Deposition system for the next generation of superconducting materials for quantum devices
Abstract
Superconducting devices are a leading platform for implementing various types of quantum hardware such as qubits, quantum-limited amplifiers, and transducers. While the field currently relies predominantly on the use of niobium and aluminum films, recent materials developments have highlighted the benefits of alternative superconductors such as tantalum or titanium nitride. We are therefore requesting funds to purchase equipment to enable the growth and investigation of high-quality superconducting films. The goals of our program are to fabricate more coherent superconducting qubits by building upon recent materials progress and to develop quantum devices based on superconductors with larger kinetic inductance and-or larger superconducting gaps. New technological developments enabled by the requested equipment will include composite superconducting qubits composed of strongly-coupled constituent qubits, junction-less nonlinear elements for parametric conversion processes, and superconducting devices that can be operated at higher frequencies and temperatures. This project will support the purchase of a sputtering system capable of depositing single element and multi-element superconducting thin films at high temperatures and a residual gas analyzer for maintaining the cleanliness of the deposition chamber. These instruments are required for our research program and will ultimately be used in the fabrication of superconducting qubits and nonlinear mixing elements, and for investigating high-frequency superconducting devices. During the 15-year useful lifetime of this system, it will be used in the training and research of several graduate and undergraduate research assistants. Experience using this equipment and the skills developed while measuring devices made with this system will enable students to participate in the quantum workforce upon graduation. This deposition system is also critical for realizing innovative quantum technologies relevant to the Department of Defense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 29, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310076
Entities
People
- Angela Kouris
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign