Quantum-noise-limited microwave amplification using a graphene Josephson junction

Abstract

Josephson junctions (JJs) and their tunable properties, including their nonlinearities, play an important role in superconducting qubits and amplifiers. JJs together with the circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture form many key components of quantum information processing1. In quantum circuits, low-noise amplification of feeble microwave signals is essential, and Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs)2 are the widely used devices. The existing JPAs are based on Al–AlOx–Al tunnel junctions realized in a superconducting quantum interference device geometry, where magnetic flux is the knob for tuning the frequency. Recent experimental realizations of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals JJs3–5 provide an opportunity to implement various circuit quantum electrodynamics devices6–8 with the added advantage of tuning the junction properties and the operating point using a gate potential. While other components of a possible 2D van der Waals circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture have been demonstrated, a quantum-noise-limited amplifier, an essential component, has not been realized, to the best of our knowledge. Here we implement a quantum-noise-limited JPA using a graphene JJ, that has a linear resonance gate tunability of 3.5 GHz. We report 24 dB amplification with 10 MHz bandwidth and −130 dBm saturation power, a performance on par with the best single-junction JPAs2,9. Importantly, our gate-tunable JPA works in the quantum-limited noise regime, which makes it an attractive option for highly sensitive signal processing. Our work has implications for novel bolometers; the low heat capacity of graphene together with JJ nonlinearity can result in an extremely sensitive microwave bolometer embedded inside a quantum-noise-limited amplifier. In general, this work will open up the exploration of scalable device architectures of 2D van der Waals materials by integrating a sensor with the quantum amplifier. Low-noise amplification of feeble microwave signals is essential for superconducting quantum circuitry. Now, a gate-tunable Josephson parametric amplifier made from graphene shows 24 dB amplification paired with 10 MHz bandwidth and –130 dBm saturation power.