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

摘要：量子计算机可能会对计算机的功能和计算算法的设计方式产生革命性的变化。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。量子计算机在另一种比特上运行，量子比特，“量子位”，在计算时间上可以快得多。超导量子比特是创造量子计算机的主要候选者之一，在解决特定问题方面有可能超越现代超级计算机。创建量子位的一种流行方法是在由约瑟夫森结、共面电容器、电感器和谐振器波导组成的低损耗绝缘体/金属结构上绘制量子位电路。然而，为量子比特创建这些电路会将无序引入绝缘体/金属结构，从而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，以揭示这种紊乱的来源，以提高量子比特电路的质量。研究团队同时实施新的量子课程和新的量子信息科学微证书，利用循证教学方法实现最佳学习目标，以新的教学模块和课程影响量子教育领域，并提高量子劳动力的参与度。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，采用基于证据的积极参与和基准学习结果与预期学习目标。该项目在合作大学之间进行，并衡量早期本科水平量子信息科学课程的成功，并纳入积极参与策略。通过扩大量子信息科学课程中的循证教学，量子教育和劳动力发展得到了重大改善。技术摘要：本研究旨在通过对α - ta超导谐振器系统的耗散源进行整体表征以及在生长和制造过程中引入这些耗散源的位置，来减轻两能级系统耗散源的一些神秘性。为此，研究小组对在几种低耗散绝缘氧化物衬底上生长的α - ta进行了全面的研究。研究小组确定了在生长和随后的器件加工过程中引入的关键缺陷，以弥补对超导谐振器电路质量因子产生不利影响的缺陷瓶颈。该团队系统地将质量因素与特定的薄膜合成程序、微加工程序、体材料以及在结构和导电电子和扫描探针显微镜表征中确定的界面缺陷类型相关联。这一全面的材料科学深入识别了结构和耗散之间的系统关系，并可能建立低温超导器件性能的室温代理。与此同时，本研究旨在调查实施量子信息教育工具和框架的保真度，这些工具和框架是在高中和本科早期阶段开发的。该项目将通过实施交互式量子学习教程和点击器问题序列等基于证据的教学策略，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）共同资助。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值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.