Showing 1–50 of 113 results for author: Clarke, J

Pinned Boundaries Delay Contraction and Shape Stress Relaxation in Active Gels

Authors: Aniket Marne, James Clarke, Aravind Rao, Hyunjae Lee, Kyla Wong, Aditya Sriram, Rae Robertson-Anderson, Moumita Das, José Alvarado

Abstract: Cells dynamically generate, transmit, and dissipate stress. Central to these processes is the actomyosin cortex, an active contractile material that drives cellular mechanical behavior. While prior studies have focused on freely contracting actomyosin systems, the role of mechanical constraints such as adhesion to boundaries remains less explored. To address this, we employ reconstituted actomyosi… ▽ More Cells dynamically generate, transmit, and dissipate stress. Central to these processes is the actomyosin cortex, an active contractile material that drives cellular mechanical behavior. While prior studies have focused on freely contracting actomyosin systems, the role of mechanical constraints such as adhesion to boundaries remains less explored. To address this, we employ reconstituted actomyosin gels to investigate cellular contractility. We study contraction dynamics under pinned boundary conditions, where the gel is adhered transversely to two opposing surfaces, mimicking supracellular actomyosin networks in tissues and embryos. We find that pinned contraction leads to stress buildup, delaying contraction, producing intermittent dynamics, and generating spatially nonuniform strain fields. Stress is relieved through several pathways, including active-stress-driven symmetric constriction and defect-driven processes such as boundary detachment and internal rupture. We develop a hydrodynamic model incorporating elastic, viscous, and active stress contributions that distinguishes between stress-accumulation and stress-release phases and links variations in active stress to the observed intermittent dynamics. The model predicts distinct energy relaxation rates before and after detachment events, providing insight into stress dissipation. We compare experiments with numerical simulations, which reproduce the observed behavior and reveal how internal energy is generated and dissipated during stress buildup and relaxation. Together, our results demonstrate how boundary conditions and spatial heterogeneity govern the mechanical behavior of contractile active gels. These findings provide insight into stress regulation in cellular and tissue-scale systems and may inform the design of adaptive soft materials and bioinspired robotic systems. △ Less

Submitted 10 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Microstructure evolution during rapid solidification of hypoeutectic Al-Ag alloys near absolute stability

Authors: Brian Rodgers, Mingwang Zhong, Trevor Lyons, John Roehling, Joseph T. McKeown, Alain Karma, Amy J. Clarke

Abstract: Microsegregation-free microstructures can form by solidifying at velocities beyond the absolute stability limit ($V_{\text{abs}}$), where solute partitioning is suppressed by a stable, planar solid-liquid interface. Producing such microstructures is of considerable practical interest; however, $V_{\text{abs}}$ typically exceeds the ${\sim}1$ m/s growth rates encountered in additive manufacturing (… ▽ More Microsegregation-free microstructures can form by solidifying at velocities beyond the absolute stability limit ($V_{\text{abs}}$), where solute partitioning is suppressed by a stable, planar solid-liquid interface. Producing such microstructures is of considerable practical interest; however, $V_{\text{abs}}$ typically exceeds the ${\sim}1$ m/s growth rates encountered in additive manufacturing (AM). Here we demonstrate the absolute stability limit can be reached in sufficiently concentrated hypoeutectic Al-Ag alloys at growth rates well below the 1~m/s typically encountered in additive manufacturing. Dynamic Transmission Electron Microscopy (DTEM) of rapid solidification front evolution -- following laser spot melting of Al-Ag thin films -- combined with postmortem microstructural characterization, enables detailed quantitative comparison with both phase-field (PF) simulations and a sharp-interface linear stability analysis that uses a non-equilibrium, velocity-dependent phase diagram extracted from the PF model. The analysis predicts that $V_{\text{abs}}$ follows a trend similar to that of the miscibility gap, first increasing and then decreasing with Ag concentration. Predicted values of $V_{\text{abs}}$ are in good quantitative agreement with PF simulations over the entire hypoeutectic concentration range and with experiments for three concentrated alloys. These results inform the prediction and control of microstructural development in concentrated alloys near the absolute stability limit under AM conditions. △ Less

Submitted 17 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Band-Like Transport and Cation Off-Centring in Ag/Bi-Based Solar Absorbers

Authors: Yi-Teng Huang, Yixin Wang, Georgia Fields, Peixi Cong, Yongjie Wang, Jack E. N. Swallow, Avari Roy, Jack M. Woolley, Victoria Rotaru, Maxim Guc, Lars van Turnhout, Mohamed Aouane, Emmanuelle Suard, Dominik Kubicki, Alejandro Pérez-Rodríguez, Aditya Sadhanala, Akshay Rao, Dennis Friedrich, Robert S. Weatherup, Simon J. Clarke, Seán R. Kavanagh, Robert L. Z. Hoye

Abstract: Ag(I)-Bi(III)-based semiconductors have gained substantial attention as nontoxic, stable alternatives to lead-halide perovskites for optoelectronics, but are widely limited by carrier localization, which severely restricts diffusion lengths. The most efficient Ag/Bi solar absorber is AgBiS2, but diffusion lengths in nanocrystal films are <50 nm. Carrier localization in this rock-salt (Fm-3m) syste… ▽ More Ag(I)-Bi(III)-based semiconductors have gained substantial attention as nontoxic, stable alternatives to lead-halide perovskites for optoelectronics, but are widely limited by carrier localization, which severely restricts diffusion lengths. The most efficient Ag/Bi solar absorber is AgBiS2, but diffusion lengths in nanocrystal films are <50 nm. Carrier localization in this rock-salt (Fm-3m) system is believed to arise from cation disorder, and so we herein investigate the layered cation-ordered analogue. Through beyond-DFT simulations combined with neutron and X-ray powder diffraction, we reveal that off-centring of Ag+ and Bi3+ cations is energetically-favoured in this cation-ordered phase. Despite local distortions in the AgS6 and BiS6 octahedra, band-like transport takes place, which, surprisingly, also occurs in the cation-disordered rock-salt phase when these materials are made as bulk powders. The cubic-phase powders have the same degree of cation disorder as the nanocrystals that have carrier localization, which suggests that extrinsic factors play a determining role. We ascribe the intrinsic band-like transport of both phases of AgBiS2 to its close packing, ensuring high electronic dimensionality. These insights offer pathways for designing solar absorbers avoiding carrier localization limitations, and call for future efforts to enhance the efficiency of AgBiS2 photovoltaics to focus on large-grained thin films, or improved nanocrystal surface passivation. △ Less

Submitted 23 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: Main text is 37 pages, 5 figures

Experimental methods to control pinned and coupled actomyosin contraction events

Authors: James Clarke, Hyunjae Lee, Kyla Wong, Julia Glenn, Aniket Marne, Yoichi Miyahara, José Alvarado

Abstract: Actin and myosin drive many instances of force generation, deformation, and shape change in cells, tissues, and organisms. In particular, cytoskeletal actomyosin is remarkable in its adaptive architecture, responding to a host of actin-binding proteins. Equally important, however, is actomyosin's interaction with its mechanical environment. Actomyosin contractility and environmental properties, su… ▽ More Actin and myosin drive many instances of force generation, deformation, and shape change in cells, tissues, and organisms. In particular, cytoskeletal actomyosin is remarkable in its adaptive architecture, responding to a host of actin-binding proteins. Equally important, however, is actomyosin's interaction with its mechanical environment. Actomyosin contractility and environmental properties, such as geometry and stiffness, are inherently coupled. To understand this coupling, novel experimental techniques are needed. Here we describe methods to spatially control the anchoring of reconstituted contractile actomyosin networks to two, opposing surfaces ("transverse anchoring"). The two surfaces can be either rigid ("pinned contraction"), or one of the surfaces may be compliant ("coupled contraction"). We introduce compliance by manufacturing flexure hinges, and describe their calibration. Calibration permits a direct measurement of the contractile force and mechanical work that actomyosin exerts on the environment. The methods described here provide an avenue toward a more complete characterization of actomyosin's role as an actuator, an essential property in its context of driving deformation and shape change in living systems. △ Less

Submitted 17 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 30 pages, 7 figures

Calibrating a Finite-strain Phase-field Model of Fracture for Bonded Granular Materials with Uncertainty Quantification

Authors: Abigail C. Schmid, Erik Jensen, Fabio Di Gioacchino, Pooyan B. Javadzadeh, Nate E. Peterson, C. Gus Becker, Hongbing Lu, Fatemeh Pourahmadian, Amy J. Clarke, Alireza Doostan, Richard A. Regueiro

Abstract: To study the mechanical behavior of mock high explosives, an experimental and simulation program was developed to calibrate, with quantified uncertainty, a material model of the bonded granular material Idoxuridine and nitroplasticized Estane-5703. This paper reports on the efficacy of such a framework as a generalizable methodology for calibrating material models against experimental data with un… ▽ More To study the mechanical behavior of mock high explosives, an experimental and simulation program was developed to calibrate, with quantified uncertainty, a material model of the bonded granular material Idoxuridine and nitroplasticized Estane-5703. This paper reports on the efficacy of such a framework as a generalizable methodology for calibrating material models against experimental data with uncertainty quantification. Additionally, this paper studies the effect of two manufacturing temperatures and three initial granular configurations on the unconfined compressive behavior of the resulting bonded granular materials. In each of these cases, the same calibration framework was used; in that, hundreds of high-fidelity direct numerical simulations using a new, GPU-enabled, high-performance finite element method software, Ratel, were run to calibrate a finite-strain phase-field fracture model against experimental data. It was found that manufacturing temperature influenced the elastic response of the mock high explosives, with higher temperatures yielding a stiffer response. By contrast, it was found that the initial configuration of the grains had a negligible impact on the overall behavior of the mock high explosives, though it remains possible that local damage accumulation within the specimens could be altered by the initial configurations. Overall, the calibration framework was successful at creating well-calibrated models, showing its usefulness as an engineering and scientific tool. △ Less

Submitted 29 August, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 29 pages, 16 figures

Control across scales: signals, information, and adaptive biological mechanical function

Authors: James Clarke, Jake McGrath, Colin Johnson, José Alvarado

Abstract: Biological systems perform an astonishing array of dynamical processes -- including development and repair, regulation, behavior and motor control, sensing and signaling, and adaptation, among others. Powered by the transduction of stored energy resources, these behaviors enable biological systems to regulate functions, achieve specific outcomes, and maintain stability far from thermodynamic equil… ▽ More Biological systems perform an astonishing array of dynamical processes -- including development and repair, regulation, behavior and motor control, sensing and signaling, and adaptation, among others. Powered by the transduction of stored energy resources, these behaviors enable biological systems to regulate functions, achieve specific outcomes, and maintain stability far from thermodynamic equilibrium. These behaviors span orders of magnitude in length and time: from nanometer-scale molecular motors driving morphogenesis to kilometer-scale seasonal migrations, and from millisecond reflexes to millennia of evolutionary adaptations. While physical laws govern the dynamics of biological systems, they alone are insufficient to fully explain how living systems sense, decide, adapt, and, ultimately, control their dynamics. In this article, we argue that control theory provides a powerful, unifying framework for understanding how biological systems regulate dynamics to maintain stability across length and time scales far from equilibrium. △ Less

Submitted 3 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Deterministic Mechanical Wigner Negativity via Nonlinear Cavity Quantum Optomechanics in the Unresolved-Sideband Regime

Authors: Jack Clarke, Pascal Neveu, Ewold Verhagen, Michael R. Vanner

Abstract: Non-Gaussian quantum states of mechanical motion exhibiting Wigner negativity offer promising capabilities for quantum technologies and tests of fundamental physics. Within the field of cavity quantum optomechanics, deterministic preparation of nonclassical mechanical states with such Wigner negativity is a highly sought goal but is challenging as the intracavity interaction Hamiltonian is linear… ▽ More Non-Gaussian quantum states of mechanical motion exhibiting Wigner negativity offer promising capabilities for quantum technologies and tests of fundamental physics. Within the field of cavity quantum optomechanics, deterministic preparation of nonclassical mechanical states with such Wigner negativity is a highly sought goal but is challenging as the intracavity interaction Hamiltonian is linear in mechanical position. Here, we show that, despite this form of interaction, by utilizing the nonlinearity of the cavity response with mechanical position, mechanical Wigner negativity can be prepared deterministically in the unresolved-sideband regime, without additional nonlinearities, nonclassical drives, or conditional measurements. In particular, we find that Wigner negativity can be prepared with an optical pulse, even without single-photon strong coupling, and the negativity persists in the steady state of a continuously driven system. Our results deepen our understanding of cavity-enhanced radiation pressure and establish a pathway for deterministic preparation of nonclassical mechanical states in the unresolved sideband regime. △ Less

Submitted 19 August, 2025; v1 submitted 3 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: Main: 6 pages, 3 figures. Supplemental: 14 pages, 5 figures

Operating two exchange-only qubits in parallel

Authors: Mateusz T. Mądzik, Florian Luthi, Gian Giacomo Guerreschi, Fahd A. Mohiyaddin, Felix Borjans, Jason D. Chadwick, Matthew J. Curry, Joshua Ziegler, Sarah Atanasov, Peter L. Bavdaz, Elliot J. Connors, J. Corrigan, H. Ekmel Ercan, Robert Flory, Hubert C. George, Benjamin Harpt, Eric Henry, Mohammad M. Islam, Nader Khammassi, Daniel Keith, Lester F. Lampert, Todor M. Mladenov, Randy W. Morris, Aditi Nethwewala, Samuel Neyens , et al. (16 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Semiconductors are among the most promising platforms to implement large-scale quantum computers, as advanced manufacturing techniques allow fabrication of large quantum dot arrays. Various qubit encodings can be used to store and manipulate quantum information on these quantum dot arrays. Regardless of qubit encoding, precise control over the exchange interaction between electrons confined in qua… ▽ More Semiconductors are among the most promising platforms to implement large-scale quantum computers, as advanced manufacturing techniques allow fabrication of large quantum dot arrays. Various qubit encodings can be used to store and manipulate quantum information on these quantum dot arrays. Regardless of qubit encoding, precise control over the exchange interaction between electrons confined in quantum dots in the array is critical. Furthermore, it is necessary to execute high-fidelity quantum operations concurrently to make full use of the limited coherence of individual qubits. Here, we demonstrate the parallel operation of two exchange-only qubits, consisting of six quantum dots in a linear arrangement. Using randomized benchmarking techniques, we show that issuing pulses on the five barrier gates to modulate exchange interactions in a maximally parallel way maintains the quality of qubit control relative to sequential operation. The techniques developed to perform parallel exchange pulses can be readily adapted to other quantum-dot based encodings. Moreover, we show the first experimental demonstrations of an iSWAP gate and of a charge-locking Pauli spin blockade readout method. The results are validated using cross-entropy benchmarking, a technique useful for performance characterization of larger quantum computing systems; here it is used for the first time on a quantum system based on semiconductor technology. △ Less

Submitted 3 October, 2025; v1 submitted 1 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Nonlinear contractile response of actomyosin active gels to control signals

Authors: James Clarke, Francis Cavanna, Aniket Marne, Anthony Davolio, José Alvarado

Abstract: Biological systems tightly regulate their physiological state using control signals. This includes the actomyosin cytoskeleton, a contractile active gel that consumes chemical free energy to drive many examples of cellular mechanical behavior. Upstream regulatory pathways activate or inhibit actomyosin activity. However, the contractile response of the actomyosin cytoskeleton to control signals re… ▽ More Biological systems tightly regulate their physiological state using control signals. This includes the actomyosin cytoskeleton, a contractile active gel that consumes chemical free energy to drive many examples of cellular mechanical behavior. Upstream regulatory pathways activate or inhibit actomyosin activity. However, the contractile response of the actomyosin cytoskeleton to control signals remains poorly characterized. Here we employ reconstituted actomyosin active gels and subject them to step and pulsatile activation inputs. We find evidence for a nonlinear impulse response, which we quantify via a transfer function $δ\varepsilon / δg$ that relates input free-energy pulses $δg$ to output strain pulses $δ\varepsilon$. We find a scaling relation $δ\varepsilon / δg \sim g^{-0.3}$. The negative sign of the exponent represents a decreased effectiveness of a contracting gel in converting energy to strain. We ascribe nonlinearity in our system to a density-dependent mechanism, which contrasts strain-stiffening nonlinear responses to external stresses. Contractile response to control signals is an essential step toward understanding how information from mechanical signaling processes flow through actomyosin networks in living, and likely also synthetic, cells. △ Less

Submitted 25 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: Main text - 24 pages (with references), 3 Figures; Supplemental Material - 17 pages (with references), 1 Figure

Short two-qubit pulse sequences for exchange-only spin qubits in 2D layouts

Authors: Jason D. Chadwick, Gian Giacomo Guerreschi, Florian Luthi, Mateusz T. Mądzik, Fahd A. Mohiyaddin, Prithviraj Prabhu, Albert T. Schmitz, Andrew Litteken, Shavindra Premaratne, Nathaniel C. Bishop, Anne Y. Matsuura, James S. Clarke

Abstract: Exchange-only (EO) spin qubits in quantum dots offer an expansive design landscape for architecting scalable device layouts. The study of two-EO-qubit operations, which involve six electrons in six quantum dots, has so far been limited to a small number of the possible configurations, and previous works lack analyses of design considerations and implications for quantum error correction. Using a s… ▽ More Exchange-only (EO) spin qubits in quantum dots offer an expansive design landscape for architecting scalable device layouts. The study of two-EO-qubit operations, which involve six electrons in six quantum dots, has so far been limited to a small number of the possible configurations, and previous works lack analyses of design considerations and implications for quantum error correction. Using a simple and fast optimization method, we generate complete pulse sequences for CX, CZ, iSWAP, leakage-controlled CX, and leakage-controlled CZ two-qubit gates on 450 unique planar six-dot topologies and analyze differences in sequence length (up to 43\% reduction) across topology classes. In addition, we show that relaxing constraints on post-operation spin locations can yield further reductions in sequence length; conversely, constraining these locations in a particular way generates a CXSWAP operation with minimal additional cost over a standard CX. We integrate this pulse library into the Intel quantum stack and experimentally verify pulse sequences on a Tunnel Falls chip for different operations in a linear-connectivity device to confirm that they work as expected. Finally, we explore architectural implications of these results for quantum error correction. Our work guides hardware and software design choices for future implementations of scalable quantum dot architectures. △ Less

Submitted 9 April, 2025; v1 submitted 19 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 17 pages, 13 figures

12-spin-qubit arrays fabricated on a 300 mm semiconductor manufacturing line

Authors: Hubert C. George, Mateusz T. Mądzik, Eric M. Henry, Andrew J. Wagner, Mohammad M. Islam, Felix Borjans, Elliot J. Connors, J. Corrigan, Matthew Curry, Michael K. Harper, Daniel Keith, Lester Lampert, Florian Luthi, Fahd A. Mohiyaddin, Sandra Murcia, Rohit Nair, Rambert Nahm, Aditi Nethwewala, Samuel Neyens, Bishnu Patra, Roy D. Raharjo, Carly Rogan, Rostyslav Savytskyy, Thomas F. Watson, Josh Ziegler , et al. (7 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Intels efforts to build a practical quantum computer are focused on developing a scalable spin-qubit platform leveraging industrial high-volume semiconductor manufacturing expertise and 300 mm fabrication infrastructure. Here, we provide an overview of the design, fabrication, and demonstration of a new customized quantum test chip, which contains 12-quantum-dot spin-qubit linear arrays, code name… ▽ More Intels efforts to build a practical quantum computer are focused on developing a scalable spin-qubit platform leveraging industrial high-volume semiconductor manufacturing expertise and 300 mm fabrication infrastructure. Here, we provide an overview of the design, fabrication, and demonstration of a new customized quantum test chip, which contains 12-quantum-dot spin-qubit linear arrays, code named Tunnel Falls. These devices are fabricated using immersion and extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV), along with other standard high-volume manufacturing (HVM) processes, as well as production-level process control. We present key device features and fabrication details, as well as qubit characterization results confirming device functionality. These results corroborate our fabrication methods and are a crucial step towards scaling of extensible 2D qubit array schemes. △ Less

Submitted 20 December, 2024; v1 submitted 21 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Theoretical framework for enhancing or enabling cooling of a mechanical resonator via the anti-Stokes or Stokes interaction and zero-photon detection

Authors: Jack Clarke, Evan A. Cryer-Jenkins, Arjun Gupta, Kyle D. Major, Jinglei Zhang, Georg Enzian, Magdalena Szczykulska, Anthony C. Leung, Harsh Rathee, Andreas Ø. Svela, Anthony K. C. Tan, Almut Beige, Klaus Mølmer, Michael R. Vanner

Abstract: We develop a theoretical framework to describe how zero-photon detection may be utilized to enhance laser cooling via the anti-Stokes interaction and, somewhat surprisingly, enable cooling via the Stokes interaction commonly associated with heating. Our description includes both pulsed and continuous measurements as well as optical detection efficiency and open-system dynamics. For both cases, we… ▽ More We develop a theoretical framework to describe how zero-photon detection may be utilized to enhance laser cooling via the anti-Stokes interaction and, somewhat surprisingly, enable cooling via the Stokes interaction commonly associated with heating. Our description includes both pulsed and continuous measurements as well as optical detection efficiency and open-system dynamics. For both cases, we discuss how the cooling depends on the system parameters such as detection efficiency and optomechanical cooperativity, and we study the continuous-measurement-induced dynamics, contrasting to single-photon detection events. For the Stokes case, we explore the interplay between cooling and heating via optomechanical parametric amplification, and we find the efficiency required to cool a mechanical oscillator via zero-photon detection. This work serves as a companion article to the recent experiment [E. A. Cryer-Jenkins, K. D. Major, et al., arXiv:2408.01734 (2024)], which demonstrated enhanced laser cooling of a mechanical oscillator via zero-photon detection on the anti-Stokes signal. The framework developed here provides new approaches for cooling mechanical resonators that can be applied to a wide range of areas including nonclassical state preparation, quantum thermodynamics, and avoiding the often unwanted heating effects of parametric amplification. △ Less

Submitted 6 May, 2025; v1 submitted 3 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 15 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 111, 023516 (2025)

Enhanced Laser Cooling of a Mechanical Resonator via Zero-Photon Detection

Authors: Evan A. Cryer-Jenkins, Kyle D. Major, Jack Clarke, Georg Enzian, Magdalena Szczykulska, Jinglei Zhang, Arjun Gupta, Anthony C. Leung, Harsh Rathee, Andreas Ø. Svela, Anthony K. C. Tan, Almut Beige, Klaus Mølmer, Michael R. Vanner

Abstract: Throughout quantum science and technology, measurement is used as a powerful resource for nonlinear operations and quantum state engineering. In particular, single-photon detection is commonly employed for quantum-information applications and tests of fundamental physics. By contrast, and perhaps counter-intuitively, measurement of the absence of photons also provides useful information, and offer… ▽ More Throughout quantum science and technology, measurement is used as a powerful resource for nonlinear operations and quantum state engineering. In particular, single-photon detection is commonly employed for quantum-information applications and tests of fundamental physics. By contrast, and perhaps counter-intuitively, measurement of the absence of photons also provides useful information, and offers significant potential for a wide range of new experimental directions. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate cooling of a mechanical resonator below its laser-cooled mechanical occupation via zero-photon detection on the anti-Stokes scattered optical field and verify this cooling through heterodyne measurements. Our measurements are well captured by a stochastic master equation and the techniques introduced here open new avenues for cooling, quantum thermodynamics, quantum state engineering, and quantum measurement and control. △ Less

Submitted 6 May, 2025; v1 submitted 3 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: Main: 5 pages, 2 figures. Supplemental: 6 pages, 2 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 073601 (2025)

Morphological Control of Bundled Actin Networks Subject to Fixed-Mass Depletion

Authors: James Clarke, Lauren Melcher, Anne D. Crowell, Francis Cavanna, Justin R. Houser, Kristin Graham, Allison Green, Jeanne C. Stachowiak, Thomas M. Truskett, Delia J. Milliron, Adrianne M. Rosales, Moumita Das, José Alvarado

Abstract: Depletion interactions are thought to significantly contribute to the organization of intracellular structures in the crowded cytosol. The strength of depletion interactions depends on physical parameters like the depletant number density and the depletant size ratio. Cells are known to dynamically regulate these two parameters by varying the copy number of proteins of a wide distribution of sizes… ▽ More Depletion interactions are thought to significantly contribute to the organization of intracellular structures in the crowded cytosol. The strength of depletion interactions depends on physical parameters like the depletant number density and the depletant size ratio. Cells are known to dynamically regulate these two parameters by varying the copy number of proteins of a wide distribution of sizes. However, mammalian cells are also known to keep the total protein mass density remarkably constant, to within 0.5% throughout the cell cycle. We thus ask how the strength of depletion interactions varies when the total depletant mass is held fixed, a.k.a. fixed-mass depletion. We answer this question via scaling arguments, as well as by studying depletion effects on networks of reconstituted semiflexible actin $\textit{in silico}$ and $\textit{in vitro}$. We examine the maximum strength of the depletion interaction potential $U^*$ as a function of $q$, the size ratio between the depletant and the matter being depleted. We uncover a scaling relation $U^* \sim q^{-ζ}$ for two cases: fixed volume fraction $φ$ and fixed mass density $ρ$. For fixed volume fraction, we report $ζ< 0$. For the fixed mass density case, we report $ζ> 0$, which suggests the depletion interaction strength increases as the depletant size ratio is increased. To test this prediction, we prepared our filament networks at fixed mass concentrations with varying sizes of the depletant molecule poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). We characterize the depletion interaction strength in our simulations via the mesh size. In experiments, we observe two distinct actin network morphologies, which we call weakly bundled and strongly bundled. We identify a mass concentration where different PEG depletant sizes leads to weakly bundled or strongly bundled morphologies...[more in main text]. △ Less

Submitted 23 November, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Comments: 21 pages, 5 figures. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2205.01864

Extraordinary physical properties of superconducting YBa$_{1.4}$Sr$_{0.6}$Cu$_3$O$_6$Se$_{0.51}$ in a multiphase ceramic material

Authors: V. Grinenko, A. Dudka, S. Nozaki, J. Kilcrease, A. Muto, J. Clarke, T. Hogan, V. Nikoghosyan, I. de Paiva, R. Dulal, S. Teknowijoyo, S. Chahid, A. Gulian

Abstract: We report on a novel material obtained by modifying pristine YBCO superconductor in solid phase synthesis via simultaneous partial substitution of Ba by Sr and O by Se. Simultaneous application of EDX and EBSD confirmed that Se atoms indeed enter the crystalline lattice cell. The detailed XRD analysis further confirmed this conclusion and revealed that the obtained polycrystalline material contain… ▽ More We report on a novel material obtained by modifying pristine YBCO superconductor in solid phase synthesis via simultaneous partial substitution of Ba by Sr and O by Se. Simultaneous application of EDX and EBSD confirmed that Se atoms indeed enter the crystalline lattice cell. The detailed XRD analysis further confirmed this conclusion and revealed that the obtained polycrystalline material contains 5 phases, with the major phase ($>$30\%) being a cuprate YBa$_{1.4}$Sr$_{0.6}$Cu$_{3}$O$_{6}$Se$% _{0.51}$. The obtained superconductor demonstrates unique properties, including i) two superconducting transitions with $T_{c1}\approx$ 35 K (granular surface phase) and $T_{c2}\approx$ 13 K (bulk granular phase) - this granular phase arrangement naturally yields the Wohlleben effect; ii) reentrant diamagnetism and resistive state; iii) strong paramagnetism with Curie-Weiss behavior (% $θ_{CW} \approx$ 4 K) and the ferromagnetic phase overruled by superconductivity; iv) Schottky anomaly visible in the heat capacity data and most likely delivered by small clusters of magnetic moments. Thorough analysis of the heat capacity data reveals a strong-coupling $d-$wave pairing in its bulk phase (with $2Δ/T_{c}\approx 5$), and, most importantly, a very unusual anomaly in this cuprate. There are reasons to associate this anomaly with the quantum criticality observed in traditional cuprate superconductors at much higher fields (achievable only in certain laboratories). In our case, the fields leading to quantum criticality are much weaker ($\sim $7-9 T) thus opening avenues for exploration of the interplay between superconductivity and pair density waves by the wider research community. △ Less

Submitted 28 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Probing single electrons across 300 mm spin qubit wafers

Authors: Samuel Neyens, Otto K. Zietz, Thomas F. Watson, Florian Luthi, Aditi Nethwewala, Hubert C. George, Eric Henry, Mohammad Islam, Andrew J. Wagner, Felix Borjans, Elliot J. Connors, J. Corrigan, Matthew J. Curry, Daniel Keith, Roza Kotlyar, Lester F. Lampert, Mateusz T. Madzik, Kent Millard, Fahd A. Mohiyaddin, Stefano Pellerano, Ravi Pillarisetty, Mick Ramsey, Rostyslav Savytskyy, Simon Schaal, Guoji Zheng , et al. (5 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Building a fault-tolerant quantum computer will require vast numbers of physical qubits. For qubit technologies based on solid state electronic devices, integrating millions of qubits in a single processor will require device fabrication to reach a scale comparable to that of the modern CMOS industry. Equally importantly, the scale of cryogenic device testing must keep pace to enable efficient dev… ▽ More Building a fault-tolerant quantum computer will require vast numbers of physical qubits. For qubit technologies based on solid state electronic devices, integrating millions of qubits in a single processor will require device fabrication to reach a scale comparable to that of the modern CMOS industry. Equally importantly, the scale of cryogenic device testing must keep pace to enable efficient device screening and to improve statistical metrics like qubit yield and voltage variation. Spin qubits based on electrons in Si have shown impressive control fidelities but have historically been challenged by yield and process variation. Here we present a testing process using a cryogenic 300 mm wafer prober to collect high-volume data on the performance of hundreds of industry-manufactured spin qubit devices at 1.6 K. This testing method provides fast feedback to enable optimization of the CMOS-compatible fabrication process, leading to high yield and low process variation. Using this system, we automate measurements of the operating point of spin qubits and probe the transitions of single electrons across full wafers. We analyze the random variation in single-electron operating voltages and find that the optimized fabrication process leads to low levels of disorder at the 300 mm scale. Together these results demonstrate the advances that can be achieved through the application of CMOS industry techniques to the fabrication and measurement of spin qubit devices. △ Less

Submitted 3 May, 2024; v1 submitted 10 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: 33 pages, 4 figures, 10 extended data figures. Supplementary Information available under "Ancillary files."

Anion-polarisation-directed short-range-order in antiperovskite Li$_2$FeSO

Authors: Samuel W. Coles, Viktoria Falkowski, Harry S. Geddes, Gabriel E. Pérez, Samuel G. Booth, Alexander G. Squires, Conn O'Rourke, Kit McColl, Andrew L. Goodwin, Serena A. Cussen, Simon J. Clarke, M. Saiful Islam, Benjamin J. Morgan

Abstract: Short-range ordering in cation-disordered cathodes can have a significant effect on their electrochemical properties. Here, we characterise the cation short-range order in the antiperovskite cathode material Li$_2$FeSO, using density functional theory, Monte Carlo simulations, and synchrotron X-ray pair-distribution-function data. We predict partial short-range cation-ordering, characterised by fa… ▽ More Short-range ordering in cation-disordered cathodes can have a significant effect on their electrochemical properties. Here, we characterise the cation short-range order in the antiperovskite cathode material Li$_2$FeSO, using density functional theory, Monte Carlo simulations, and synchrotron X-ray pair-distribution-function data. We predict partial short-range cation-ordering, characterised by favourable OLi$_4$Fe$_2$ oxygen coordination with a preference for polar cis-OLi$_4$Fe$_2$ over non-polar trans-OLi$_4$Fe$_2$ configurations. This preference for polar cation configurations produces long-range disorder, in agreement with experimental data. The predicted short-range-order preference contrasts with that for a simple point-charge model, which instead predicts preferential trans-OLi$_4$Fe$_2$ oxygen coordination and corresponding long-range crystallographic order. The absence of long-range order in Li$_2$FeSO can therefore be attributed to the relative stability of cis-OLi$_4$Fe$_2$ and other non-OLi$_4$Fe$_2$ oxygen-coordination motifs. We show that this effect is associated with the polarisation of oxide and sulfide anions in polar coordination environments, which stabilises these polar short-range cation orderings. We propose similar anion-polarisation-directed short-range-ordering may be present in other heterocationic materials that contain cations with different formal charges. Our analysis also illustrates the limitations of using simple point-charge models to predict the structure of cation-disordered materials, where other factors, such as anion polarisation, may play a critical role in directing both short- and long-range structural correlations. △ Less

Submitted 27 April, 2023; v1 submitted 27 December, 2022; originally announced December 2022.

Effective circuit modelling and experimental realization of an ultra-compact self-rectifier flux pump

Authors: B. P. P. Mallett, S. Venuturumilli, J. Clarke, B. Leuw, J. H. P. Rice, D. A. Moseley, C. W. Bumby, J. Geng, R. A. Badcock

Abstract: This paper presents experimental and modelling results of an ultra-compact self-rectifier flux pump energizing a superconducting coil. The device fits inside a volume of 65x65x50~mm and generates up to 320~A dc through the coil and a peak output voltage up to 60~mV. We also develop and present a full electromagnetic effective circuit model of the flux pump and compare its predictions to the experi… ▽ More This paper presents experimental and modelling results of an ultra-compact self-rectifier flux pump energizing a superconducting coil. The device fits inside a volume of 65x65x50~mm and generates up to 320~A dc through the coil and a peak output voltage up to 60~mV. We also develop and present a full electromagnetic effective circuit model of the flux pump and compare its predictions to the experimental results. We show that our model can reproduce accurately the charging of the load coil and that it reproduces the systematic dependence of the maximum load coil current on the input current waveform. The experiments and modelling together show also the importance of dc-flux offsets in the transformer core on the final achievable current through the coil. The miniaturization possible for this class of flux pump and their minimal heat-leak into the cryogenic environment from thermal conduction make them attractive for applications with demanding size, weight and power limitations. Our effective circuit model is a useful tool in the understanding, design and optimization of such flux pumps which will accelerate their progression from research devices to their application. △ Less

Submitted 24 October, 2022; originally announced October 2022.

Comments: 9 pages, 8 figures

Microstructural Pattern Formation during Far-from-Equilibrium Alloy Solidification

Authors: Kaihua Ji, Elaheh Dorari, Amy J. Clarke, Alain Karma

Abstract: We introduce a new phase-field formulation of rapid alloy solidification that quantitatively incorporates nonequilibrium effects at the solid-liquid interface over a very wide range of interface velocities. Simulations identify a new dynamical instability of dendrite tip growth driven by solute trapping at velocities approaching the absolute stability limit. They also reproduce the formation of th… ▽ More We introduce a new phase-field formulation of rapid alloy solidification that quantitatively incorporates nonequilibrium effects at the solid-liquid interface over a very wide range of interface velocities. Simulations identify a new dynamical instability of dendrite tip growth driven by solute trapping at velocities approaching the absolute stability limit. They also reproduce the formation of the widely observed banded microstructures, revealing how this instability triggers transitions between dendritic and microsegregation-free solidification. Predicted band spacings agree quantitatively with observations in rapidly solidified Al-Cu thin films. △ Less

Submitted 7 January, 2023; v1 submitted 22 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Journal ref: Phys.Rev.Lett. 130 (2023) 026203

Cavity quantum optomechanical nonlinearities and position measurement beyond the breakdown of the linearized approximation

Authors: Jack Clarke, Pascal Neveu, Kiran E. Khosla, Ewold Verhagen, Michael R. Vanner

Abstract: Several optomechanics experiments are now entering the highly sought nonlinear regime where optomechanical interactions are large even for low light levels. Within this regime, new quantum phenomena and improved performance may be achieved, however, a corresponding theoretical formalism of cavity quantum optomechanics that captures the nonlinearities of both the radiation-pressure interaction and… ▽ More Several optomechanics experiments are now entering the highly sought nonlinear regime where optomechanical interactions are large even for low light levels. Within this regime, new quantum phenomena and improved performance may be achieved, however, a corresponding theoretical formalism of cavity quantum optomechanics that captures the nonlinearities of both the radiation-pressure interaction and the cavity response is needed to unlock these capabilities. Here, we develop such a nonlinear cavity quantum optomechanical framework, which we then utilize to propose how position measurement can be performed beyond the breakdown of the linearized approximation. Our proposal utilizes optical general-dyne detection, ranging from single to dual homodyne, to obtain mechanical position information imprinted onto both the optical amplitude and phase quadratures and enables both pulsed and continuous modes of operation. These cavity optomechanical nonlinearities are now being confronted in a growing number of experiments, and our framework will allow a range of advances to be made in e.g. quantum metrology, explorations of the standard quantum limit, and quantum measurement and control. △ Less

Submitted 3 August, 2023; v1 submitted 22 July, 2022; originally announced July 2022.

Comments: Main and supplemental material in single file. 6+18 pages, 3+7 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 053601 (2023)

Depletion-Driven Morphological Control of Bundled Actin Networks

Authors: James Clarke, Francis Cavanna, Anne D. Crowell, Lauren Melcher, Justin R. Houser, Kristin Graham, Allison Green, Jeanne C. Stachowiak, Thomas M. Truskett, Delia J. Milliron, Adrianne M. Rosales, Moumita Das, José Alvarado

Abstract: The actin cytoskeleton is a semiflexible biopolymer network whose morphology is controlled by a wide range of biochemical and physical factors. Actin is known to undergo a phase transition from a single-filament state to a bundled state by the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules in sufficient concentration. While the depletion interaction experienced by these biopolymers is well-known,… ▽ More The actin cytoskeleton is a semiflexible biopolymer network whose morphology is controlled by a wide range of biochemical and physical factors. Actin is known to undergo a phase transition from a single-filament state to a bundled state by the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules in sufficient concentration. While the depletion interaction experienced by these biopolymers is well-known, the effect of changing the molecular weight of the depletant is less well understood. Here, we experimentally identify a phase transition in solutions of actin from networks of filaments to networks of bundles by varying the molecular weight of PEG polymers, while holding the concentration of these PEG polymers constant. We examine the states straddling the phase transition in terms of micro and macroscale properties. We find that the mesh size, bundle diameter, persistence length, and intra-bundle spacing between filaments across the line of criticality do not show significant differences, while the relaxation time, storage modulus, and degree of bundling change between the two states do show significant differences. Our results demonstrate the ability to tune actin network morphology and mechanics by controlling depletant size, a property which could be exploited to develop actin-based materials with switchable rigidity. △ Less

Submitted 1 October, 2022; v1 submitted 3 May, 2022; originally announced May 2022.

Comments: 22 pages, 10 figures. Authors James Clarke and Francis Cavanna contributed equally; Changes: Added modeling work, extended dynamic light scattering analysis

Journal ref: J. Chem. Phys. 161, 074905 (2024)

A quantum dot crossbar with sublinear scaling of interconnects at cryogenic temperature

Authors: P. L. Bavdaz, H. G. J. Eenink, J. van Staveren, M. Lodari, C. G. Almudever, J. S. Clarke, F. Sebastiano, M. Veldhorst, G. Scappucci

Abstract: We demonstrate a 36$\times$36 gate electrode crossbar that supports 648 narrow-channel field effect transistors (FET) for gate-defined quantum dots, with a quadratic increase in quantum dot count upon a linear increase in control lines. The crossbar is fabricated on an industrial $^{28}$Si-MOS stack and shows 100% FET yield at cryogenic temperature. We observe a decreasing threshold voltage for wi… ▽ More We demonstrate a 36$\times$36 gate electrode crossbar that supports 648 narrow-channel field effect transistors (FET) for gate-defined quantum dots, with a quadratic increase in quantum dot count upon a linear increase in control lines. The crossbar is fabricated on an industrial $^{28}$Si-MOS stack and shows 100% FET yield at cryogenic temperature. We observe a decreasing threshold voltage for wider channel devices and obtain a normal distribution of pinch-off voltages for nominally identical tunnel barriers probed over 1296 gate crossings. Macroscopically across the crossbar, we measure an average pinch-off of 1.17~V with a standard deviation of 46.8 mV, while local differences within each unit cell indicate a standard deviation of 23.1~mV. These disorder potential landscape variations translate to 1.2 and 0.6 times the measured quantum dot charging energy, respectively. Such metrics provide means for material and device optimization and serve as guidelines in the design of large-scale architectures for fault-tolerant semiconductor-based quantum computing. △ Less

Submitted 9 February, 2022; originally announced February 2022.

Scaling dynamics of the ultracold Bose gas

Authors: Ashton S. Bradley, Jordan Clarke, Tyler W. Neely, Brian P Anderson

Abstract: The large-scale expansion dynamics of quantum gases is a central tool for ultracold gas experiments and poses a significant challenge for theory. In this work we provide an exact reformulation of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation for the ultracold Bose gas in a coordinate frame that adaptively scales with the system size during evolution, enabling simulations of long evolution times during expansion o… ▽ More The large-scale expansion dynamics of quantum gases is a central tool for ultracold gas experiments and poses a significant challenge for theory. In this work we provide an exact reformulation of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation for the ultracold Bose gas in a coordinate frame that adaptively scales with the system size during evolution, enabling simulations of long evolution times during expansion or similar large-scale manipulation. Our approach makes no hydrodynamic approximations, is not restricted to a scaling ansatz, harmonic potentials, or energy eigenstates, and can be generalized readily to non-contact interactions via the appropriate stress tensor of the quantum fluid. As applications, we simulate the expansion of the ideal gas, a cigar-shaped condensate in the Thomas-Fermi regime, and a linear superposition of counter propagating Gaussian wavepackets. We recover known scaling for the ideal gas and Thomas-Fermi regimes, and identify a linear regime of aspect-ratio preserving free expansion; analysis of the scaling dynamics equations shows that an exact, aspect-ratio invariant, free expansion does not exist for nonlinear evolution. Our treatment enables exploration of nonlinear effects in matter-wave dynamics over large scale-changing evolution. △ Less

Submitted 15 November, 2022; v1 submitted 16 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Comments: 12 pages, 3 figures, 2 appendices

Journal ref: Physical Review A 106, 053316 (2022)

Valley splitting in silicon from the interference pattern of quantum oscillations

Authors: M. Lodari, L. Lampert, O. Zietz, R. Pillarisetty, J. Clarke, G. Scappucci

Abstract: We determine the energy splitting of the conduction-band valleys in two-dimensional (2D) electrons confined in silicon metal oxide semiconductor (Si-MOS) Hall-bar transistors. These Si-MOS Hall bars are made by advanced semiconductor manufacturing on 300 mm Si wafers and support a 2D electron gas of high quality with a maximum mobility of 17.6$\times$10$^3$cm$^2$/Vs and minimum percolation density… ▽ More We determine the energy splitting of the conduction-band valleys in two-dimensional (2D) electrons confined in silicon metal oxide semiconductor (Si-MOS) Hall-bar transistors. These Si-MOS Hall bars are made by advanced semiconductor manufacturing on 300 mm Si wafers and support a 2D electron gas of high quality with a maximum mobility of 17.6$\times$10$^3$cm$^2$/Vs and minimum percolation density of 3.45$\times$10$^{10}$cm$^{-2}$. Because of the low disorder, we observe beatings in the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations that arise from the energy-split two low-lying conduction band valleys. From the analysis of the oscillations beating patterns up to T = 1.7 K, we estimate a maximum valley splitting of 8.2 meV at a density of 6.8$\times$10$^{12}$cm$^{-2}$. Furthermore, the valley splitting increases with density at a rate consistent with theoretical predictions for a near-ideal semiconductor/oxide interface. △ Less

Submitted 5 April, 2022; v1 submitted 9 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Can the displacemon device test objective collapse models?

Authors: Lydia A. Kanari-Naish, Jack Clarke, Michael R. Vanner, Edward A. Laird

Abstract: Testing the limits of the applicability of quantum mechanics will deepen our understanding of the universe and may shed light on the interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity. At present there is a wide range of approaches for such macroscopic tests spanning from matter-wave interferometry of large molecules to precision measurements of heating rates in the motion of micro-scale cantilevers.… ▽ More Testing the limits of the applicability of quantum mechanics will deepen our understanding of the universe and may shed light on the interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity. At present there is a wide range of approaches for such macroscopic tests spanning from matter-wave interferometry of large molecules to precision measurements of heating rates in the motion of micro-scale cantilevers. The "displacemon" is a proposed electromechanical device consisting of a mechanical resonator flux-coupled to a superconducting qubit enabling generation and readout of mechanical quantum states. In the original proposal, the mechanical resonator was a carbon nanotube, containing $10^6$ nucleons. Here, in order to probe quantum mechanics at a more macroscopic scale, we propose using an aluminium mechanical resonator on two larger mass scales, one inspired by the Marshall-Simon-Penrose-Bouwmeester moving-mirror proposal, and one set by the Planck mass. For such a device, we examine the experimental requirements needed to perform a more macroscopic quantum test and thus feasibly detect the decoherence effects predicted by two objective collapse models: Diósi-Penrose and continuous spontaneous localization. Our protocol for testing these two theories takes advantage of the displacemon architecture to create non-Gaussian mechanical states out of equilibrium with their environment and then analyzing the measurement statistics of a superconducting qubit. We find that with improvements to the fabrication and vibration sensitivities of these electromechanical devices, the displacemon device provides a new route to feasibly test decoherence mechanisms beyond standard quantum theory. △ Less

Submitted 19 November, 2021; v1 submitted 28 October, 2021; originally announced October 2021.

Comments: 16 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: AVS Quantum Sci. 3, 045603 (2021)

Spiderweb array: A sparse spin-qubit array

Authors: Jelmer M. Boter, Juan P. Dehollain, Jeroen P. G. van Dijk, Yuanxing Xu, Toivo Hensgens, Richard Versluis, Henricus W. L. Naus, James S. Clarke, Menno Veldhorst, Fabio Sebastiano, Lieven M. K. Vandersypen

Abstract: One of the main bottlenecks in the pursuit of a large-scale--chip-based quantum computer is the large number of control signals needed to operate qubit systems. As system sizes scale up, the number of terminals required to connect to off-chip control electronics quickly becomes unmanageable. Here, we discuss a quantum-dot spin-qubit architecture that integrates on-chip control electronics, allowin… ▽ More One of the main bottlenecks in the pursuit of a large-scale--chip-based quantum computer is the large number of control signals needed to operate qubit systems. As system sizes scale up, the number of terminals required to connect to off-chip control electronics quickly becomes unmanageable. Here, we discuss a quantum-dot spin-qubit architecture that integrates on-chip control electronics, allowing for a significant reduction in the number of signal connections at the chip boundary. By arranging the qubits in a two-dimensional (2D) array with $\sim$12 $μ$m pitch, we create space to implement locally integrated sample-and-hold circuits. This allows to offset the inhomogeneities in the potential landscape across the array and to globally share the majority of the control signals for qubit operations. We make use of advanced circuit modeling software to go beyond conceptual drawings of the component layout, to assess the feasibility of the scheme through a concrete floor plan, including estimates of footprints for quantum and classical electronics, as well as routing of signal lines across the chip using different interconnect layers. We make use of local demultiplexing circuits to achieve an efficient signal-connection scaling leading to a Rent's exponent as low as $p = 0.43$. Furthermore, we use available data from state-of-the-art spin qubit and microelectronics technology development, as well as circuit models and simulations, to estimate the operation frequencies and power consumption of a million-qubit processor. This work presents a novel and complementary approach to previously proposed architectures, focusing on a feasible scheme to integrating quantum and classical hardware, and significantly closing the gap towards a fully CMOS-compatible quantum computer implementation. △ Less

Submitted 24 August, 2022; v1 submitted 30 September, 2021; originally announced October 2021.

Comments: 19 pages, 16 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Applied 18, 024053 (2022)

Two-mode Schrödinger-cat states with nonlinear optomechanics: generation and verification of non-Gaussian mechanical entanglement

Authors: Lydia A. Kanari-Naish, Jack Clarke, Sofia Qvarfort, Michael R. Vanner

Abstract: Cavity quantum optomechanics has emerged as a new platform for quantum science and technology with applications ranging from quantum-information processing to tests of the foundations of physics. Of crucial importance for optomechanics is the generation and verification of non-Gaussian states of motion and a key outstanding challenge is the observation of a canonical two-mode Schrödinger-cat state… ▽ More Cavity quantum optomechanics has emerged as a new platform for quantum science and technology with applications ranging from quantum-information processing to tests of the foundations of physics. Of crucial importance for optomechanics is the generation and verification of non-Gaussian states of motion and a key outstanding challenge is the observation of a canonical two-mode Schrödinger-cat state in the displacement of two mechanical oscillators. In this work, we introduce a pulsed approach that utilizes the nonlinearity of the radiation-pressure interaction combined with photon-counting measurements to generate this entangled non-Gaussian mechanical state, and, importantly, describe a protocol using subsequent pulsed interactions to verify the non-Gaussian entanglement generated. Our pulsed verification protocol allows quadrature moments of the two mechanical oscillators to be measured up to any finite order providing a toolset for experimental characterisation of bipartite mechanical quantum states and allowing a broad range of inseparability criteria to be evaluated. Key experimental factors, such as optical loss and open-system dynamics, are carefully analyzed and we show that the scheme is feasible with only minor improvements to current experiments that operate outside the resolved-sideband regime. Our scheme provides a new avenue for quantum experiments with entangled mechanical oscillators and offers significant potential for further research and development that utilizes such non-Gaussian states for quantum-information and sensing applications, and for studying the quantum-to-classical transition. △ Less

Submitted 1 June, 2022; v1 submitted 17 September, 2021; originally announced September 2021.

Comments: 36 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Quantum Sci. Technol. 7 035012 (2022)

Non-Gaussian mechanical motion via single and multi-phonon subtraction from a thermal state

Authors: Georg Enzian, Lars Freisem, John J. Price, Andreas Ø. Svela, Jack Clarke, Biveen Shajilal, Jiri Janousek, Ben C. Buchler, Ping Koy Lam, Michael R. Vanner

Abstract: Quantum optical measurement techniques offer a rich avenue for quantum control of mechanical oscillators via cavity optomechanics. In particular, a powerful yet little explored combination utilizes optical measurements to perform heralded non-Gaussian mechanical state preparation followed by tomography to determine the mechanical phase-space distribution. Here, we experimentally perform heralded s… ▽ More Quantum optical measurement techniques offer a rich avenue for quantum control of mechanical oscillators via cavity optomechanics. In particular, a powerful yet little explored combination utilizes optical measurements to perform heralded non-Gaussian mechanical state preparation followed by tomography to determine the mechanical phase-space distribution. Here, we experimentally perform heralded single- and multi-phonon subtraction via photon counting to a laser-cooled mechanical thermal state with a Brillouin optomechanical system at room temperature, and use optical heterodyne detection to measure the $s$-parameterized Wigner distribution of the non-Gaussian mechanical states generated. The techniques developed here advance the state-of-the-art for optics-based tomography of mechanical states and will be useful for a broad range of applied and fundamental studies that utilize mechanical quantum-state engineering and tomography. △ Less

Submitted 22 October, 2021; v1 submitted 8 March, 2021; originally announced March 2021.

Comments: Main and supplementary in single file. 19 pages, 6 figures. (www.qmeas.net)

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 243601 (2021)

Qubits made by advanced semiconductor manufacturing

Authors: A. M. J. Zwerver, T. Krähenmann, T. F. Watson, L. Lampert, H. C. George, R. Pillarisetty, S. A. Bojarski, P. Amin, S. V. Amitonov, J. M. Boter, R. Caudillo, D. Corras-Serrano, J. P. Dehollain, G. Droulers, E. M. Henry, R. Kotlyar, M. Lodari, F. Luthi, D. J. Michalak, B. K. Mueller, S. Neyens, J. Roberts, N. Samkharadze, G. Zheng, O. K. Zietz , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Full-scale quantum computers require the integration of millions of quantum bits. The promise of leveraging industrial semiconductor manufacturing to meet this requirement has fueled the pursuit of quantum computing in silicon quantum dots. However, to date, their fabrication has relied on electron-beam lithography and, with few exceptions, on academic style lift-off processes. Although these fabr… ▽ More Full-scale quantum computers require the integration of millions of quantum bits. The promise of leveraging industrial semiconductor manufacturing to meet this requirement has fueled the pursuit of quantum computing in silicon quantum dots. However, to date, their fabrication has relied on electron-beam lithography and, with few exceptions, on academic style lift-off processes. Although these fabrication techniques offer process flexibility, they suffer from low yield and poor uniformity. An important question is whether the processing conditions developed in the manufacturing fab environment to enable high yield, throughput, and uniformity of transistors are suitable for quantum dot arrays and do not compromise the delicate qubit properties. Here, we demonstrate quantum dots hosted at a 28Si/28SiO2 interface, fabricated in a 300 mm semiconductor manufacturing facility using all-optical lithography and fully industrial processing. As a result, we achieve nanoscale gate patterns with remarkable homogeneity. The quantum dots are well-behaved in the multi-electron regime, with excellent tunnel barrier control, a crucial feature for fault-tolerant two-qubit gates. Single-spin qubit operation using magnetic resonance reveals relaxation times of over 1 s at 1 Tesla and coherence times of over 3 ms, matching the quality of silicon spin qubits reported to date. The feasibility of high-quality qubits made with fully-industrial techniques strongly enhances the prospects of a large-scale quantum computer △ Less

Submitted 29 January, 2021; originally announced January 2021.

Comments: 23 pages, 4 figures, 12 supplementary figures

Journal ref: Nature Electronics 5, 184-190 (2022)

$\require{mhchem}$Misfit phase $\ce{(BiSe)_{$1.10$}NbSe2}$ as the origin of superconductivity in nobium-doped bismuth selenide

Authors: Machteld E. Kamminga, Maria Batuk, Joke Hadermann, Simon J. Clarke

Abstract: $\require{mhchem}$Topological superconductivity is of great contemporary interest and has been proposed in doped $\ce{Bi2Se3}$ in which electron-donating atoms such as Cu, Sr or Nb have been intercalated into the $\ce{Bi2Se3}$ structure. For $\ce{Nb_{x}Bi2Se3}$, with $\text{T}_\text{c} \sim 3 \ \text{K}… ▽ More $\require{mhchem}$Topological superconductivity is of great contemporary interest and has been proposed in doped $\ce{Bi2Se3}$ in which electron-donating atoms such as Cu, Sr or Nb have been intercalated into the $\ce{Bi2Se3}$ structure. For $\ce{Nb_{x}Bi2Se3}$, with $\text{T}_\text{c} \sim 3 \ \text{K}$, it is assumed in the literature that Nb is inserted in the van der Waals gap. However, in this work an alternative origin for the superconductivity in Nb-doped $\ce{Bi2Se3}$ is established. In contrast to previous reports, it is deduced that Nb intercalation in $\ce{Bi2Se3}$ does not take place. Instead, the superconducting behaviour in samples of nominal composition $\ce{Nb_{x}Bi2Se3}$ results from the $\ce{(BiSe)_{$1.10$}NbSe2}$ misfit phase that is present in the sample as an impurity phase for small $x$ ($0.01 \leq x \leq 0.10$) and as a main phase for large $x$ ($x = 0.50$). The structure of this misfit phase is studied in detail using a combination of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques. △ Less

Submitted 7 October, 2020; originally announced October 2020.

High-fidelity two-qubit gates in silicon above one Kelvin

Authors: L. Petit, M. Russ, H. G. J. Eenink, W. I. L. Lawrie, J. S. Clarke, L. M. K. Vandersypen, M. Veldhorst

Abstract: Spin qubits in quantum dots define an attractive platform for scalable quantum information because of their compatibility with semiconductor manufacturing, their long coherence times, and the ability to operate at temperatures exceeding one Kelvin. Qubit logic can be implemented by pulsing the exchange interaction or via driven rotations. Here, we show that these approaches can be combined to exec… ▽ More Spin qubits in quantum dots define an attractive platform for scalable quantum information because of their compatibility with semiconductor manufacturing, their long coherence times, and the ability to operate at temperatures exceeding one Kelvin. Qubit logic can be implemented by pulsing the exchange interaction or via driven rotations. Here, we show that these approaches can be combined to execute a multitude of native two-qubit gates in a single device, reducing the operation overhead to perform quantum algorithms. We demonstrate, at a temperature above one Kelvin, single-qubit rotations together with the two-qubit gates CROT, CPHASE and SWAP. Furthermore we realize adiabatic, diabatic and composite sequences to optimize the qubit control fidelity and the gate time. We find two-qubit gates that can be executed within 67 ns and by theoretically analyzing the experimental noise sources we predict fidelities exceeding 99%. This promises fault-tolerant operation using quantum hardware that can be embedded with classical electronics for quantum integrated circuits. △ Less

Submitted 17 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Comments: 7 pages, 5 figures

Effect of quantum Hall edge strips on valley splitting in silicon quantum wells

Authors: Brian Paquelet Wuetz, Merritt P. Losert, Alberto Tosato, Mario Lodari, Peter L. Bavdaz, Lucas Stehouwer, Payam Amin, James S. Clarke, Susan N. Coppersmith, Amir Sammak, Menno Veldhorst, Mark Friesen, Giordano Scappucci

Abstract: We determine the energy splitting of the conduction-band valleys in two-dimensional electrons confined to low-disorder Si quantum wells. We probe the valley splitting dependence on both perpendicular magnetic field $B$ and Hall density by performing activation energy measurements in the quantum Hall regime over a large range of filling factors. The mobility gap of the valley-split levels increases… ▽ More We determine the energy splitting of the conduction-band valleys in two-dimensional electrons confined to low-disorder Si quantum wells. We probe the valley splitting dependence on both perpendicular magnetic field $B$ and Hall density by performing activation energy measurements in the quantum Hall regime over a large range of filling factors. The mobility gap of the valley-split levels increases linearly with $B$ and is strikingly independent of Hall density. The data are consistent with a transport model in which valley splitting depends on the incremental changes in density $eB/h$ across quantum Hall edge strips, rather than the bulk density. Based on these results, we estimate that the valley splitting increases with density at a rate of 116 $μ$eV/10$^{11}$cm$^{-2}$, consistent with theoretical predictions for near-perfect quantum well top interfaces. △ Less

Submitted 29 September, 2020; v1 submitted 3 June, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 186801 (2020)

Robustness of superconducting properties to transition metal substitution and impurity phases in Fe1-xVxSe

Authors: Franziska K. K. Kirschner, Daniel N. Woodruff, Matthew J. Bristow, Franz Lang, Peter J. Baker, Simon J. Clarke, Stephen J. Blundell

Abstract: We have performed transverse- and zero-field muon spin rotation/relaxation experiments, as well as magnetometry measurements, on samples of Fe1-xVxSe and their Li+NH3 intercalates Li0.6(NH2)0.2(NH3)0.8 Fe1-x Vx Se. We examine the low vanadium substitution regime: x = 0.005, 0.01, and 0.02. The intercalation reaction significantly increases the critical temperature (Tc) and the superfluid stiffness… ▽ More We have performed transverse- and zero-field muon spin rotation/relaxation experiments, as well as magnetometry measurements, on samples of Fe1-xVxSe and their Li+NH3 intercalates Li0.6(NH2)0.2(NH3)0.8 Fe1-x Vx Se. We examine the low vanadium substitution regime: x = 0.005, 0.01, and 0.02. The intercalation reaction significantly increases the critical temperature (Tc) and the superfluid stiffness for all x. The nonintercalated samples all exhibit Tc = 8.5 K while the intercalated samples all show an enhanced Tc > 40 K. Vanadium substitution has a negligible effect on Tc, but seems to suppress the superfluid stiffness for the nonintercalated samples and weakly enhance it for the intercalated materials. The optimal substitution level for the intercalated samples is found to be x = 0.01, with Tc = 41 K and λ_{ab}(0) = 0.18 μm. The nonintercalated samples can be modeled with either a single d-wave superconducting gap or with an anisotropic gap function based on recent quasiparticle imaging experiments, whereas the intercalates display multigap nodal behavior which can be fitted using s + d- or d + d-wave models. Magnetism, likely from iron impurities, appears after the intercalation reaction and coexists and competes with the superconductivity. However, it appears that the superconductivity is remarkably robust to the impurity phase, providing an avenue to stably improve the superconducting properties of transition metal substituted FeSe. △ Less

Submitted 7 April, 2020; originally announced April 2020.

Comments: 7 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 100, 094527 (2019)

A sparse spin qubit array with integrated control electronics

Authors: Jelmer M. Boter, Juan P. Dehollain, Jeroen P. G. van Dijk, Toivo Hensgens, Richard Versluis, James S. Clarke, Menno Veldhorst, Fabio Sebastiano, Lieven M. K. Vandersypen

Abstract: Current implementations of quantum computers suffer from large numbers of control lines per qubit, becoming unmanageable with system scale up. Here, we discuss a sparse spin-qubit architecture featuring integrated control electronics significantly reducing the off-chip wire count. This quantum-classical hardware integration closes the feasibility gap towards a CMOS quantum computer. Current implementations of quantum computers suffer from large numbers of control lines per qubit, becoming unmanageable with system scale up. Here, we discuss a sparse spin-qubit architecture featuring integrated control electronics significantly reducing the off-chip wire count. This quantum-classical hardware integration closes the feasibility gap towards a CMOS quantum computer. △ Less

Submitted 13 December, 2019; originally announced December 2019.

Comments: Paper accompanying an invited talk at the 2019 IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM), December 7-11, 2019

Journal ref: 2019 IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM), 31.4. 1-31.4. 4 (2020)

Generating mechanical and optomechanical entanglement via pulsed interaction and measurement

Authors: J. Clarke, P. Sahium, K. E. Khosla, I. Pikovski, M. S. Kim, M. R. Vanner

Abstract: Entanglement generation at a macroscopic scale offers an exciting avenue to develop new quantum technologies and study fundamental physics on a tabletop. Cavity quantum optomechanics provides an ideal platform to generate and exploit such phenomena owing to the precision of quantum optics combined with recent experimental advances in optomechanical devices. In this work, we propose schemes operati… ▽ More Entanglement generation at a macroscopic scale offers an exciting avenue to develop new quantum technologies and study fundamental physics on a tabletop. Cavity quantum optomechanics provides an ideal platform to generate and exploit such phenomena owing to the precision of quantum optics combined with recent experimental advances in optomechanical devices. In this work, we propose schemes operating outside the resolved-sideband regime, to prepare and verify both optical-mechanical and mechanical-mechanical entanglement. Our schemes employ pulsed interactions with a duration much less than the mechanical period and, together with homodyne measurements, can both generate and characterize these types of entanglement. To improve the performance of our schemes, a precooling stage comprising prior pulses can be utilized to increase the amount of entanglement prepared, and local optical squeezers may be used to provide resilience against open-system dynamics. The entanglement generated by our schemes is quantified using the logarithmic negativity and is analysed with respect to the strength of the pulsed optomechanical interactions for realistic experimental scenarios including mechanical decoherence and optical loss. Two separate schemes for mechanical entanglement generation are introduced and compared: one scheme based on an optical interferometric design, and the other comprising sequential optomechanical interactions. The pulsed nature of our protocols provides more direct access to these quantum correlations in the time domain, with applications including quantum metrology and tests of quantum decoherence. By considering a parameter set based on recent experiments, the feasibility to generate significant entanglement with our schemes, even with large optical losses, is demonstrated. △ Less

Submitted 3 February, 2020; v1 submitted 21 October, 2019; originally announced October 2019.

Comments: 9 figures, 2 tables

Journal ref: New J. Phys. 22 063001 (2020)

Universal quantum logic in hot silicon qubits

Authors: L. Petit, H. G. J. Eenink, M. Russ, W. I. L. Lawrie, N. W. Hendrickx, J. S. Clarke, L. M. K. Vandersypen, M. Veldhorst

Abstract: Quantum computation requires many qubits that can be coherently controlled and coupled to each other. Qubits that are defined using lithographic techniques are often argued to be promising platforms for scalability, since they can be implemented using semiconductor fabrication technology. However, leading solid-state approaches function only at temperatures below 100 mK, where cooling power is ext… ▽ More Quantum computation requires many qubits that can be coherently controlled and coupled to each other. Qubits that are defined using lithographic techniques are often argued to be promising platforms for scalability, since they can be implemented using semiconductor fabrication technology. However, leading solid-state approaches function only at temperatures below 100 mK, where cooling power is extremely limited, and this severely impacts the perspective for practical quantum computation. Recent works on spins in silicon have shown steps towards a platform that can be operated at higher temperatures by demonstrating long spin lifetimes, gate-based spin readout, and coherent single-spin control, but the crucial two-qubit logic gate has been missing. Here we demonstrate that silicon quantum dots can have sufficient thermal robustness to enable the execution of a universal gate set above one Kelvin. We obtain single-qubit control via electron-spin-resonance (ESR) and readout using Pauli spin blockade. We show individual coherent control of two qubits and measure single-qubit fidelities up to 99.3 %. We demonstrate tunability of the exchange interaction between the two spins from 0.5 up to 18 MHz and use this to execute coherent two-qubit controlled rotations (CROT). The demonstration of `hot' and universal quantum logic in a semiconductor platform paves the way for quantum integrated circuits hosting the quantum hardware and their control circuitry all on the same chip, providing a scalable approach towards practical quantum information. △ Less

Submitted 11 October, 2019; originally announced October 2019.

Journal ref: Nature 580, 355-359 (2020)

Multiplexed quantum transport using commercial off-the-shelf CMOS at sub-kelvin temperatures

Authors: B. Paquelet Wuetz, P. L. Bavdaz, L. A. Yeoh, R. Schouten, H. van der Does, M. Tiggelman, D. Sabbagh, A. Sammak, C. G. Almudever, F. Sebastiano, J. S. Clarke, M. Veldhorst, G. Scappucci

Abstract: Continuing advancements in quantum information processing have caused a paradigm shift from research mainly focused on testing the reality of quantum mechanics to engineering qubit devices with numbers required for practical quantum computation. One of the major challenges in scaling toward large-scale solid-state systems is the limited input/output (I/O) connectors present in cryostats operating… ▽ More Continuing advancements in quantum information processing have caused a paradigm shift from research mainly focused on testing the reality of quantum mechanics to engineering qubit devices with numbers required for practical quantum computation. One of the major challenges in scaling toward large-scale solid-state systems is the limited input/output (I/O) connectors present in cryostats operating at sub-kelvin temperatures required to execute quantum logic with high-fidelity. This interconnect bottleneck is equally present in the device fabrication-measurement cycle, which requires high-throughput and cryogenic characterization to develop quantum processors. Here we multiplex quantum transport of two-dimensional electron gases at sub-kelvin temperatures. We use commercial off-the-shelf CMOS multiplexers to achieve an order of magnitude increase in the number of wires. Exploiting this technology we advance 300 mm epitaxial wafers manufactured in an industrial CMOS fab to a record electron mobility of (3.9$\pm$0.6)$\times$10$^5$ cm$^2$\slash Vs and percolation density of (6.9$\pm$0.4)$\times$10$^{10}$ cm$^{-2}$, representing a key step toward large silicon qubit arrays. We envision that the demonstration will inspire the development of cryogenic electronics for quantum information and because of the simplicity of assembly, low-cost, yet versatility, we foresee widespread use of similar cryo-CMOS circuits for high-throughput quantum measurements and control of quantum engineered systems. △ Less

Submitted 26 July, 2019; originally announced July 2019.

Journal ref: npj Quantum Inf 6, 43 (2020)

Tunable coupling and isolation of single electrons in silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor quantum dots

Authors: H. G. J. Eenink, L. Petit, W. I. L. Lawrie, J. S. Clarke, L. M. K. Vandersypen, M. Veldhorst

Abstract: Extremely long coherence times, excellent single-qubit gate fidelities and two-qubit logic have been demonstrated with silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor spin qubits, making it one of the leading platforms for quantum information processing. Despite this, a long-standing challenge in this system has been the demonstration of tunable tunnel coupling between single electrons. Here we overcome this hu… ▽ More Extremely long coherence times, excellent single-qubit gate fidelities and two-qubit logic have been demonstrated with silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor spin qubits, making it one of the leading platforms for quantum information processing. Despite this, a long-standing challenge in this system has been the demonstration of tunable tunnel coupling between single electrons. Here we overcome this hurdle with gate-defined quantum dots and show couplings that can be tuned on and off for quantum operations. We use charge sensing to discriminate between the (2,0) and (1,1) charge states of a double quantum dot and show excellent charge sensitivity. We demonstrate tunable coupling up to 13 GHz, obtained by fitting charge polarization lines, and tunable tunnel rates down to below 1 Hz, deduced from the random telegraph signal. The demonstration of tunable coupling between single electrons in a silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor device provides significant scope for high-fidelity two-qubit logic toward quantum information processing with standard manufacturing. △ Less

Submitted 13 January, 2020; v1 submitted 19 July, 2019; originally announced July 2019.

Comments: 6 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Nano Letters 19 (12), 8653-8657 (2019)

Multiscale dendritic needle network model of alloy solidification with fluid flow

Authors: D. Tourret, M. M. Francois, A. J. Clarke

Abstract: We present a mathematical formulation of a multiscale model for solidification with convective flow in the liquid phase. The model is an extension of the dendritic needle network approach for crystal growth in a binary alloy. We propose a simple numerical implementation based on finite differences and step-wise approximations of parabolic dendritic branches of arbitrary orientation. Results of the… ▽ More We present a mathematical formulation of a multiscale model for solidification with convective flow in the liquid phase. The model is an extension of the dendritic needle network approach for crystal growth in a binary alloy. We propose a simple numerical implementation based on finite differences and step-wise approximations of parabolic dendritic branches of arbitrary orientation. Results of the two-dimensional model are verified against reference benchmark solutions for steady, unsteady, and buoyant flow, as well as steady-state dendritic growth in the diffusive regime. Simulations of equiaxed growth under forced flow yield dendrite tip velocities within 10% of quantitative phase-field results from the literature. Finally, we perform illustrative simulations of polycrystalline solidification using physical parameters for an aluminum-10wt%copper alloy. Resulting microstructures show notable differences when taking into account natural buoyancy in comparison to a purely diffusive transport regime. The resulting model opens new avenues for computationally and quantitatively investigating the influence of fluid flow and gravity-induced buoyancy upon the selection of dendritic microstructures. Further ongoing developments include an equivalent formulation for directional solidification conditions and the implementation of the model in three dimensions, which is critical for quantitative comparison to experimental measurements. △ Less

Submitted 16 April, 2019; v1 submitted 23 February, 2019; originally announced February 2019.

Journal ref: Computational Materials Science 162 (2019) 206-227

Quantum transport properties of industrial $^{28}$Si/$^{28}$SiO$_2$

Authors: D. Sabbagh, N. Thomas, J. Torres, R. Pillarisetty, P. Amin, H. C. George, K. Singh, A. Budrevich, M. Robinson, D. Merrill, L. Ross, J. Roberts, L. Lampert, L. Massa, S. Amitonov, J. Boter, G. Droulers, H. G. J. Eenink, M. van Hezel, D. Donelson, M. Veldhorst, L. M. K. Vandersypen, J. S. Clarke, G. Scappucci

Abstract: We investigate the structural and quantum transport properties of isotopically enriched $^{28}$Si/$^{28}$SiO$_2$ stacks deposited on 300 mm Si wafers in an industrial CMOS fab. Highly uniform films are obtained with an isotopic purity greater than 99.92\%. Hall-bar transistors with an equivalent oxide thickness of 17 nm are fabricated in an academic cleanroom. A critical density for conduction of… ▽ More We investigate the structural and quantum transport properties of isotopically enriched $^{28}$Si/$^{28}$SiO$_2$ stacks deposited on 300 mm Si wafers in an industrial CMOS fab. Highly uniform films are obtained with an isotopic purity greater than 99.92\%. Hall-bar transistors with an equivalent oxide thickness of 17 nm are fabricated in an academic cleanroom. A critical density for conduction of $1.75\times10^{11}$ cm$^{-2}$ and a peak mobility of 9800 cm$^2$/Vs are measured at a temperature of 1.7 K. The $^{28}$Si/$^{28}$SiO$_2$ interface is characterized by a roughness of $Δ=0.4$ nm and a correlation length of $Λ=3.4$ nm. An upper bound for valley splitting energy of 480 $μ$eV is estimated at an effective electric field of 9.5 MV/m. These results support the use of wafer-scale $^{28}$Si/$^{28}$SiO$_2$ as a promising material platform to manufacture industrial spin qubits. △ Less

Submitted 21 January, 2019; v1 submitted 15 October, 2018; originally announced October 2018.

Comments: 5 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Applied 12, 014013 (2019)

Rent's rule and extensibility in quantum computing

Authors: David P. Franke, James S. Clarke, Lieven M. K. Vandersypen, Menno Veldhorst

Abstract: Quantum computing is on the verge of a transition from fundamental research to practical applications. Yet, to make the step to large-scale quantum computation, an extensible qubit system has to be developed. In classical semiconductor technology, this was made possible by the invention of the integrated circuit, which allowed to interconnect large numbers of components without having to solder to… ▽ More Quantum computing is on the verge of a transition from fundamental research to practical applications. Yet, to make the step to large-scale quantum computation, an extensible qubit system has to be developed. In classical semiconductor technology, this was made possible by the invention of the integrated circuit, which allowed to interconnect large numbers of components without having to solder to each and every one of them. Similarly, we expect that the scaling of interconnections and control lines with the number of qubits will be a central bottleneck in creating large-scale quantum technology. Here, we define the quantum Rent's exponent $p$ to quantify the progress in overcoming this challenge at different levels throughout the quantum computing stack. We further discuss the concept of quantum extensibility as an indicator of a platform's potential to reach the large quantum volume needed for universal quantum computing and review extensibility limits faced by different qubit implementations on the way towards truly large-scale qubit systems. △ Less

Submitted 6 June, 2018; originally announced June 2018.

Comments: 8 pages, 2 figures

Growing macroscopic superposition states via cavity quantum optomechanics

Authors: Jack Clarke, Michael R. Vanner

Abstract: The investigation of macroscopic quantum phenomena is a current active area of research that offers significant promise to advance the forefronts of both fundamental and applied quantum science. Utilizing the exquisite precision and control of quantum optics provides a powerful toolset for generating such quantum states where the types and 'size' of the states that can be generated are set by the… ▽ More The investigation of macroscopic quantum phenomena is a current active area of research that offers significant promise to advance the forefronts of both fundamental and applied quantum science. Utilizing the exquisite precision and control of quantum optics provides a powerful toolset for generating such quantum states where the types and 'size' of the states that can be generated are set by the resourcefulness of the protocol applied. In this work we present a new scheme for 'growing' macroscopic superposition states of motion of a mechanical oscillator via cavity quantum optomechanics. The scheme consists of a series of optical pulses interacting with a mechanical mode via radiation-pressure followed by photon-counting measurements. The multistep nature of our protocol allows macroscopic superposition states to be prepared with a relaxed requirement for the single-photon optomechanical coupling strength. To demonstrate the feasibility of our scheme, we quantify how initial mechanical thermal occupation and decoherence affects the non-classicality and macroscopicity of the states generated. We show that under realistic experimental conditions, mechanical quantum states can exhibit significant non-classicality and can be grown to a macroscopic scale. △ Less

Submitted 24 September, 2018; v1 submitted 23 May, 2018; originally announced May 2018.

Comments: 30 pages, 9 figures, 1 table

Journal ref: Quantum Sci. Technol. 4, 014003 (2019)

The critical role of substrate disorder in valley splitting in Si quantum wells

Authors: Samuel F. Neyens, Ryan H. Foote, Brandur Thorgrimsson, T. J. Knapp, Thomas McJunkin, L. M. K. Vandersypen, Payam Amin, Nicole K. Thomas, James S. Clarke, D. E. Savage, M. G. Lagally, Mark Friesen, S. N. Coppersmith, M. A. Eriksson

Abstract: Motivated by theoretical predictions that spatially complex concentration modulations of Si and Ge can increase the valley splitting in quantum wells, we grow and characterize Si/SiGe heterostructures with a thin, pure Ge layer at the top of the quantum well using chemical vapor deposition. We show that these heterostructures remain hosts for high-mobility electron gases. We measure two quantum we… ▽ More Motivated by theoretical predictions that spatially complex concentration modulations of Si and Ge can increase the valley splitting in quantum wells, we grow and characterize Si/SiGe heterostructures with a thin, pure Ge layer at the top of the quantum well using chemical vapor deposition. We show that these heterostructures remain hosts for high-mobility electron gases. We measure two quantum wells with approximately five monolayers of pure Ge at the upper barrier, finding mobilities as high as 70,000 cm$^2$/Vs, compared to 100,000 cm$^2$/Vs measured in samples with no Ge layer. Activation energy measurements in quantum Hall states corresponding to Fermi levels in the gap between different valley states reveal energy gaps ranging from 30 to over 200 $μ$eV, and we extract a surprisingly strong dependence of the energy gap on electron density. We interpret our results using tight binding theory and argue that our results are evidence that atomic scale disorder at the quantum well interface dominates the behavior of the valley splittings of these modified heterostructures. △ Less

Submitted 15 June, 2018; v1 submitted 5 April, 2018; originally announced April 2018.

Comments: 7 pages

Journal ref: Applied Physics Letters 112, 243107 (2018)

Spin lifetime and charge noise in hot silicon quantum dot qubits

Authors: L. Petit, J. M. Boter, H. G. J. Eenink, G. Droulers, M. L. V. Tagliaferri, R. Li, D. P. Franke, K. J. Singh, J. S. Clarke, R. N. Schouten, V. V. Dobrovitski, L. M. K. Vandersypen, M. Veldhorst

Abstract: We investigate the magnetic field and temperature dependence of the single-electron spin lifetime in silicon quantum dots and find a lifetime of 2.8 ms at a temperature of 1.1 K. We develop a model based on spin-valley mixing and find that Johnson noise and two-phonon processes limit relaxation at low and high temperature respectively. We also investigate the effect of temperature on charge noise… ▽ More We investigate the magnetic field and temperature dependence of the single-electron spin lifetime in silicon quantum dots and find a lifetime of 2.8 ms at a temperature of 1.1 K. We develop a model based on spin-valley mixing and find that Johnson noise and two-phonon processes limit relaxation at low and high temperature respectively. We also investigate the effect of temperature on charge noise and find a linear dependence up to 4 K. These results contribute to the understanding of relaxation in silicon quantum dots and are promising for qubit operation at elevated temperatures. △ Less

Submitted 1 September, 2018; v1 submitted 5 March, 2018; originally announced March 2018.

Comments: 8 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 076801 (2018)

A Crossbar Network for Silicon Quantum Dot Qubits

Authors: R. Li, L. Petit, D. P. Franke, J. P. Dehollain, J. Helsen, M. Steudtner, N. K. Thomas, Z. R. Yoscovits, K. J. Singh, S. Wehner, L. M. K. Vandersypen, J. S. Clarke, M. Veldhorst

Abstract: The spin states of single electrons in gate-defined quantum dots satisfy crucial requirements for a practical quantum computer. These include extremely long coherence times, high-fidelity quantum operation, and the ability to shuttle electrons as a mechanism for on-chip flying qubits. In order to increase the number of qubits to the thousands or millions of qubits needed for practical quantum info… ▽ More The spin states of single electrons in gate-defined quantum dots satisfy crucial requirements for a practical quantum computer. These include extremely long coherence times, high-fidelity quantum operation, and the ability to shuttle electrons as a mechanism for on-chip flying qubits. In order to increase the number of qubits to the thousands or millions of qubits needed for practical quantum information we present an architecture based on shared control and a scalable number of lines. Crucially, the control lines define the qubit grid, such that no local components are required. Our design enables qubit coupling beyond nearest neighbors, providing prospects for non-planar quantum error correction protocols. Fabrication is based on a three-layer design to define qubit and tunnel barrier gates. We show that a double stripline on top of the structure can drive high-fidelity single-qubit rotations. Qubit addressability and readout are enabled by self-aligned inhomogeneous magnetic fields induced by direct currents through superconducting gates. Qubit coupling is based on the exchange interaction, and we show that parallel two-qubit gates can be performed at the detuning noise insensitive point. While the architecture requires a high level of uniformity in the materials and critical dimensions to enable shared control, it stands out for its simplicity and provides prospects for large-scale quantum computation in the near future. △ Less

Submitted 10 November, 2017; originally announced November 2017.

Comments: 13 pages, 7 figures

Journal ref: Science Advances 4, eaar3960 (2018)

Suppression of electronic correlations by chemical pressure from FeSe to FeS

Authors: P. Reiss, M. D. Watson, T. K. Kim, A. A. Haghighirad, D. N. Woodruff, M. Bruma, S. J. Clarke, A. I. Coldea

Abstract: Iron-based chalcogenides are complex superconducting systems in which orbitally-dependent electronic correlations play an important role. Here, using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we investigate the effect of these electronic correlations outside the nematic phase in the tetragonal phase of superconducting FeSe1-xSx (x = 0; 0:18; 1). With increasing sulfur substitution… ▽ More Iron-based chalcogenides are complex superconducting systems in which orbitally-dependent electronic correlations play an important role. Here, using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we investigate the effect of these electronic correlations outside the nematic phase in the tetragonal phase of superconducting FeSe1-xSx (x = 0; 0:18; 1). With increasing sulfur substitution, the Fermi velocities increase significantly and the band renormalizations are suppressed towards a factor of 1.5-2 for FeS. Furthermore, the chemical pressure leads to an increase in the size of the quasi-two dimensional Fermi surface, compared with that of FeSe, however, it remains smaller than the predicted one from first principle calculations for FeS. Our results show that the isoelectronic substitution is an effective way to tune electronic correlations in FeSe1-xSx, being weakened for FeS with a lower superconducting transition temperature. This suggests indirectly that electronic correlations could help to promote higher-Tc superconductivity in FeSe. △ Less

Submitted 31 May, 2017; originally announced May 2017.

Comments: 4 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 96, 121103 (2017)

Coexistence of magnetism and superconductivity in separate layers of the iron-based superconductor Li_{1-x}Fe_{x}(OH)Fe_{1-y}Se

Authors: C. V. Topping, F. K. K. Kirschner, S. J. Blundell, P. J. Baker, D. N. Woodruff, F. Schild, H. Sun, S. J. Clarke

Abstract: The magnetic properties attributed to the hydroxide layer of Li1-xFex(OH)Fe1-ySe have been elucidated by the study of superconducting and nonsuperconducting members of this family. Both ac magnetometry and muon spin relaxation measurements of nonsuperconductors find a magnetic state existing below approximately 10 K which exhibits slow relaxation of magnetization. This magnetic state is accompanie… ▽ More The magnetic properties attributed to the hydroxide layer of Li1-xFex(OH)Fe1-ySe have been elucidated by the study of superconducting and nonsuperconducting members of this family. Both ac magnetometry and muon spin relaxation measurements of nonsuperconductors find a magnetic state existing below approximately 10 K which exhibits slow relaxation of magnetization. This magnetic state is accompanied by a low-temperature heat capacity anomaly present in both superconducting and nonsuperconducting variants suggesting that the magnetism persists into the superconducting state. The estimated value of magnetic moment present within the hydroxide layer supports a picture of a glassy magnetic state, probably comprising clusters of iron ions of varying cluster sizes distributed within the lithium hydroxide layer. △ Less

Submitted 5 April, 2017; originally announced April 2017.

Comments: 10 pages, 8 figures, Phys. Rev. B in press

Coulomb Blockade in Fractional Topological Superconductors

Authors: Younghyun Kim, David J. Clarke, Roman M. Lutchyn

Abstract: We study charge transport through a floating mesoscopic superconductor coupled to counterpropagating fractional quantum Hall edges at filling fraction $ν=2/3$. We consider a superconducting island with finite charging energy and investigate its effect on transport through the device. We calculate conductance through such a system as a function of temperature and gate voltage applied to the superco… ▽ More We study charge transport through a floating mesoscopic superconductor coupled to counterpropagating fractional quantum Hall edges at filling fraction $ν=2/3$. We consider a superconducting island with finite charging energy and investigate its effect on transport through the device. We calculate conductance through such a system as a function of temperature and gate voltage applied to the superconducting island. We show that transport is strongly affected by the presence of parafermionic zero modes, leading at zero temperature to a zero-bias conductance quantized in units of $νe^2/h$ independent of the applied gate voltage. △ Less

Submitted 1 March, 2017; originally announced March 2017.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 96, 041123 (2017)

An experimentally accessible quality factor for Majorana wires

Authors: David J. Clarke

Abstract: Spin-orbit coupled semiconducting nanowires with proximity-induced superconductivity are expected to host Majorana zero modes at their endpoints when a sufficiently strong magnetic field is applied. The resulting phase would be a one-dimensional topological superconductor. However, while a variety of experiments have been performed observing a zero bias conductance peak (suggestive of Majorana zer… ▽ More Spin-orbit coupled semiconducting nanowires with proximity-induced superconductivity are expected to host Majorana zero modes at their endpoints when a sufficiently strong magnetic field is applied. The resulting phase would be a one-dimensional topological superconductor. However, while a variety of experiments have been performed observing a zero bias conductance peak (suggestive of Majorana zero modes), the topological nature of these physical systems is still a subject of debate. Here we suggest a quantitative test of the degree to which a system displaying a zero bias peak may be considered topological. The experiment is similar to previous measurements of conductance, but is performed with the aid of a quantum dot at the wire's end. We arrive at the surprising result that the non-local nature of the topological system may be identified through a local measurement. △ Less

Submitted 6 February, 2017; originally announced February 2017.

Comments: 4+ pages, 3 Figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 96, 201109 (2017)

Suppressing relaxation in superconducting qubits by quasiparticle pumping

Authors: Simon Gustavsson, Fei Yan, Gianluigi Catelani, Jonas Bylander, Archana Kamal, Jeffrey Birenbaum, David Hover, Danna Rosenberg, Gabriel Samach, Adam P. Sears, Steven J. Weber, Jonilyn L. Yoder, John Clarke, Andrew J. Kerman, Fumiki Yoshihara, Yasunobu Nakamura, Terry P. Orlando, William D. Oliver

Abstract: Dynamical error suppression techniques are commonly used to improve coherence in quantum systems. They reduce dephasing errors by applying control pulses designed to reverse erroneous coherent evolution driven by environmental noise. However, such methods cannot correct for irreversible processes such as energy relaxation. In this work, we investigate a complementary, stochastic approach to reduci… ▽ More Dynamical error suppression techniques are commonly used to improve coherence in quantum systems. They reduce dephasing errors by applying control pulses designed to reverse erroneous coherent evolution driven by environmental noise. However, such methods cannot correct for irreversible processes such as energy relaxation. In this work, we investigate a complementary, stochastic approach to reducing errors: instead of deterministically reversing the unwanted qubit evolution, we use control pulses to shape the noise environment dynamically. In the context of superconducting qubits, we implement a pumping sequence to reduce the number of unpaired electrons (quasiparticles) in close proximity to the device. We report a 70% reduction in the quasiparticle density, resulting in a threefold enhancement in qubit relaxation times, and a comparable reduction in coherence variability. △ Less

Submitted 26 December, 2016; originally announced December 2016.

Journal ref: Science 354, 1573-1577 (2016)