Work

Optimizing Interface Dielectric Loss in Superconducting Coplanar Waveguide Resonators for Improved Quantum Circuit Coherence

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Superconducting quantum computing systems, including coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonators and qubits, are highly susceptible to energy dissipation from two-level systems (TLS) within bulk and interfacial dielectrics. CPW resonators serve as an ideal platform for characterizing these material losses at the single-photon excitation level. Building on recent experimental evidence that interface engineering can mitigate TLS losses, this study employs simulations to evaluate resonator quality factors across various interface modifications. Our results demonstrate that reducing losses at the substrate–air (SA) interface can increase the internal quality factor Qi by up to three orders of magnitude. While etching the SA interface also enhances Qi, material loss remains the dominant dissipation mechanism. Furthermore, we find that other lossy interfaces have a significantly smaller impact on the quality factor compared to the SA interface. These simulation results align with established experimental findings, providing a robust framework for refining resonator design. This work offers precise guidelines for TLS mitigation, essential for enhancing coherence times and developing more reliable superconducting quantum processors.

Source: Technologies

DOI: 10.3390/technologies14020128

Authors: Omar A. Saleh, Saleem G. Rao, Mohammed Alghadeer, Ahmed A. Omar, Muhamad Felemban

Institutions: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930

Funder: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals