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Michel Devoret

Chronological feed of everything captured from Michel Devoret.

Characterizing Readout-Induced Qubit Transitions

This paper details the mechanisms behind unwanted qubit state transitions during high-power readout in superconducting qubits, particularly when using readout tones significantly higher than qubit frequencies. It identifies the primary and secondary causes of these transitions, which compromise the quantum non-demolition nature of measurements crucial for quantum error correction. The research provides a comprehensive characterization of these phenomena, crucial for improving superconducting qubit performance.

Gap Engineering Ineffective in Suppressing Quasiparticle Bursts in Transmon Qubits Due to Slow Phonon Thermalization

Ionizing radiation generates quasiparticle bursts, degrading superconducting qubit coherence. While gap engineering reduces burst detection rates by a factor of five, this is four orders of magnitude less than expected if quasiparticles rapidly thermalized. The primary limitation is identified as slow phonon thermalization within the chip following a burst, hindering effective quasiparticle dissipation.