Methods and devices for impedance multiplication

Abstract

An electric circuit includes a first superconducting component, a second superconducting component, a first electrically-insulating component that thermally couples the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component such that heat produced in response to the first superconducting component transitioning to a non-superconducting state is transferred through the first electrically-insulating component to the second superconducting component, and a photon detector coupled to the first superconducting component. The photon detector is configured to output a first current to the first superconducting component upon detection of a threshold number of photons. The electric circuit further includes an output component coupled to the second superconducting component. The output component is configured to be responsive to a voltage drop across the second superconducting component.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This relates generally to superconducting devices, including but not limited to, superconductor-based impedance multiplication devices.

BACKGROUND

Impedance is a measure of the opposition to current flow in an electrical circuit. Impedance multiplication allows a small current to produce a high impedance. A high impedance can be useful in many applications, such as in voltage dividers and reducing load on input signals.

Superconductors are materials capable of operating in a superconducting state with zero electrical resistance under particular conditions. Additionally, in some circumstances, superconductors have high electrical resistance while in a non-superconducting state. Moreover, the superconductors generate heat when operating in a non-superconducting state, and when transitioning from a superconducting state to a non-superconducting state in some circumstances.

SUMMARY

There is a need for systems and/or devices with more efficient and effective methods for generating high impedance values. Such systems, devices, and methods optionally complement or replace conventional systems, devices, and methods for generating high impedance values.

In one aspect, some embodiments include an electric circuit having: (1) a first superconducting component having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a constriction region between the first terminal and the second terminal; (2) a second superconducting component having a third terminal and a fourth terminal; and (3) a first electrically-insulating component that thermally couples the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component such that heat produced at the constriction region is transferred through the first component to the second superconducting component.

In another aspect, some embodiments include a method of cascaded impedance multiplication. The method includes: (1) supplying a first current to a first superconducting component such that the first superconducting component is in a superconducting state; (2) supplying a second current to a second superconducting component having a constriction region; (3) in response to supplying the second current, transitioning the constriction region from a superconducting state to a non-superconducting state; (4) transferring resistive heat generated at the constriction region while in the non-superconducting state to the first superconducting component; and (5) in response to transferring the resistive heat, transitioning the first superconducting component to the non-superconducting state.

In another aspect, some embodiments include an electric circuit having a first superconducting component including: (a) a first terminal; (b) a second terminal; (c) a first portion between the first terminal and the second terminal, the first portion having a first superconducting current threshold; and (d) a second portion between the first terminal and the second terminal, the second portion having a second superconducting current threshold, less than the first superconducting current threshold; where the first portion is positioned in proximity to the second portion such that resistive heat from the second portion is transferred to the first portion.

In yet another aspect, some embodiments include a method of fabricating a superconducting device including: (1) providing a thin film of superconducting material; (2) patterning the thin film to produce a first superconducting component and a second superconducting component; and (3) providing an electrically-insulating component thermally coupling the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component, where the second superconducting component includes a constriction region adjacent to the electrically-insulating component.

In yet another aspect, some embodiments include a superconductor circuit configured to perform any of the methods described herein.

Thus, devices and circuits are provided with methods for fabricating and operating superconductor components, thereby increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction with such circuits and devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various described embodiments, reference should be made to the Detailed Description below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

FIGS. 1A-1C are block diagrams illustrating representative circuits in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1D is a prophetic graph of current and voltage for a representative superconducting component in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate a prophetic example of a representative operating sequence of the circuit of FIG. 1A in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another representative circuit in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate a prophetic example of a representative operating sequence of the circuit of FIG. 3 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another representative circuit in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a prophetic example of a representative operating sequence of the circuit of FIG. 5 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another representative circuit in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a prophetic example of a representative operating sequence of the circuit of FIG. 7 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 9A-9B are block diagrams illustrating representative circuits in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate a prophetic example of a representative operating sequence of the circuit of FIG. 9B in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating another representative circuit in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a detection circuit including the circuit of FIG. 1B in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate components of a representative circuit in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a representative method of operating an impedance multiplication circuit in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a representative method of fabricating an impedance multiplication circuit in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate components of a representative circuit in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

Many modifications and variations of this disclosure can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only, and the disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The present disclosure includes descriptions of circuits and devices for impedance amplification. In accordance with some embodiments, impedance amplification is achieved by positioning two superconductors in proximity to one another such that there is no, or negligible, electrical (and quantum) coupling between the two superconductors, but there is thermal coupling between the two superconductors. In accordance with some embodiments, impedance amplification is achieved by positioning a normal conductor (e.g. made from a metal or any other resistive material) non-superconductor in proximity to a superconductor such that there is no, or negligible, electrical (and quantum) coupling between the normal conductor and the superconductor, but there is thermal coupling between the two. Moreover, for embodiments having two superconductors, one of the superconductors is configured so that a small input current will cause a portion of the superconductor to transition to a non-superconducting state. The transition to the non-superconducting state is accompanied by heat generation due to the resistance of the superconductor increasing when it is in the non-superconducting state. In this example, the generated heat is transferred to the second superconductor and, together with an input current applied to the second superconductor, causes the second superconductor to transition to the non-superconducting state. Moreover, in this example, the second superconductor is configured such that the non-superconducting region of the second superconductor spreads and becomes significantly larger in size than the non-superconducting portion of the first superconductor. In this way, the impedance in the second superconductor is triggered by the small input current on the first superconductor yet is significantly larger than the impedance of the first superconductor. In other examples, the transition to the non-superconducting state of the second superconductor can be driven by heat generation that can result from a current flowing through a first non-superconducting material (e.g., a normal metal or any other resistive material).

In some embodiments, the small input current is provided by a photodetector component (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 12) or a qubit component. In some embodiments, the qubit component includes a transmon qubit device, an Xmon qubit device, and/or a Josephson junction device. In some embodiments, the qubit component is coupled to the first superconductor component via a coupling circuit (e.g., resonator circuit).

FIGS. 1A-1B are block diagrams illustrating representative circuits in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 1A shows circuit 100 having superconducting component 102 and superconducting component 112. FIG. 1A further shows terminals 106 and 108 connected to superconducting component 102 and terminals 114 and 116 connected to superconducting component 112. Superconducting component 102 includes constriction region 104 adjacent to coupling component 110, which thermally-couples superconducting components 102 and 112. In some embodiments, the superconducting component 102 is replaced with a non-superconducting component, e.g., a resistive component formed from a metal material, a semiconducting material or any other resistive material. In some embodiments, the coupling component 110 is composed of a thermally-conductive, electrically-insulating material. In some embodiments, the coupling component 110 is composed of a same material as the superconducting components 102 and 112, but is sized such that it operates in an insulating state rather than a superconducting state. In some embodiments in which the coupling component 110 is composed of a potentially-superconducting material, the coupling component 100 has a width, denoted W₁, in the range of 5 nanometers (nm) to 20 nm. In some embodiments, the coupling component 110 is on a distinct plane from the superconducting components 102 and 112 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 13B). In some embodiments, the coupling component 110 is composed of a dielectric material. In some embodiments in which the coupling component 110 is composed of a non-superconducting material, the coupling component 100 has a width, denoted W₁, in the range of 5 nm to 100 nm. In some embodiments, the coupling component 100 has a length, denoted L₁, long enough so as to inhibit tunneling effects between the components 102 and 112 and short enough so as to be less than a photon's mean free path (e.g., in the range of 5 nm to 1 micron).

FIG. 1B shows circuit 120 having superconducting component 122 and superconducting component 112. FIG. 1B further shows terminals 106 and 108 connected to superconducting component 122 and terminals 114 and 116 connected to superconducting component 112. Superconducting component 122 includes constriction region 124 adjacent to coupling component 126, which thermally-couples superconducting components 122 and 112. Circuit 120 is similar to circuit 100 in FIG. 1A, except that the shapes of the respective constriction regions and coupling components differ. In some embodiments, the constriction regions 124 and 104 have a width, denoted W₂, large enough to be able to operate in the superconducting state (e.g., greater than 10 nm) and minimized to reduce power consumption of the circuit (e.g., a width in the range of 10 nm to 200 nm). In some embodiments, the constriction regions 124 and 104 have a length, denoted L₂, large enough to be able to operate in the superconducting state (e.g., greater than 10 nm) and minimized to reduce power consumption of the circuit (e.g., a length in the range of 10 nm to 200 nm). In some embodiments, the adjacent portions of the superconducting components 102 and 122 are sized to facilitate heat dissipation from the constriction region (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 times as large as the constriction region). In some embodiments, the superconducting component 112 has a length, denoted L₃, in the range of 10 nm to 200 nm.

The shapes of the superconducting components, constriction regions, and coupling components shown in FIGS. 1A-1B are intended as non-limiting examples. As one skilled in the art would recognize after reading the instant application, other geometric and irregular shapes could be used.

FIG. 1C shows circuit 150 having superconducting components 102 and 112 (as illustrated in FIG. 1A) with components 152 and 156 coupled to terminals 114 and 116 respectively, and with components 163 and 166 coupled to terminals 106 and 108 respectively. In this example, terminals 106 and 108 can be understood to be respective gate terminals and terminals 114 and 116 can be understood to be drain and source terminals. In some embodiments, various components can be coupled to terminals 106, 108, 114, and 116 in many different configurations: components can be coupled to terminals 106 and/or 108 in addition to, or instead of, being coupled to terminals 114 and 116; the circuit can also be configured with a resistive component, e.g., a resistor on terminals 106 and/or 108; the circuit can be configured with a resistive component, on terminals 106 and/or 108, and with an inductor on terminal 114; the circuit can be configured with a resistive component, on terminals 106 and/or 108 and with an inductor on terminal 116; the circuit can be configured with at least one inductor on terminal 114 or terminal 116; and the circuit can be configured with any combination of resistors and inductors on terminals 106 and/or 108 in combination with either an inductor on terminal 114 or terminal 116. One of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciated that many other configurations of components on the terminal 106, 108, 114, and 116 are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C further shows current 162 (e.g., a drain-source current) supplied to superconducting component 112 and current 160 (e.g., a gate current) supplied to superconducting component 102. Table 1 below illustrates examples of components 152 and 156 in accordance with some embodiments.

TABLE 1
Example Components and Relative Currents
Component 152	Component 156	Current 160	Current 162
None	None	Higher	Lower
Resistor	Inductor	Lower	Low-to-High
Inductor	Inductor	Lower	Lower
Resistor	None	Higher	Lower
None	Inductor	Lower	Low-to-High

In accordance with some embodiments, the components 152 and 156 in Table 1 are interchangeable based on the circuitry coupled via terminal 154 and 158. Adding a resistor to the circuit 150 (e.g., as component 163) allows for control of current flow in some embodiments. For example, if a current source is coupled such that the resistor and a superconductor are in parallel with one another (e.g., resistor 1204 and photodetector 1212 in FIG. 12), the current from the current source will flow through the superconductor while it is in the superconducting state and will be redirected (or, at least a large portion of the current will be redirected) through the resistor (and, optionally, from the resistor to a superconducting component in circuit 120) while the superconductor is in the non-superconducting state. In some embodiments, adding an inductor to the circuit 150 (e.g., as component 152 and/or component 156) prevents latch-up of the component 112 and allows for more current 162 to be supplied to the superconducting component 112 and less current 160 to be supplied to the superconducting component 102, relative to a case where an inductor is not present.

Table 2, below, shows advantages and disadvantages of relative currents of Table 1 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in Table 2, reducing the current 160 supplied to the superconductor 102 increases sensitivity (e.g., the superconductor 102 operates closer to a superconducting current threshold while in the non-superconducting state) and lowers power consumption in accordance with some embodiments. As also shown in Table 2, reducing the current 162 supplied to the superconductor 112 increases switching speed, but also reduces a signal-to-noise ratio in accordance with some embodiments. As one of skill in the art would recognize after reading the present disclosure, in some applications it would be more beneficial to have a high current 162, while in other applications it would be more beneficial to have a lower current 162.

TABLE 2
Advantages and Disadvantages of Relative Amounts of Current
	Current 162	Current 160
	Lower	Higher speed	Higher Sensitivity
		Lower Signal-to-Noise	Lower Power Consumption
		Ratio
	Higher	Higher Signal-to-Noise	Higher Speed
		Ratio	Higher Power Consumption
		Lower Speed

FIG. 1D shows a prophetic graph of current and voltage of the superconducting component 112 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1D, while the current supplied to the superconductor 112 (e.g., current 162) is between I_retrap− and I_retrap+ the superconductor 112 operates in the superconducting state with no voltage drop. While current supplied to the superconductor 112 is above I_sw+, or below the superconductor 112 operates in the non-superconducting (conducting) state. While a current supplied to the superconductor 112 is between the switching current and the corresponding retrapping current, e.g., between I_sw+ and I_retrap+ or between I_sw− and I_retrap−, the superconductor 112 maintains its prior state. For example, if the superconductor 112 was in the superconducting state, it will stay in the superconducting state. Likewise, if the superconductor 112 was in the non-superconducting state, it will stay in the non-superconducting state (e.g., due to insufficient self-cooling of the superconductor 112).

Supplying a current 162 in excess of the switching current (e.g., above I_sw+) causes the superconductor 112 to latch in the non-superconducting state (stay in the non-superconducting state until the current 162 is removed or reduced) in accordance with some embodiments. Adding an inductor (e.g., as component 152 and/or component 156) prevents the latching effect (e.g., allows the superconductor 112 to transition back to the superconducting state) in accordance with some embodiments. A transition time of the superconductor 112 is based on the inductance of the inductor (e.g., the time constant T is equal to the ratio of inductance to resistance) in accordance with some embodiments. For example, the transition time is optionally in the range of 50 picoseconds (ps) to 200 ps.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate a prophetic example of a representative operating sequence of circuit 100 of FIG. 1A in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 2A shows circuit 100 at a first time. At the first time, current 202 is applied to superconducting component 102 (via terminal 106) and current 204 is applied to superconducting component 112 (via terminal 114). In FIG. 2A both superconducting components 102, 112 are in a superconducting state (e.g., a zero electrical resistance state).

FIG. 2B shows circuit 100 at a second time subsequent to the first time. At the second time, a portion of the constriction region 104, denoted as region 206, has transitioned to a non-superconducting state (e.g., a non-zero electrical resistance state). In some embodiments, current 202 exceeds a superconducting current threshold and thus triggers the transition of the constriction region 104 to the non-superconducting state.

FIG. 2C shows circuit 100 at a third time subsequent to the second time. At the third time, non-superconducting region 206 has expanded and a portion of superconducting component 112, denoted as region 208, has transitioned to the non-superconducting state. In some embodiments, heat generated by region 206 transfers through coupling component 110 to superconducting component 112. The transferred heat lowers a superconducting current threshold for superconducting component 112 and current 204 exceeds the lowered threshold, thus transitioning region 208 to the non-superconducting state.

FIG. 2D shows circuit 100 at a fourth time subsequent to the third time. At the fourth time, non-superconducting region 206 has shrunk and region 208 has expanded. In some embodiments, the width of superconducting component 102 is sufficient to dissipate heat from region 206 and thus prevent further expansion of region 206. In some embodiments, the width of superconducting component 112 is insufficient to prevent further expansion of region 208.

FIG. 2E shows circuit 100 at a fifth time subsequent to the fourth time. At the fifth time, superconducting component 102 has transitioned back to the superconducting state, and region 208 has further expanded. In some embodiments, superconducting component 102 does not transition back to the superconducting state at the fifth time. In some embodiments, at least a portion of superconducting component 102 maintains the non-superconducting state due to heat transfer from superconducting component 112 via coupling component 110. In some embodiments, the portion of the superconducting component is maintained in the non-superconducting state until the current 204 is removed. In some embodiments, the portion of the superconducting component is maintained in the non-superconducting state for a preset amount of time that is based on an inductance coupled to the superconducting component 102.

Thus, FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate a process of generating an expanded non-superconducting region (e.g., region 208 in FIG. 2E) in superconducting component 112 from an input current (e.g., input current 202 in FIG. 2A) applied to superconducting component 102. In this way, in some embodiments, a small input current may be used to generate a high impedance in superconducting component 112 (e.g., 1 mega Ohm).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating circuit 300 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 3 shows circuit 300 having superconducting component 102 and superconducting component 302. FIG. 3 further shows terminals 106 and 108 connected to superconducting component 102 and terminals 114 and 116 connected to superconducting component 302. Superconducting component 102 includes constriction region 104 adjacent to coupling component 110, which thermally-couples superconducting components 102 and 302. FIG. 3 also shows coupling components 304 (e.g., components 304-1 through 304-6) thermally coupling portions of superconducting component 302 to one another. Although FIG. 3 shows the component 302 increasing in size from the terminal 114 to the terminal 116, in some embodiments, the component 302 does not increase in size. The shapes of the superconducting components, constriction regions, and coupling components shown in FIG. 3 are intended as non-limiting examples. As one skilled in the art would recognize after reading the instant application, other geometric and irregular shapes could be used.

FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate a prophetic example of a representative operating sequence of circuit 300 of FIG. 3 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 4A shows circuit 300 at a first time. At the first time, current 402 is applied to superconducting component 102 (via terminal 106) and current 404 is applied to superconducting component 302 (via terminal 114). In FIG. 4A both superconducting components 102, 302 are in a superconducting state (e.g., a zero electrical resistance state).

FIG. 4B shows circuit 300 at a second time subsequent to the first time. At the second time, a portion of constriction region 104, denoted as region 406, has transition to a non-superconducting state (e.g., a non-zero electrical resistance state). In some embodiments, current 402 exceeds a superconducting current threshold and thus triggers the transition of the constriction region 104 to the non-superconducting state.

FIG. 4C shows circuit 300 at a third time subsequent to the second time. At the third time, a portion of superconducting component 302, denoted as region 408, has transitioned to the non-superconducting state. In some embodiments, heat generated by non-superconducting region 406 transfers through coupling component 110 to superconducting component 302. The transferred heat lowers a superconducting current threshold for superconducting component 302 and current 404 exceeds the lowered threshold, thus transitioning region 408 to the non-superconducting state.

FIG. 4D shows circuit 300 at a fourth time subsequent to the third time. At the fourth time, non-superconducting regions 406 and 408 have expanded. FIG. 4E shows circuit 300 at a fifth time subsequent to the fourth time. At the fifth time, non-superconducting region 406 has shrunk and superconducting region 408 has expanded. In some embodiments, the width of superconducting component 102 is sufficient to dissipate heat from region 406 and thus prevent further expansion of region 406. In some embodiments, the width of superconducting component 302 is insufficient to prevent further expansion of region 408. Additionally, at the fifth time, portions of superconducting component 302, denoted as regions 410 and 412, have transitioned to the non-superconducting state. In some embodiments, heat generated by region 408 transfers through coupling components 304-1 and 304-2 to regions 410 and 412 of superconducting component 302. The transferred heat transitions regions 410 and 412 to the non-superconducting state.

FIG. 4F shows circuit 300 at a sixth time subsequent to the fifth time. At the sixth time, superconducting component 102 has transitioned back to the superconducting state, and regions 410 and 412 have expanded. FIG. 4G shows circuit 300 at a seventh time subsequent to the sixth time. At the seventh time, regions 410 and 412 have expanded into region 414 and portions of superconducting component 302, denoted as regions 416, 418, 420, and 422, have transitioned to the non-superconducting state. In some embodiments, heat generated by region 414 transfers through coupling components 304-3-304-6 to regions 416, 418, 420, and 422 of superconducting component 302. The transferred heat transitions regions 416, 418, 420, and 422 to the non-superconducting state.

FIG. 4H shows circuit 300 at an eighth time subsequent to the seventh time. At the eighth time, non-superconducting regions 416, 418, 420, and 422 have expanded into region 424. In some embodiments, the portion of the superconducting component 302 is maintained in the non-superconducting state until the current 404 is removed. In some embodiments, the portion of the superconducting component 302 is maintained in the non-superconducting state for a preset amount of time that is based on an inductance coupled to the superconducting component 302.

Thus, FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate a process of generating expanded non-superconducting regions (e.g., regions 408, 414, and 424 in FIG. 4H) in superconducting component 302 from an input current (e.g., input current 402 in FIG. 4A) applied to superconducting component 102. In this way, in some embodiments, a small input current may be used to generate a high impedance in superconducting component 302 (e.g., 10 mega Ohm).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating circuit 500 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 5 shows circuit 500 having superconducting component 102 and a component 502. Similar to component 708 in FIG. 7, described below, in some embodiments, component 502 is a superconductor, while in some other embodiments, component 502 is a non-superconducting component, e.g., a resistive component formed from a metal material, a semiconducting material or any other resistive material. In some embodiments, component 502 comprises a metal and/or doped semiconductor. In embodiments in which component 502 comprises a metal or doped semiconductor, some heat is generated through region 504 of component 502 as current flows between terminals 114 and 116.

FIG. 5 further shows terminals 106 and 108 connected to the superconducting component 102 and terminals 114 and 116 connected to the component 502. Superconducting component 102 includes constriction region 501 adjacent to region 504 of component 502, which thermally-couples components 102 and 502. Although not shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the components 102 and 502 are thermally coupled by a coupling component, such as the coupling component 110 shown in FIG. 1B.

The circuit 500 in FIG. 5 is similar to the circuit 100 in FIG. 1A, except that only a portion of the component 502, region 504, is in close proximity to the superconducting component 102. In some circumstances, having only a portion of the component 502 in proximity to the superconducting component 102 allows for more control over the heat transfer between the components 102 and 502 and reduces heat dissipation effects of the component 502 by isolating the region 504.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 through 10D, the superconducting components or regions that are positioned adjacent to each other so as to allow the transfer of heat from one to the other are, at the same time, positioned so as to inhibit (e.g., prevent) cooper pair and/or electron tunneling between those superconducting components or regions (e.g., 10 nm, 100 nm, or more apart).

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a prophetic example of a representative operating sequence of circuit 500 of FIG. 5 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 6A shows circuit 500 at a first time. At the first time, current 602 is applied to superconducting component 102 (via terminal 106) and current 604 is applied to component 502 (via terminal 114). In FIG. 6A both components 102 and 502 are in a superconducting state (e.g., a zero electrical resistance state).

FIG. 6B shows circuit 500 at a second time subsequent to the first time. At the second time, a portion of constriction region 501, denoted as region 606, has transition to a non-superconducting state (e.g., a non-zero electrical resistance state). In some embodiments, current 602 exceeds a superconducting current threshold and thus triggers the transition of constriction region 104 to the non-superconducting state.

FIG. 6C shows circuit 500 at a third time subsequent to the second time. At the third time, non-superconducting region 606 has expanded and a portion of component 502 (which is a superconducting component in this example), denoted as region 608, has transitioned to the non-superconducting state. In some embodiments, heat generated by region 606 transfers to region 608 of superconducting component 502, as denoted by arrows 607. The transferred heat lowers a superconducting current threshold for superconducting component 502 and current 604 exceeds the lowered threshold, thus transitioning region 608 to the non-superconducting state.

FIG. 6D shows circuit 500 at a fourth time subsequent to the third time. At the fourth time, non-superconducting region 606 has shrunk and non-superconducting region 608 has expanded. In some embodiments, the width of superconducting component 102 is sufficient to dissipate heat from region 606 and thus prevent further expansion of region 606. In some embodiments, the width of superconducting component 502 is insufficient to prevent further expansion of region 608. In some embodiments, the region 608 is maintained in the non-superconducting state until the current 604 is removed. In some embodiments, the region 608 is maintained in the non-superconducting state for a preset amount of time that is based on an inductance coupled to the superconducting component 502.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating circuit 700 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 7 shows circuit 700 having superconducting component 702 and component 708. FIG. 7 further shows terminals 704 and 706 connected to the component 702 and terminals 710 and 712 connected to the component 708. Superconducting component 702 includes a narrow region 703 adjacent to region 709 of component 708, which thermally-couples superconducting components 702 and 708.

In some embodiments, component 708 is a superconductor. In some embodiments, component 708 is a non-superconducting component, e.g., a resistive component formed from a metal material, a semiconducting material or any other resistive material. In some embodiments, component 708 comprises a metal and/or doped semiconductor. In embodiments in which component 708 comprises a metal or doped semiconductor, some heat is generated through region 709 of component 708 as current flows between terminals 710 and 712. In some embodiments, component 708 comprises a metal and/or doped semiconductor and is configured such that exceeding a threshold current generates sufficient heat to transition component 702 from the superconducting state to the non-superconducting state. In some embodiments, the threshold current corresponds to a thermal coupling strength between region 709 of component 708 and region 703 of superconducting component 702.

Similar to that described above in reference to FIG. 1C, circuit 700 optionally has one or more components, e.g., resistive and/or inductive components, like components 152, 156, 163, and 166 described above, coupled to various combinations of terminals 710 and 712, which can be understood to be respective gate terminals in this example, and also various combinations of terminals 704 and 706, which can be understood to be respective drain and source terminals in this example. In some embodiments, component configurations can include: a resistive component, e.g., a resistor, on terminals 710 and/or 712; the circuit can be configured with a resistive component, on terminals 710 and/or 712 and with an inductor on terminal 704; the circuit can be configured with a resistive component, on terminals 710 and/or 713 and with an inductor on terminal 706 and; the circuit can be configured with at least one inductor on terminal 704 or terminal 706; and the circuit can be configured with any combination of resistors and inductors on terminals 710 and/or 712 in combination with either an inductor on terminal 704 or terminal 706. One of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciated that many other configurations of components on the terminal 106, 108, 114, and 116 are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a prophetic example of a representative operating sequence of circuit 700 of FIG. 7 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 8A shows circuit 700 at a first time. At the first time, current 802 is applied to superconducting component 702 (via terminal 704) and current 804 is applied to superconducting component 708 (via terminal 710). In FIG. 8A both superconducting components 702 and 708 are in a superconducting state (e.g., a zero electrical resistance state).

FIG. 8B shows circuit 700 at a second time subsequent to the first time. At the second time, a portion of superconducting component 708, denoted as region 806, has transition to a non-superconducting state (e.g., a non-zero electrical resistance state). In some embodiments, current 804 exceeds a superconducting current threshold and thus triggers the transition of region 806 to the non-superconducting state.

FIG. 8C shows circuit 700 at a third time subsequent to the second time. At the third time, non-superconducting region 806 has expanded and a portion of superconducting component 702, denoted as region 808, has transitioned to the non-superconducting state. In some embodiments, heat generated by region 806 transfers to region 808 of superconducting component 702. In some embodiments, the transferred heat lowers a superconducting current threshold for superconducting component 702 and current 802 exceeds the lowered threshold, thus transitioning region 808 to the non-superconducting state. In some embodiments, the transferred heat causes a temperature of the superconducting component 702 to exceed a superconducting threshold temperature, thereby transitioning region 808 to the non-superconducting state. FIG. 8D shows circuit 700 at a fourth time subsequent to the third time. At the fourth time, non-superconducting region 808 has expanded.

FIGS. 9A-9B are block diagrams illustrating representative circuits in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 9A shows circuit 900 having superconducting component 904 and terminals 902 and 906 connected to superconducting component 904. Superconducting component 904 includes a constriction region 905 adjacent to region 907, which thermally couples regions 905 and 907. In some embodiments, regions 905 and 907 and thermally coupled by an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive substrate on which superconducting component 904 is mounted or positioned, as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 13A-13C. FIG. 9B shows circuit 909 having superconducting component 910 and terminals 912 and 914 connected to superconducting component 910. Superconducting component 910 includes narrow region 916 adjacent to region 918, which thermally couples regions 916 and 918. In some embodiments, regions 916 and 918 and thermally coupled by an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive substrate on which superconducting component 910 is mounted or positioned, as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 13A-13C.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate a prophetic example of a representative operating sequence of circuit 909 of FIG. 9B in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 10A shows circuit 909 at a first time. At the first time, current 1002 is applied (e.g., by a current source 920, or by the output of another circuit, not shown) to superconducting component 910 (via terminal 912). In FIG. 10A superconducting component 910 is in a superconducting state (e.g., a zero electrical resistance state).

FIG. 10B shows circuit 909 at a second time subsequent to the first time. At the second time, a portion of superconducting component 910, denoted as region 1004, has transition to a non-superconducting state (e.g., a non-zero electrical resistance state). In some embodiments, current 1002 exceeds a superconducting current threshold and thus triggers the transition of region 1004 to the non-superconducting state.

FIG. 10C shows circuit 909 at a third time subsequent to the second time. At the third time, a portion of superconducting component 910, denoted as region 1006, has transitioned to the non-superconducting state. In some embodiments, heat generated by region 1004 transfers to region 1006 of superconducting component 910. The transferred heat transitions region 1006 to the non-superconducting state. FIG. 10D shows circuit 909 at a fourth time subsequent to the third time. At the fourth time, non-superconducting regions 1004 and 1006 have expanded.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating circuit 1100 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 11 shows circuit 1100 having superconducting component 1102 and terminals 1104 and 1106 connected to superconducting component 1102. Superconducting component 1102 includes narrow region 1108 adjacent to region 1110, which thermally-couples regions 1108 and 1110. Superconducting component 1102 also includes regions 1112 and 1114 near regions 1116 and 1118, which thermally-couples region 1112 to region 1116 and region 1114 to region 1118. The functionality of thermally-coupled regions is described above, e.g., with respect to FIGS. 4A-4H and 10A-10D.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a detection circuit 1200 including the circuit 120 of FIG. 1B in accordance with some embodiments. The circuit 1200 also includes a photodetector 1212 (e.g., a photodiode that includes silicon, germanium, indium gallium arsenide, lead sulfide, and/or mercury cadmium telluride). In some embodiments, the photodetector 1212 is voltage-biased (e.g., using an optional voltage source). The photodetector 1212 is optionally any type of photodetector including, e.g., a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD), a photodiode, and the like. In FIG. 12, the photodetector 1212 is electrically coupled to the circuit 120 via one or more resistors 1204 and/or one or more other electrical components (e.g., wires, inductors, etc.).

FIG. 12 also illustrates that the circuit 1200 optionally includes a readout circuit 1216, sources 1210 and 1218 (e.g., current and/or voltage sources), and/or additional electrical components, such as a capacitor 1214. In some embodiments, the readout circuit 1216 includes one or more superconductor and/or semiconductor components. In some embodiments, the readout circuit 1216 is configured to transition to a state that indicates whether a resistance of the circuit 120 is a logical 0 (e.g., resistance is greater than a predefined resistance threshold) or a logical 1 (e.g., resistance is less than the predefined resistance threshold), and thereby facilitates providing the logical state of the photodetector to other circuits or system components. In some embodiments, the readout circuit 1216 is configured to measure a current flowing through the circuit 120 or a voltage drop over the circuit 120. For example, in some embodiments, the readout circuit 1216 is a voltage readout circuit. In some embodiments, the readout circuit 1216 includes a resistor (e.g., 50 ohms) and the readout circuit is configured to measure a voltage drop over the resistor. In some embodiments, the readout circuit 1216 includes a voltage source or a current source.

In some embodiments, the source 1210 provides an electrical signal (e.g., an electrical current) that is used to bias the photodetector 1212 and/or the circuit 120. In some embodiments, the source 1218 provides an electrical signal (e.g., an electrical current) that is used to bias the readout circuit 1216 and/or the circuit 120.

An example operating sequence of the circuit 1200 is as follows. First, one or more photons are received by the photodetector 1212. The one or more photons cause the photodetector 1212 to have increased resistance (e.g., due to a transition of a superconducting component to a non-superconducting state). The increased resistance redirects current from the source 1210 to the circuit 120, e.g., via the optional resistor(s) 1204. The redirected current causes the circuit 120 to transition to a non-superconducting state (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2A-2E). Once the circuit 120 has transitioned to the non-superconducting state additional voltage from the source 1218 drops across the circuit 120. Finally, the readout circuit 1216 detects the additional voltage drop and determines that the one or more photons were received.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate components of a representative circuit in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 13A shows superconducting components 1302 and 1304 on a substrate 1300 (e.g., a silicon substrate). FIG. 13A also shows a coupling component 1308 (e.g., an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive component) between the superconducting component 1302 and the superconducting component 1304. FIG. 13B shows the superconducting components 1302 and 1304 on the substrate 1310 (e.g., a substrate composed of an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive material). FIG. 13C shows the superconducting components 1302 and 1304 on the substrate 1300. FIG. 13C further shows a layer 1312 (e.g., a layer composed of an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive material) over the substrate 1300 and the superconducting components 1302 and 1304.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 1400 of operating an impedance multiplication circuit in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method 1400 is performed by a superconducting circuit, such as circuit including one or more of the circuits 100, 120, 300, 500, 700, 900, 909, and 1100.

The circuit receives (1402) a first current at a first superconducting component such that the first superconducting component is in a superconducting state. The circuit receives (1404) a second current at a second superconducting component having a constriction region. For example, FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate receiving the currents 602 and 604 at superconducting components 102 and 502.

In response to receiving the second current, the constriction region transitions (1406) from the superconducting state to a non-superconducting state. Resistive heat generated at the constriction region is transferred (1408) to the first superconducting component. In some embodiments, the resistive heat is generated while the constriction region is in the non-superconducting state. In response to transferring the resistive heat, the first superconducting component transitions (1410) to the non-superconducting state. The circuit produces (1412) an output indicative of the first superconducting component being in the non-superconducting state. For example, an impedance of the circuit and/or a voltage drop across the circuit corresponds to the first superconducting component being in the non-superconducting state. FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate transitioning constriction region 104 of superconducting component 102 to a non-superconducting state and transferring heat generated at the constriction region 104 to superconducting component 502, thereby transitioning portion 608 of superconducting component 502 to the non-superconducting state.

In some embodiments, the second current is less than the first current. For example, in accordance with some embodiments, the current 602 is less than the current 604 in FIG. 6A.

In some embodiments, the resistive heat is transferred via an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive component positioned between the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component. For example, the heat is transferred via layer 1312 shown in FIG. 13C.

In some embodiments, while in non-superconducting states, the first superconducting component has a first impedance and the second superconducting component has a second impedance that is less than the first impedance.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 1500 of fabricating an impedance multiplication circuit in accordance with some embodiments. In accordance with some embodiments, a method of fabricating a superconducting device includes: (1) providing (1502) a layer (e.g., a thin film) of superconducting material; (2) patterning (1504) the layer to produce a first superconducting component (e.g., superconducting component 1302, FIG. 13A) and a second superconducting component (e.g., superconducting component 1304); and (3) providing (1506) an electrically-insulating component (e.g., coupling component 1308) thermally coupling the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component. In some embodiments, producing the second superconducting component includes producing a constriction region adjacent to the electrically-insulating component. In some embodiments, the constriction region is produced after producing the second superconducting component (e.g., by etching the second superconducting component).

In some embodiments, providing the electrically-insulating component includes patterning the layer to include the electrically-insulating component and oxidizing the electrically-insulating component to decrease electric conductivity of the electrically-insulating component.

In some embodiments, providing the electrically-insulating component includes: (1) providing a second layer of thermally-conductive material; and (2) oxidizing the second layer to decrease electric conductivity of the electrically-insulating component. In some embodiments, providing the electrically-insulating component includes providing a thermally-conductive, electrically-insulating material (e.g., layer 1312, FIG. 13C) coupling the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component. For example, providing the electrically-insulating component includes depositing a thermally-conductive layer of aluminum nitride (AlN) or diamond between the thin film and the substrate and/or on the thin film. As another example, providing the electrically-insulating component includes depositing the thin film on an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive substrate (e.g., substrate 1310, FIG. 13B).

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate components of a representative circuit in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 16A shows circuit 1600 (e.g., functionally similar to circuit 150 in FIG. 1C) including component layers 1602 and 1604 and coupling layer 1606. Component layer 1602 includes one or more superconducting, conducting, and/or semiconducting components. In some embodiments, component layer 1602 includes a component that generates heat as current is passed through it (e.g., a resistor). In accordance with some embodiments, component layer 1602 (e.g., an uppermost layer) includes superconducting component 102 and terminals 106 and 108 (see FIG. 1A, not shown in FIG. 16A, but coupled to pads 1608 and 1610 respectively). Component layer 1604 includes one or more superconducting, conducting, and/or semiconducting components. In accordance with some embodiments, component layer 1604 (e.g., a lower layer than component layer 1602) includes superconducting component 112 and terminals 114 and 116 (see FIG. 1A, not shown in FIG. 16A, but coupled to pads 1612 and 1614 respectively). Coupling layer 1606 is positioned between, and thermally couples, component layers 1602 and 1604. In various embodiments, coupling layer 1606 is thermally conductive, electrically insulating, and/or comprises a passivity layer adapted to inhibit oxidation of component layer 1604. In accordance with some embodiments, coupling layer 1606 includes coupling component 110 (see FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, the coupling layer 1606 is composed of silicon dioxide. In some embodiments, the coupling layer 1606 has a thickness between 30 nm and 100 nm.

FIG. 16A also shows inductor 1607 and thermal buffer 1609 on component layer 1604. In accordance with some embodiments, thermal buffer 1609 is positioned and sized so as to provide passive cooling to inductor 1607, by preventing heat from the overlap region between points B and B′ from spreading to inductor 1607. In some embodiments, thermal buffer 1609 is a wider superconducting section connected at the end of a narrower superconducting section. In some embodiments, the width of thermal buffer 1609 is at least five times the width of the narrower superconducting section to limit and/or stop the growth of a hotspot. For example, thermal buffer 1609 is sized and positioned to limit growth of a hotspot that forms between points B and B′, and to prevent it from spreading into inductor 1607.

In accordance with some embodiments, inductor 1607 is positioned and sized to prevent latch-up of other superconducting components on component layer 1604. For example, inductor 1607 is coupled to component 112 (see FIG. 1C) and operates as described above with respect to component 156 and FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, inductor 1607 is adapted to have an inductance value of at least 50 nanoHenry (nH). In some embodiments, inductor 1607 is adapted to (e.g., sized to) prevent latching of a superconductor component between points B and B′, and allow for a self-reset behavior of the superconductor component when the superconductor component current-biased close to its threshold superconducting current.

In some embodiments, component layer 1604 includes a superconducting wire between points B and B′ (e.g., component 112, FIG. 1C). In some embodiments, the superconducting wire is composed of niobium nitride (NbN). In some embodiments, the superconducting wire has a width of at least 150 nanometers (nm) to prevent the wire from being photosensitive while current-biased. In some embodiments, the superconducting wire has a width of at most 1000 nm to keep switching power dissipation below 1 microWatt (μW). In some embodiments, the superconducting wire has a width between 150 nm and 1000 nm.

In some embodiments, component layer 1602 includes a superconducting wire between points B and B′ (e.g., component 102, FIG. 1C). In some embodiments, the superconducting wire on component layer 1602 is 2 to 10 times wider than the superconducting wire on component layer 1604 (e.g., to promote heat transfer from the component layer 1602 to the component layer 1604). In some embodiments, the width of the superconducting wire on component layer 1602 is between 300 nm and 10 micron (μm).

In some embodiments, component layers 1602 and 1604 each optionally include a plurality of sub-layers. In some embodiments, the sub-layers include one or more of: a seed sub-layer (e.g., aluminum nitride (AlN)), a superconducting sub-layer (e.g., NbN), a cap sub-layer (e.g., amorphous silicon), and/or a protective sub-layer (e.g., amorphous silicon). In some embodiments, the seed sub-layer has a thickness between 1 nm and 10 nm. In some embodiments, the superconducting sub-layer has a thickness between 3 nm and 20 nm. In some embodiments, the cap sub-layer has a thickness between 1 nm and 5 nm and is deposited in-situ. In some embodiments, the protective sub-layer has a thickness between 3 nm and 20 nm. In some embodiments, during manufacture, the superconducting sub-layer is etched leaving side-wall portions of the superconducting sub-layer exposed, and the protective sub-layer is then added (e.g., deposited) to protect the side-walls of the superconducting sub-layer from oxidation and/or processing damage from subsequent manufacturing steps. In some embodiments, coupling layer 1606 is deposited over the protective sub-layer.

In some embodiments, component layer 1602 is composed of a material that operates in a non-superconducting state at the desired operating temperature of the circuit 1600. For example, component layer 1602 includes a conducting sub-layer (e.g., composed of titanium (Ti) and/or tungsten (W)). In some embodiments, the conducting sub-layer has a thickness between 10 nm and 100 nm.

FIG. 16A shows overlap of components on component layers 1602 and 1604 only between points B and B′. Minimizing or preventing overlap of components on component layers 1602 and 1604, as shown in FIG. 16A, allows for directed heat transfer between the layers and reduces unwanted heat transfer between the component layers. FIG. 16A also shows widening of components on component layers 1602 and 1604 beyond points B and B′ (e.g., thermal buffer 1609). The widening of components allows for more passive cooling and reduces the impact of heat transfer at locations outside of B and B′. In some embodiments (not shown), the components of component layers 1602 and 1604 taper from the pads to reduce current crowding effects.

FIG. 16B shows a cross-sectional view of circuit 1600 along the A-A′ axis shown in FIG. 16A. As shown in FIG. 16B, in some embodiments, component layer 1604 is adjacent to substrate 1620 (e.g., component layer 1604 is deposited on substrate 1620). In some embodiments, one or more additional layers are positioned between substrate 1620 and component layer 1604. Coupling layer 1606 is between component layer 1604 and component layer 1602 (e.g., coupling layer 1606 is deposited on component layer 1604). In some embodiments, coupling layer 1606 comprises one or more sub-layers having different compositions. In some embodiments, component layer 1602 is adjacent to coupling layer 1606 (e.g., component layer 1602 is deposited on coupling layer 1606).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16C, coupling layer 1606 encompasses more than one side of component layers 1602 and 1604. In some embodiments, coupling layer 1606 is deposited over component layer 1604 (e.g., so as to operate as a protective layer for components on component layer 1604). In some embodiments, a portion of coupling layer 1606 is removed (e.g., is etched away) and component layer 1602 is positioned in place of the removed portion (e.g., component layer 1602 is deposited within the removed portion).

In light of these principles and embodiments, we now turn to certain additional embodiments.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electric circuit includes: (1) a first superconducting component having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a constriction region between the first terminal and the second terminal; (2) a second superconducting component having a third terminal and a fourth terminal; and (3) a first electrically-insulating component that thermally couples the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component such that heat produced at the constriction region is transferred through the first component to the second superconducting component. For example, FIG. 1A shows superconducting component 102 with terminals 106 and 108 and superconducting component 112 with terminals 114 and 116. FIG. 1A further shows coupling component 110 thermally coupling superconducting components 102 and 112.

In some embodiments, the first electrically-insulating component is an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive connector (e.g., coupling component 1308, FIG. 13A) positioned between the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A).

In some embodiments: (1) the second superconducting component includes a plurality of regions between the third terminal and the fourth terminal; and (2) the circuit includes a plurality of electrically-insulating components (e.g., components 304, FIG. 3) positioned so as to thermally couple the plurality of regions and facilitate transition of the plurality of regions to the non-superconducting state via heat transfer (e.g., resistive or phononic) through the plurality of regions.

In some embodiments, heat transferred by the plurality of electrically-insulating components increase an impedance of the second superconducting device while the second superconducting device is in the non-superconducting state.

In some embodiments, the first electrically-insulating component is an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive substrate (e.g., substrate 1310, FIG. 13B) on which the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component are positioned.

In some embodiments: (1) the second superconducting component has a first portion (e.g., portion 504, FIG. 5) between the third terminal and the fourth terminal; and (2) the second superconducting component is positioned so that the first portion of the second superconducting component is in proximity with the first superconducting component such that heat produced at the first superconducting component transfers to the first portion. For example, FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate such a heat transfer.

In some embodiments, the first portion is in closer proximity to the first superconducting component than any other portion of the second superconducting component (e.g., in close proximity to the constriction region). For example, FIG. 5 shows portion 504 in closer proximate to superconducting component 102 than any other portion of superconducting component 502.

In some embodiments, the second superconducting component includes, between the third terminal and the fourth terminal, a second portion and a third portion each positioned in proximity to the first portion such that heat produced at the first portion transfers to the second portion and the third portion.

In some embodiments, the circuit further includes: (1) a first current source (e.g., current source 1210, FIG. 12) coupled to the first terminal of the first superconducting component (e.g., superconducting component 102), the first current source configured to supply a first current (e.g., current 202, FIG. 2A) that exceeds a threshold current for the first superconducting component, where: (a) the first current causes the constriction region (e.g., constriction region 104, FIG. 1A) to transition from a superconducting state to a non-superconducting state, and (b), in the non-superconducting state, the constriction region generates heat that is transferred to the second superconducting component via the first electrically-insulating component (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 2B-2D); and (2) a second current source (e.g., current source 1218, FIG. 12) coupled to the third terminal of the second superconducting component, the second current source configured to supply a second current (e.g., current 204, FIG. 2A), where a combination of the second current and the heat transferred from the constriction region causes the second superconducting component to transition from the superconducting state to the non-superconducting state.

In some embodiments, while in the non-superconducting state, the first superconducting component has a first impedance and the second superconducting component has a second impedance that is greater than the first impedance.

In some embodiments, first superconducting component and the second superconducting component are positioned so as to inhibit (e.g., prevent) cooper pair and/or electron tunneling between the first and second superconducting components (e.g., are 10 nm, 1000 nm, or more apart).

In some embodiments, the circuit further includes: (1) a photon detection component (e.g., photodetector 1212, FIG. 12) coupled, via one or more resistors (e.g., resistor(s) 1204), to the first terminal of the first superconducting component, the photon detector component configured to output a first current to the first superconducting component upon detection of a threshold number of photons; and (2) an output component (e.g., readout circuit 1216) coupled to the fourth terminal of the second superconducting component, the output component configured to be responsive to a voltage drop across the second superconducting component; where the first current exceeds a current threshold of the first superconducting component, thereby transitioning the constriction region to a non-superconducting state; and where the voltage drop is responsive to the second superconducting component transitioning to the non-superconducting state.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electric circuit includes a first superconducting component (e.g., component 910, FIG. 9B) comprising: (1) a first terminal (e.g., terminal 912); (2) a second terminal (e.g., terminal 914); (3) a first portion between the first terminal and the second terminal (e.g., region 916), the first portion having a first superconducting current threshold; and (4) a second portion between the first terminal and the second terminal (e.g., region 918), the second portion having a second superconducting current threshold, less than the first superconducting current threshold; where the first portion is positioned in proximity to the second portion such that resistive heat from the second portion is transferred to the first portion (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D).

In some embodiments: (1) the circuit further includes a current source (e.g., current source 920, FIGS. 9A and 10A) coupled to the first terminal of the first superconducting device, the current source configured to supply a first current (e.g., current 1002, FIG. 10A) that is less than the first superconducting current threshold and greater than the second superconducting current threshold; (2), responsive to the first current, the second portion is configured to transition from a superconducting state to a non-superconducting state; and (3), responsive to a combination of the first current and the resistive heat from the second portion, the first portion is configured to transition from the superconducting state to the non-superconducting state.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first current could be termed a second current, and, similarly, a second current could be termed a first current, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first current and the second current are both currents, but they are not the same condition unless explicitly stated as such.

The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting” or “in accordance with a determination that,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in accordance with a determination that [a stated condition or event] is detected,” depending on the context.

As used herein, a “superconducting circuit” or “superconductor circuit” is a circuit having one or more superconducting materials. For example, a superconductor switch circuit is a switch circuit that includes one or more superconducting materials. As used herein, a “superconducting” material is a material that is capable of operating in a superconducting state (under particular conditions). For example, a superconducting material is a material that operates as a superconductor (e.g., operates with zero electrical resistance) when cooled below a particular temperature (e.g., a threshold temperature) and having less than a threshold current flowing through it. A superconducting material is also sometimes called herein a superconduction-capable material. In some embodiments, the superconducting materials operate in an “off” state where little or no current is present. In some embodiments, the superconducting materials can operate in a non-superconducting state during which the materials have a non-zero electrical resistance (e.g., a resistance in the range of one thousand to ten thousand ohms). For example, a superconducting material supplied with a current greater than a threshold superconducting current for the superconducting material transitions from a superconducting state having zero electrical resistance to a non-superconducting state having non-zero electrical resistance. As an example, superconducting layer 118 is a layer that is capable of operating in a superconducting state (e.g., under particular operating conditions).

As used herein, a “wire” is a section of material configured for transferring electrical current. In some embodiments, a wire includes a section of material conditionally capable of transferring electrical current. For example, a wire made of a superconducting material that is capable of transferring electrical current while the wire is maintained at a temperature below a threshold temperature. As another example, a wire made of semiconducting material is capable of transferring electrical current while the wire is maintained at a temperature above a freeze-out temperature. A cross-section of a wire (e.g., a cross-section that is perpendicular to a length of the wire) optionally has a regular (e.g., flat or round) shape or an irregular shape. While some of the figures show wires having rectangular shapes, any shape could be used. In some embodiments, a length of a wire is greater than a width or a thickness of the wire (e.g., the length of a wire is at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 times greater than the width and the thickness of the wire). In some cases, a wire is a section of a superconducting layer.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen in order to best explain the principles underlying the claims and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best use the embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular uses contemplated.

Claims

1. An electric circuit, comprising: a first superconducting component having a first terminal and a second terminal;a second superconducting component having a third terminal and a fourth terminal; anda first electrically-insulating component that thermally couples the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component such that heat produced in response to the first superconducting component transitioning to a non-superconducting state is transferred through the first electrically-insulating component to the second superconducting component;a photon detector coupled to the first terminal of the first superconducting component, the photon detector configured to output a first current to the first superconducting component upon detection of a threshold number of photons; andan output component coupled to the fourth terminal of the second superconducting component, the output component configured to be responsive to a voltage drop across the second superconducting component.

2. The electric circuit of claim 1, wherein the first electrically-insulating component is an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive connector positioned between the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component.

3. The electric circuit of claim 2, wherein the second superconducting component includes a plurality of regions between the third terminal and the fourth terminal; and the electric circuit includes a plurality of electrically-insulating components positioned so as to thermally couple the plurality of regions and facilitate transition of the plurality of regions to the non-superconducting state via heat transfer through the plurality of regions.

4. The electric circuit of claim 3, wherein heat transferred by the plurality of electrically-insulating components increases an impedance of the second superconducting component while the second superconducting component is in the non-superconducting state.

5. The electric circuit of claim 1, wherein the first electrically-insulating component is an electrically-insulating, thermally-conductive substrate on which the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component are positioned.

6. The electric circuit of claim 1, wherein the second superconducting component has a first portion between the third terminal and the fourth terminal; and wherein the second superconducting component is positioned so that the first portion of the second superconducting component is in proximity with the first superconducting component such that heat produced at the first superconducting component transfers to the first portion.

7. The electric circuit of claim 6, wherein the first portion is in closer proximity to the first superconducting component than any other portion of the second superconducting component.

8. The electric circuit of claim 6, wherein the second superconducting component includes, between the third terminal and the fourth terminal, a second portion and a third portion each positioned in proximity to the first portion such that heat produced at the first portion transfers to the second portion and the third portion.

9. The electric circuit of claim 1, wherein: the first current causes the first superconducting component to transition from a superconducting state to the non-superconducting state;in the non-superconducting state, the first superconducting component generates heat that is transferred to the second superconducting component via the first electrically-insulating component; andthe electric circuit further comprises a current source coupled to the third terminal of the second superconducting component, the current source configured to supply a second current;wherein a combination of the second current and the heat transferred from the first superconducting component causes the second superconducting component to transition from the superconducting state to the non-superconducting state.

10. The electric circuit of claim 1, wherein while in the non-superconducting state, the first superconducting component has a first impedance and the second superconducting component has a second impedance that is greater than the first impedance.

11. The electric circuit of claim 1, wherein the first superconducting component and the second superconducting component are positioned so as to inhibit cooper pair and/or electron tunneling between the first and second superconducting components.

12. The electric circuit of claim 1, wherein: the first current exceeds a current threshold of the first superconducting component, thereby transitioning the first superconducting component to the non-superconducting state; andthe voltage drop is responsive to the second superconducting component transitioning to the non-superconducting state.