Low-Loss Superconducting Nanowire Circuits Using a Neon Focused Ion Beam

Abstract

Quantum circuits based on superconducting nanowires have recently made an impact in the development of devices harnessing phase slip, superinductance, and Josephson effects. Exploiting this rich physics is difficult, though, due to fabrication-induced, parasitic two-level systems, which cause high levels of loss and decoherence. Using a focused beam of neon ions, the authors embed superconducting nanowires into coplanar waveguide resonators and realize much lower losses than in previous devices. This achievement suggests excellent prospects for this class of circuitry.