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How do superconducting qubits achieve low-resistance coherence?
Asked on Oct 29, 2025
Answer
Superconducting qubits achieve low-resistance coherence by utilizing superconducting materials that exhibit zero electrical resistance and expel magnetic fields below a critical temperature, allowing them to maintain coherent quantum states for extended periods. These qubits are typically implemented using Josephson junctions, which are essential for creating nonlinear inductance necessary for qubit operations.
Example Concept: Superconducting qubits leverage the Josephson effect, where pairs of electrons (Cooper pairs) tunnel through a thin insulating barrier between superconductors without resistance. This enables the creation of qubits with discrete energy levels that can be manipulated using microwave pulses. The absence of electrical resistance and the ability to control magnetic flux precisely contribute to the low decoherence rates, making them suitable for quantum computation.
Additional Comment:
- Superconducting qubits are often cooled to millikelvin temperatures using dilution refrigerators to maintain superconductivity.
- Decoherence is minimized by isolating the qubits from environmental noise and using materials with low dielectric loss.
- Common superconducting qubit designs include transmons, flux qubits, and phase qubits, each with unique properties and control mechanisms.
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