Learning Noise via Dynamical Decoupling of Entangled Qubits

TL;DR

This paper introduces multi-qubit dynamical decoupling sequences to characterize complex noise affecting entangled qubits, revealing flux fluctuation-induced noise and non-Gaussian effects in superconducting systems.

Contribution

It presents a novel method to analyze two-qubit noise during gates, highlighting flux fluctuations and non-Gaussian noise effects in superconducting qubits.

Findings

Noise consistent with flux fluctuations affecting both qubits

Detection of non-Gaussian noise through decoupling signals

Distinct impact of noise on entangling parameters

Abstract

Noise in entangled quantum systems is difficult to characterize due to many-body effects involving multiple degrees of freedom. This noise poses a challenge to quantum computing, where two-qubit gate performance is critical. Here, we develop and apply multi-qubit dynamical decoupling sequences that characterize noise that occurs during two-qubit gates. In our superconducting system comprised of Transmon qubits with tunable couplers, we observe noise that is consistent with flux fluctuations in the coupler that simultaneously affects both qubits and induces noise in their entangling parameter. The effect of this noise on the qubits is very different from the well-studied single-qubit dephasing. Additionally, steps are observed in the decoupled signals, implying the presence of non-Gaussian noise.