NIRT: Design and Realization of Decoherence-Free Nanoscale Superconducting Qubits

这个NIRT提案的重点是量子计算机（又名量子计算机）的一类全新容错逻辑元件的设计、制造和表征。量子位）。为了成功实现量子计算，量子比特应该与环境充分解耦（保护），以便可以实现量子纠错协议。 针对这一具有挑战性的问题，提出的新方法是基于在硬件层面上结合纠错，使用非平凡的对称性和设计逻辑量子位的超导元件（纳米级约瑟夫森结）之间的相互作用。智力优势：拟议的系统性工作是基于理论和实验之间的连续反馈循环。该项目的最终目标是开发第一个用于量子计算的固态逻辑元件，该元件将同时可扩展并充分免受环境噪声的影响。为受保护的超导量子比特开发制造友好的设计，以及随后这些新型纳米器件的构建和表征对于成功实现量子计算至关重要。 拟议中的实验将提供一个测试场理论中开发的物理实现的思想，基于安全性的保护，其目的是将它们应用到计算机科学。 拟议研究的实施将有助于更好地理解在低温下运行的众多量子纳米器件中的噪声降低。 更广泛的影响：多组成部分的教育和推广计划是该项目的一个重要组成部分，旨在培养对纳米科学的广泛认识，开发关于纳米结构相关主题的创新课程和培训模块，并传播由此产生的课程，以期培养更具科学素养的公众。

This NIRT proposal focuses on the design, fabrication and characterization of a fundamentally new class of fault-tolerant logical elements of a quantum computer (a.k.a. qubits). For successful implementation of quantum computing, qubits should be sufficiently decoupled (protected) from the environment so that quantum error-correction protocols can be implemented. The proposed novel approach to this challenging problem is based on incorporating error correction at the hardware level, using nontrivial symmetries and engineering the interactions between superconducting elements (nanoscale Josephson junctions) of a logical qubit. Intellectual Merit: The proposed systematic effort is based on a continuous feedback loop between theory and experiment. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop the first solid-state logical element for quantum computation that would be simultaneously scalable and adequately protected from environmental noise. Development of fabrication-friendly designs for protected superconducting qubits, and the subsequent construction and characterization of these novel nanodevices will be crucial for the successful realization of quantum computation. The proposed experiments will provide a testing ground for the physical realization of ideas of symmetry-based protection developed in field theory, with the aim of applying them to computer science. Implementation of the proposed research will contribute to better understanding of noise reduction in numerous quantum nanodevices operating at low temperatures. Broader Impacts: The multi-component Educational and Outreach Program, an essential part of the project, is designed to nurture a broad-based appreciation for nanoscience, to develop innovative curriculum and training modules on nanostructure-related topics, and to disseminate the resulting curricula with a view of creating a more scientifically literate general public.