Qubits Detect Cosmic Rays in Breakthrough Quantum Computing Discovery

The quest to harness the power of quantum computing has led researchers to explore new ways to utilize superconducting qubits. A team from the CosmiQ Group, in collaboration with the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has made significant progress in correlating qubit relaxation events with cosmic rays. This groundbreaking research aims to improve our understanding of the underlying physics that causes relaxation, ultimately enhancing the sensitivity of qubit-based particle detectors.

In this breakthrough study, researchers have demonstrated a novel approach to operating superconducting qubits as relaxation sensors, effectively creating a quasiparticle monitoring system. By analyzing the decay rate of excited qubits, scientists can gain insights into how cosmic rays interact with the device substrate. The team’s findings have significant implications for the development of quantum computing and sensing technologies.

The research focuses on understanding qubit relaxation, which refers to the process by which excited qubits decay back to their ground state. This phenomenon is characterized by a finite lifetime, known as T1.

The team’s approach involves monitoring the quasiparticle density, which can provide valuable insights into how cosmic rays interact with qubits. By correlating qubit relaxation events with cosmic rays, researchers aim to improve our understanding of the underlying physics that causes relaxation, ultimately enhancing the sensitivity of qubit-based particle detectors.

Can Qubits Detect Cosmic Rays?

The quest to harness the power of quantum computing has led researchers to explore new ways to utilize superconducting qubits. A team from the CosmiQ Group, in collaboration with the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has made significant progress in correlating qubit relaxation events with cosmic rays. This groundbreaking research aims to improve our understanding of the underlying physics that causes relaxation, ultimately enhancing the sensitivity of qubit-based particle detectors.

The team’s approach involves operating superconducting qubits as relaxation sensors, effectively creating a quasiparticle monitoring system. By analyzing the decay rate of excited qubits, researchers can gain insights into the impact of cosmic rays on the device substrate. The left diagram in the article illustrates how quasiparticles can cause decay errors, leading to a faster rate of decay from excited to ground states. This relaxation rate is often referred to as T1.

The central idea behind this research is to develop a relaxation mode that is sensitive to changes in the relaxation rate. By monitoring the quasiparticle density, researchers can gain a better understanding of how cosmic rays interact with qubits.

Understanding Qubit Relaxation

Qubit relaxation refers to the process by which excited qubits decay back to their ground state. This phenomenon is characterized by a finite lifetime, known as T1. In the context of superconducting qubits, relaxation can be caused by various factors, including quasiparticle poisoning. Quasiparticles are particles that arise from the interaction between the qubit’s energy and the device substrate. These particles can tunnel across Josephson junctions, effectively stealing the qubit’s energy.

The diagram on the left illustrates how quasiparticle poisoning impacts qubits, particularly Josephson junctions. The central idea is that quasiparticles take the qubit’s energy as they tunnel across the Josephson Junction, following the form Pdecay = e^(-Γt).

Correlating Qubit Relaxation with Cosmic Rays

The CosmiQ Group has made significant progress in correlating qubit relaxation events with cosmic rays. By operating superconducting qubits as relaxation sensors, researchers can gain insights into how cosmic rays interact with the device substrate.

The team’s approach involves monitoring the decay rate of excited qubits and analyzing the impact of quasiparticles on the qubit’s energy. This research aims to improve our understanding of the underlying physics that causes relaxation, ultimately enhancing the sensitivity of qubit-based particle detectors.

The Role of Quasiparticles in Qubit Relaxation

Quasiparticles play a crucial role in qubit relaxation. These particles arise from the interaction between the qubit’s energy and the device substrate. As quasiparticles tunnel across Josephson junctions, they effectively steal the qubit’s energy, leading to decay errors.

The diagram on the left illustrates how quasiparticle poisoning impacts qubits, particularly Josephson junctions. The central idea is that quasiparticles take the qubit’s energy as they tunnel across the Josephson Junction, following the form Pdecay = e^(-Γt).

Future Directions

Future work aims to further develop our understanding of the underlying physics that causes relaxation and leverage it to improve the sensitivity of qubit-based particle detectors. This research has significant implications for the development of quantum computing and sensing technologies.

The CosmiQ Group’s progress in correlating qubit relaxation events with cosmic rays is a crucial step towards harnessing the power of superconducting qubits. By improving our understanding of the underlying physics that causes relaxation, researchers can develop more sensitive and accurate particle detectors.

Funding and Support

This work was supported in part by the US Department of Energy Office of Science Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) under the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships Program (SULI). The research was also supported by the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers (Quantum Science Center).

The CosmiQ Group’s research is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. By combining expertise from quantum computing, particle detection, and materials science, researchers can push the boundaries of what is possible with superconducting qubits.

Conclusion

The CosmiQ Group’s progress in correlating qubit relaxation events with cosmic rays is a significant step towards harnessing the power of superconducting qubits. By improving our understanding of the underlying physics that causes relaxation, researchers can develop more sensitive and accurate particle detectors. This research has significant implications for the development of quantum computing and sensing technologies.