ExpandQISE: Track 1: A Deep-Dive into the Materials Science of Alpha-Ta Growth on Oxides for Superconducting Resonator Development

非技术摘要：量子计算机可能会在计算机的功能和计算算法的设计方面做出革命性的改变。传统的计算机利用“位”来计算和处理信息，造成了计算机速度的瓶颈。量子计算机使用的是一种不同的比特，一种量子比特，即“量子比特”，它在计算时间上可以大大加快。超导量子比特是创造量子计算机的主要候选者之一，有可能在解决特定问题方面超过现代超级计算机。制作量子比特的一种流行方法是在由约瑟夫森结、共面电容器、电感和谐振器波导组成的低损耗绝缘体/金属结构上形成量子比特电路的图案。然而，为量子比特创建这些电路会给绝缘体/金属结构带来无序，导致错误和量子信息的丢失。研究小组对绝缘体/金属结构进行了全面的材料科学深入研究，以揭示这种无序的根源，以提高量子比特电路的质量。研究团队利用循证教学方法，同时实施新的量子课程和新的量子信息科学微证书，以达到最佳学习目标，以新的教学模块和课程影响量子教育领域，并增加对量子劳动力的参与。为此，研究团队同时在新的量子科学课程和微证书中进行物理教育研究，方法是应用基于证据的积极参与，并将学习结果与预期的学习目标进行基准比较。该项目在合作的大学之间进行，衡量了采用早期本科水平的量子信息科学课程并纳入积极参与策略的成功程度。通过在量子信息科学课程中扩大循证教学，在量子教育和劳动力发展方面取得了重大进展。技术摘要：本研究旨在通过对α-Ta超导谐振器系统两能级系统耗散源的整体表征以及这些耗散源在生长和制造过程中引入的位置来解开一些谜团。为此，研究小组对生长在几种低功耗绝缘氧化物衬底上的α-Ta进行了全面的调查。研究小组确定了在生长和后续器件处理过程中引入的关键缺陷，以修复对超导谐振器电路的品质因数产生不利影响的缺陷瓶颈。该团队系统地将品质因数与特定的薄膜合成程序、微制造程序、块体材料以及结构和导电电子显微镜和扫描探针显微镜表征中确定的界面缺陷类型相关联。这项全面的材料科学深入研究确定了结构和耗散之间的系统关系，并可能建立低温超导设备性能的室温替代指标。与此同时，这项研究试图调查实施量子信息教育工具和框架的保真度，这些工具和框架被开发成在高中和早期本科水平上可用。该项目将通过实施交互式量子学习教程和点击问题序列等循证教学策略为量子教育和劳动力发展做出贡献。该项目由多学科活动办公室(MPS/OMA)和技术前沿计划(TIP/TF)联合资助。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Non-technical Abstract: Quantum computers can potentially make revolutionary changes in how computers function and how computing algorithms are designed. Traditional computers utilize a “bit” to compute and process information, creating a computer speed bottleneck. Quantum computers operate on a different kind of a bit, a quantum bit, the “qubit,” which can be enormously faster in computation times. Superconducting qubits are one of the leading candidates to create quantum computers with the potential to surpass modern supercomputers in solving specific problems. A popular way to create a qubit is to pattern a qubit circuit on a low-loss insulator/ metal structure made of Josephson junctions, coplanar capacitors, inductors, and resonator waveguides. However, creating these circuits for qubits introduces disorder into the insulator/metal structure, causing errors and loss of quantum information. The research team implements a holistic deep-dive of material science on the insulator/metal structure to uncover the sources of this disorder to improve the quality of the qubit circuits. The research team simultaneously implements a new quantum curriculum and a new quantum information science micro-credential utilizing evidence-based teaching methods to reach optimal learning objectives, impact the quantum education field with new teaching modules and classes, and increase participation in the quantum workforce. To this end, the research team concurrently performs physics education research within new quantum science courses and micro-credential by applying evidence-based active engagement and benchmarking learning outcomes versus intended learning goals. This project is conducted across the collaborating universities and measures the success of adapting an early undergraduate-level quantum information science course and incorporating active engagement strategies. Vital improvements in quantum education and workforce development are made by broadening evidence-based instruction in the quantum information science curriculum.Technical Abstract: This research aims to alleviate some of the mystery in two-level system dissipation sources for alpha-Ta superconducting resonator systems by performing a holistic characterization of the dissipation sources and where these dissipation sources are introduced in the growth and fabrication process. To this end, the research team conducts a comprehensive investigation of alpha-Ta grown on several low-dissipation insulating oxide substrates. The research team identifies critical defects introduced during growth and subsequential device processing to remedy defect bottlenecks that adversely affect the quality factor of superconducting resonator circuits. The team systematically correlates the quality factor to specific thin film synthesis procedures, microfabrication procedures, bulk material, and interface defect types identified in structural and conductive electron and scan probe microscopy characterizations. This holistic materials science deep-dive identifies systematic relationships between structure and dissipation and possibly establishes a room-temperature proxy for low-temperature superconducting device performance. At the same time, this research seeks to investigate the fidelity of implementing quantum information education tools and frameworks developed to be accessible at the high school and early undergraduate levels. The project will contribute to quantum education and workforce development through evidence-based instructional strategies such as implementing interactive quantum learning tutorials and clicker question sequences.This project is jointly funded by the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (MPS/OMA), and the Technology Frontiers Program (TIP/TF).This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.