode detection and quantum computing that includes (1) detection of fusion rules for non-Abelian anyons using either proximal charge sensors or pumped current, (2) validation of a prototype topological qubit, and (3) demonstration of non-Abelian statistics by braiding in a branched geometry. The first two milestones require only a single wire with two islands, and additionally enable sensitive measurements of the system’s excitation gap, quasiparticle poisoning rates, residual Majorana zero-mode splittings, and topological-qubit coherence times. These pre-braiding experiments can be adapted to other manipulation and read out schemes as well.

Single-Photon Switching and Entanglement of Solid-State Qubits in an Integrated Nanophotonic System

Abstract: Efficient interfaces between photons and quantum emitters form the basis for quantum networks and enable nonlinear optical devices operating at the single-photon level. We demonstrate an integrated platform for scalable quantum nanophotonics based on silicon-vacancy (SiV) color centers coupled to nanoscale diamond devices. By placing SiV centers inside diamond photonic crystal cavities, we realize a quantum-optical switch controlled by a single color center. We control the switch using SiV metastable orbital states and verify optical switching at the single-photon level by using photon correlation measurements. We use Raman transitions to realize a single-photon source with a tunable frequency and bandwidth in a diamond waveguide. Finally, we create entanglement between two SiV centers by detecting indistinguishable Raman photons emitted into a single waveguide. Entanglement is verified using a novel superradiant feature observed in photon correlation measurements, paving the way for the realization of quantum networks.

Digitized adiabatic quantum computing with a superconducting circuit

Abstract: Quantum mechanics can help to solve complex problems in physics and chemistry, provided they can be programmed in a physical device. In adiabatic quantum computing, a system is slowly evolved from the ground state of a simple initial Hamiltonian to a final Hamiltonian that encodes a computational problem. The appeal of this approach lies in the combination of simplicity and generality; in principle, any problem can be encoded. In practice, applications are restricted by limited connectivity, available interactions and noise. A complementary approach is digital quantum computing, which enables the construction of arbitrary interactions and is compatible with error correction, but uses quantum circuit algorithms that are problem-specific. Here we combine the advantages of both approaches by implementing digitized adiabatic quantum computing in a superconducting system. We tomographically probe the system during the digitized evolution and explore the scaling of errors with system size. We then let the full system find the solution to random instances of the one-dimensional Ising problem as well as problem Hamiltonians that involve more complex interactions. This digital quantum simulation of the adiabatic algorithm consists of up to nine qubits and up to 1,000 quantum logic gates. The demonstration of digitized adiabatic quantum computing in the solid state opens a path to synthesizing long-range correlations and solving complex computational problems. When combined with fault-tolerance, our approach becomes a general-purpose algorithm that is scalable.

Realization of a scalable Shor algorithm

Abstract: Certain algorithms for quantum computers are able to outperform their classical counterparts In 1994, Peter Shor came up with a quantum algorithm that calculates the prime factors of a large number vastly more efficiently than a classical computer For general scalability of such algorithms, hardware, quantum error correction, and the algorithmic realization itself need to be extensible Here we present the realization of a scalable Shor algorithm, as proposed by Kitaev We factor the number 15 by effectively employing and controlling seven qubits and four “cache qubits” and by implementing generalized arithmetic operations, known as modular multipliers This algorithm has been realized scalably within an ion-trap quantum computer and returns the correct factors with a confidence level exceeding 99%

Probing atomic structure and Majorana wavefunctions in mono-atomic Fe chains on superconducting Pb surface

Abstract: Motivated by the striking promise of quantum computation, Majorana bound states (MBSs) in solid-state systems have attracted wide attention in recent years. In particular, the wavefunction localisation of MBSs is a key feature and is crucial for their future implementation as qubits. Here we investigate the spatial and electronic characteristics of topological superconducting chains of iron atoms on the surface of Pb(110) by combining scanning tunnelling microscopy and atomic force microscopy. We demonstrate that the Fe chains are mono-atomic, structured in a linear manner and exhibit zero-bias conductance peaks at their ends, which we interpret as signature for a MBS. Spatially resolved conductance maps of the atomic chains reveal that the MBSs are well localised at the chain ends (≲25 nm), with two localisation lengths as predicted by theory. Our observation lends strong support to use MBSs in Fe chains as qubits for quantum-computing devices. Majorana bound states in one-dimensional nanowires have attracted wide attention in recent years due to their potential use as qubits for topological quantum computation based on braiding. Scientists at the University of Basel have assembled mono-atomic iron chains on the surface of superconducting lead Pb(110) and combined for the first time scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy to spatially characterize the chains down to the atomic scale. The Majorana bound states appear as a zero-energy mode in the STM and as a pronounced halo in the AFM measurement at 5K, disappear above the superconducting state of lead and are well-localized at the chain ends (25 nm) with two localization lengths and wave function oscillations as predicted by theory. These observations thus lend strong support to the existence of Majorana bound states in hybrid Fe/Pb systems and provide strong motivation to use them as qubits for quantum computing devices.

Quantum memory with millisecond coherence in circuit QED

Abstract: Significant advances in coherence render superconducting quantum circuits a viable platform for fault-tolerant quantum computing. To further extend capabilities, highly coherent quantum systems could act as quantum memories for these circuits. A useful quantum memory must be rapidly addressable by Josephson-junction-based artificial atoms, while maintaining superior coherence. We demonstrate a superconducting microwave cavity architecture that is highly robust against major sources of loss that are encountered in the engineering of circuit QED systems. The architecture allows for storage of quantum superpositions in a resonator on the millisecond scale, while strong coupling between the resonator and a transmon qubit enables control, encoding, and readout at MHz rates. This extends the maximum available coherence time attainable in superconducting circuits by almost an order of magnitude compared to earlier hardware. Our design is an ideal platform for studying coherent quantum optics and marks an important step towards hardware-efficient quantum computing in Josephson-junction-based quantum circuits.

Entangling atomic spins with a Rydberg-dressed spin-flip blockade

Abstract: Tunable interactions in quantum many-body systems have practical applications in quantum technologies. The effective spin-dependent long-range interaction known as Rydberg dressing is now exploited to entangle a pair of ultracold neutral atoms.

Local Random Quantum Circuits are Approximate Polynomial-Designs

Abstract: We prove that local random quantum circuits acting on n qubits composed of O(t 10 n 2) many nearest neighbor two-qubit gates form an approximate unitary t-design. Previously it was unknown whether random quantum circuits were a t-design for any t > 3. The proof is based on an interplay of techniques from quantum many-body theory, representation theory, and the theory of Markov chains. In particular we employ a result of Nachtergaele for lower bounding the spectral gap of frustration-free quantum local Hamiltonians; a quasi-orthogonality property of permutation matrices; a result of Oliveira which extends to the unitary group the path-coupling method for bounding the mixing time of random walks; and a result of Bourgain and Gamburd showing that dense subgroups of the special unitary group, composed of elements with algebraic entries, are ∞-copy tensor-product expanders. We also consider pseudo-randomness properties of local random quantum circuits of small depth and prove that circuits of depth O(t 10 n) constitute a quantum t-copy tensor-product expander. The proof also rests on techniques from quantum many-body theory, in particular on the detectability lemma of Aharonov, Arad, Landau, and Vazirani. We give applications of the results to cryptography, equilibration of closed quantum dynamics, and the generation of topological order. In particular we show the following pseudo-randomness property of generic quantum circuits: Almost every circuit U of size O(n k ) on n qubits cannot be distinguished from a Haar uniform unitary by circuits of size O(n (k-9)/11) that are given oracle access to U.

Critical Examination of Incoherent Operations and a Physically Consistent Resource Theory of Quantum Coherence.

Abstract: Considerable work has recently been directed toward developing resource theories of quantum coherence. In this Letter, we establish a criterion of physical consistency for any resource theory. This criterion requires that all free operations in a given resource theory be implementable by a unitary evolution and projective measurement that are both free operations in an extended resource theory. We show that all currently proposed basis-dependent theories of coherence fail to satisfy this criterion. We further characterize the physically consistent resource theory of coherence and find its operational power to be quite limited. After relaxing the condition of physical consistency, we introduce the class of dephasing-covariant incoherent operations as a natural generalization of the physically consistent operations. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the convertibility of qubit states using dephasing-covariant operations, and we show that these conditions also hold for other well-known classes of incoherent operations.

A Schrödinger cat living in two boxes

Abstract: Quantum superpositions of distinct coherent states in a single-mode harmonic oscillator, known as “cat states,” have been an elegant demonstration of Schrodinger’s famous cat paradox. Here, we realize a two-mode cat state of electromagnetic fields in two microwave cavities bridged by a superconducting artificial atom, which can also be viewed as an entangled pair of single-cavity cat states. We present full quantum state tomography of this complex cat state over a Hilbert space exceeding 100 dimensions via quantum nondemolition measurements of the joint photon number parity. The ability to manipulate such multicavity quantum states paves the way for logical operations between redundantly encoded qubits for fault-tolerant quantum computation and communication.

Quantum computing with atomic qubits and Rydberg interactions: Progress and challenges

Abstract: We present a review of quantum computation with neutral atom qubits. After an overview of architectural options and approaches to preparing large qubit arrays we examine Rydberg mediated gate protocols and fidelity for two- and multi-qubit interactions. Quantum simulation and Rydberg dressing are alternatives to circuit based quantum computing for exploring many body quantum dynamics. We review the properties of the dressing interaction and provide a quantitative figure of merit for the complexity of the coherent dynamics that can be accessed with dressing. We conclude with a summary of the current status and an outlook for future progress.

Deterministic generation of a cluster state of entangled photons

Abstract: Photonic cluster states are a resource for quantum computation based solely on single-photon measurements. We use semiconductor quantum dots to deterministically generate long strings of polarization-entangled photons in a cluster state by periodic timed excitation of a precessing matter qubit. In each period, an entangled photon is added to the cluster state formed by the matter qubit and the previously emitted photons. In our prototype device, the qubit is the confined dark exciton, and it produces strings of hundreds of photons in which the entanglement persists over five sequential photons. The measured process map characterizing the device has a fidelity of 0.81 with that of an ideal device. Further feasible improvements of this device may reduce the resources needed for optical quantum information processing.

Universal Gate for Fixed-Frequency Qubits via a Tunable Bus

Abstract: The authors address a critical scalability issue in quantum computer design by activating a resonant exchange interaction. They achieve this by coupling two fixed-frequency superconducting qubits with a bus that is modulated at the frequency difference between the qubits. This yields a high-fidelity iSWAP entangling gate, which is sought as an important component for fault-tolerant quantum circuits in the surface-code architecture. The general nature of the interaction also suggests applications in quantum simulation, annealing, and bath engineering.

Chirality of nanophotonic waveguide with embedded quantum emitter for unidirectional spin transfer

Abstract: Scalable quantum technologies may be achieved by faithful conversion between matter qubits and photonic qubits in integrated circuit geometries. Within this context, quantum dots possess well-defined spin states (matter qubits), which couple efficiently to photons. By embedding them in nanophotonic waveguides, they provide a promising platform for quantum technology implementations. In this paper, we demonstrate that the naturally occurring electromagnetic field chirality that arises in nanobeam waveguides leads to unidirectional photon emission from quantum dot spin states, with resultant in-plane transfer of matter-qubit information. The chiral behaviour occurs despite the non-chiral geometry and material of the waveguides. Using dot registration techniques, we achieve a quantum emitter deterministically positioned at a chiral point and realize spin-path conversion by design. We further show that the chiral phenomena are much more tolerant to dot position than in standard photonic crystal waveguides, exhibit spin-path readout up to 95±5% and have potential to serve as the basis of spin-logic and network implementations.

Scalable gate architecture for a one-dimensional array of semiconductor spin qubits

Abstract: Long coherence times render electron spins in quantum dots promising for scaled-up quantum computation, but large arrays of semiconductor spin qubits have yet to be realized. The authors take the next steps in scaling by demonstrating an array of $n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}i\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e$ quantum dots with low electron occupancy, reproducible single-dot characteristics, and full charge-state readout. Beyond quantum information science, this also represents a major advance for the quantum-dot community, where double and triple quantum dots have been the standard for over a decade.

Reduced Sensitivity to Charge Noise in Semiconductor Spin Qubits via Symmetric Operation.

Abstract: We demonstrate improved operation of exchange-coupled semiconductor quantum dots by substantially reducing the sensitivity of exchange operations to charge noise. The method involves biasing a double dot symmetrically between the charge-state anticrossings, where the derivative of the exchange energy with respect to gate voltages is minimized. Exchange remains highly tunable by adjusting the tunnel coupling. We find that this method reduces the dephasing effect of charge noise by more than a factor of 5 in comparison to operation near a charge-state anticrossing, increasing the number of observable exchange oscillations in our qubit by a similar factor. Performance also improves with exchange rate, favoring fast quantum operations.

Repeated quantum error correction on a continuously encoded qubit by real-time feedback.

Abstract: Reliable quantum information processing in the face of errors is a major fundamental and technological challenge. Quantum error correction protects quantum states by encoding a logical quantum bit (qubit) in multiple physical qubits. To be compatible with universal fault-tolerant computations, it is essential that states remain encoded at all times and that errors are actively corrected. Here we demonstrate such active error correction on a continuously protected logical qubit using a diamond quantum processor. We encode the logical qubit in three long-lived nuclear spins, repeatedly detect phase errors by non-destructive measurements, and apply corrections by real-time feedback. The actively error-corrected qubit is robust against errors and encoded quantum superposition states are preserved beyond the natural dephasing time of the best physical qubit in the encoding. These results establish a powerful platform to investigate error correction under different types of noise and mark an important step towards fault-tolerant quantum information processing.

Silicon CMOS architecture for a spin-based quantum computer

Abstract: Recent advances in quantum error correction (QEC) codes for fault-tolerant quantum computing \cite{Terhal2015} and physical realizations of high-fidelity qubits in a broad range of platforms \cite{Kok2007, Brown2011, Barends2014, Waldherr2014, Dolde2014, Muhonen2014, Veldhorst2014} give promise for the construction of a quantum computer based on millions of interacting qubits. However, the classical-quantum interface remains a nascent field of exploration. Here, we propose an architecture for a silicon-based quantum computer processor based entirely on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, which is the basis for all modern processor chips. We show how a transistor-based control circuit together with charge-storage electrodes can be used to operate a dense and scalable two-dimensional qubit system. The qubits are defined by the spin states of a single electron confined in a quantum dot, coupled via exchange interactions, controlled using a microwave cavity, and measured via gate-based dispersive readout \cite{Colless2013}. This system, based entirely on available technology and existing components, is compatible with general surface code quantum error correction \cite{Terhal2015}, enabling large-scale universal quantum computation.

Quantum teleportation across a metropolitan fibre network

Abstract: The first field test of quantum teleportation is implemented across a metropolitan fibre network with independent quantum light sources. To establish a robust quantum teleportation system in the real world, several feedback mechanisms are developed.

Ergodic dynamics and thermalization in an isolated quantum system

Abstract: The realization of a quantum kicked top provides evidence for ergodic dynamics and thermalization in a small quantum system consisting of three superconducting qubits.

Demonstration of Weight-Four Parity Measurements in the Surface Code Architecture.

Abstract: We present parity measurements on a five-qubit lattice with connectivity amenable to the surface code quantum error correction architecture. Using all-microwave controls of superconducting qubits coupled via resonators, we encode the parities of four data qubit states in either the X or the Z basis. Given the connectivity of the lattice, we perform a full characterization of the static Z interactions within the set of five qubits, as well as dynamical Z interactions brought along by single- and two-qubit microwave drives. The parity measurements are significantly improved by modifying the microwave two-qubit gates to dynamically remove nonideal Z errors.