Microsoft patents vacuum-gap chip part for quieter quantum signal reading
Microsoft describes a device that boosts weak microwave signals used in quantum computers. It uses a superconducting wire and a ground plane separated by a tiny vacuum gap to amplify signals with very little added noise.
In the filing’s own words
An improved kinetic inductance travelling-wave parametric amplifier (KTWPA) device is provided that includes a first substrate, a superconducting trace having a first height, the superconducting trace fabricated on the first substrate, a plurality of spacers having a second height, each of the plurality of spacers fabricated on the first substrate, the second height greater than the first height of the superconducting trace, a ground plane bonded to a second substrate, the ground plane further bonded to the plurality of spacers, and a vacuum gap formed between the first substrate and the ground plane. A superconducting transmission line assembly is formed by the superconducting trace and the ground plane separated by the vacuum gap having the second height. The KTWPA device is applied in a quantum microwave measurement circuit for amplifying weak quantum microwave signals at a very low noise floor.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A kinetic inductance travelling-wave parametric amplifier (KTWPA) device, the KTWPA device comprising: a first substrate; a superconducting trace having a first height fabricated on the first substrate; a plurality of spacers having a second height, each of the plurality of spacers fabricated on the first substrate, the second height being greater than the first height of the superconducting trace; a ground plane coupled to a second substrate and the plurality of spacers, and a vacuum gap formed between the first substrate and the ground plane, wherein a superconducting transmission line assembly is formed from the superconducting trace and the ground plane separated by the vacuum gap having the second height.
Facts
- Company
- Microsoft (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)
- Official title
- KINETIC INDUCTANCE TRAVELLING-WAVE PARAMETRIC AMPLIFIER (KTWPA) WITH VACUUM GAP
- Publication number
- US20260303045A1
- Application number
- 19096041
- Filed
- Mar 31, 2025
- Published
- Oct 1, 2026
- Inventors
- 3
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H03F 7/02 Electricity & electronicsH03F 19/00 Electricity & electronicsMore from Microsoft in Chips & hardware
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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.