Open quantum system approaches to superconducting qubits

Abstract

Superconducting qubits are currently a leading platform for developing a scalable quantum computer. However, random and uncontrollable noises from the environment during the design and measurement of qubits lead to limitations in qubit coherence time and gate fidelity, which is a major challenge in current state of the art for superconducting quantum computing. To advance superconducting qubits technologies, it is essential to understand and mitigate environmentally-induced errors. This requires modeling superconducting qubits as open quantum systems coupled to their surroundings. The present study aims to provide useful open quantum system approaches to analyze and quantify the interaction between superconducting qubits and their environments. We provide an accessible introduction to open quantum system formalism for newcomers to the field. For experts, we discuss recently developed methods for analyzing superconducting qubit dynamics under realistic noises. We outline how these techniques provide quantitative insights into decoherence mechanisms and how they can guide design improvements to enhance qubit coherence time. This self-contained review of open quantum system approaches can be used to model, understand, and improve superconducting qubit performance in the presence of unavoidable environmental noises.