Quantum computers and Annular Josephson junctions

In summary, the article from 2003 discusses annular Josephson junctions as potential qubits in quantum computers. However, this technology has been largely replaced by more modern topologies such as transmons. A vortex is a physical ring of quantised magnetic flux, while fluxons are a more abstract term referring to quantised flux in a circuit. Modern qubits typically fall somewhere in between these two extremes. The Fluxonium and heavy fluxonium are examples of modern flux-based designs. While vortices were intended to be used as the qubit in annular Josephson junctions, they are not necessarily synonymous with fluxons.
  • #1
LagrangeEuler
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Are annular Josephson junctions qubits in some quantum computer right now?
https://www.nature.com/articles/425133aI found this article from 2003. What is the progress right now?

Also are vortices and fluxons same thing?
 
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  • #2
No, I believe it is fair to say that it was a bit of a dead end. None of the early superconducting qubit technologies are in much use anymore; they haven been superseded by more modern topologies (usually based on transmons)

A vortex is "physical thing", it is a "ring" (with a core) of quantised magnetic flux (google "image of Abricosov vortices") which can be imaged if you use the right type of microscope.

"Fluxons" is a more abstract term which typically refers to some form of quantised flux in a circuit.
There is a range of different types of qubits with charge qubits (tunnelling Cooper pairs) at one end and flux qubits at the other (tunnelling flux). Modern qubits sit somewhere closer to the middle of this range.
The "Fluxonium" is is an example of a modern flux-based design which looks promising, there are also more complicated versions such as the "heavy fluxonium" which is quite recent.
 
  • #3
Is there any chance that in annular Josephson junctions fluxons and vortex are the same thing? Or are in any case those two are synonyms?
 
  • #4
The basic idea of the annular JJ was -as far as I remember- to use vortices in one of two states as the qubit. Because of the design the quantised variable in this type of qubit is flux, which means that the "abstract things" which tunnels are fluxons.
So, at least using the terminology I am used to, the two are related but they are not the the same; you can have fluxons in qubits without vortices.
 

1. What is a quantum computer?

A quantum computer is a type of computer that uses quantum bits, or qubits, to store and process information. Unlike classical computers that use binary digits (bits) that can only be in a state of 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to perform certain calculations much faster and more efficiently than classical computers.

2. How do quantum computers work?

Quantum computers use principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on qubits. These operations can be used to solve complex problems that would take classical computers a very long time to solve. Quantum computers also require specialized hardware, such as superconducting circuits or trapped ions, to manipulate and control the qubits.

3. What are Annular Josephson junctions?

Annular Josephson junctions are a type of superconducting circuit used in quantum computers. They consist of a ring-shaped superconducting material with two small gaps, called Josephson junctions, where the superconducting material is interrupted. These junctions act as qubits and can be controlled and manipulated to perform quantum operations.

4. What are the advantages of using Annular Josephson junctions in quantum computers?

Annular Josephson junctions have several advantages in quantum computing. They have a long coherence time, meaning they can maintain their quantum state for a longer period of time, which is crucial for performing complex calculations. They also have a high degree of controllability and can be easily integrated into existing quantum computing architectures.

5. What are some potential applications of quantum computers and Annular Josephson junctions?

Quantum computers and Annular Josephson junctions have the potential to revolutionize many industries, including finance, drug discovery, and cryptography. They can be used to solve complex optimization problems, simulate quantum systems, and break encryption codes. They may also have applications in artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as in the development of new materials and technologies.

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