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Google patents cleaner method for building quantum computer parts

Patent drawing
Patent drawing from the official filing.

Google describes a method for creating superconducting tunnel junctions, which are tiny components used in quantum computers. The process involves removing small impurities, or nodules, that stick to the base material during manufacturing to ensure the final device is pure.

Why it mattersThis improves the reliability of quantum hardware by reducing defects that can interfere with sensitive quantum states.

In the filing’s own words

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a device including a superconducting tunnel junction. The superconducting tunnel junction includes a first layer. The first layer includes a superconducting material. The superconducting tunnel junction includes a second layer at least partially overlapping the first layer. The second layer includes the superconducting material. The superconducting tunnel junction includes a barrier layer between the first layer and the second layer and a junction area including an overlapping area of the first layer and the second layer. The junction area has a surface area of about 6400 nm 2 or less.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method of forming a superconducting tunnel junction, the method comprising: forming a first superconducting layer on a substrate; forming a barrier layer on the first superconducting layer; forming a second superconducting layer on the barrier layer such that the barrier layer is between the first superconducting layer and the second superconducting layer; and removing one or more nodules from the substrate, wherein the one or more nodules comprise impurities deposited directly on the substrate at one or more locations that are not in physical contact with the first superconducting layer, the barrier layer, or the second superconducting layer, wherein the one or more nodules comprise a superconducting material used to form at least one of the first superconducting layer and the second superconducting layer, and wherein the one or more nodules were formed during formation of at least one of the first superconducting layer and the second superconducting layer.

Facts

Company
Google (Google LLC)
Official title
Impurity reduction for quantum devices
Patent number
US12765273B1
Application number
18355724
Filed
Jul 20, 2023
Granted
Oct 13, 2026
Inventors
1
Claims
17

Classified under

H10N 60/12 Electricity & electronicsH10N 60/0912 Electricity & electronicsH10N 60/805 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.