Minimal Kitaev-transmon qubit based on double quantum dots

TL;DR

This paper proposes a hybrid qubit using Kitaev chains of double quantum dots to realize Majorana bound states, enabling detection via circuit QED spectroscopy and providing a new platform for topological quantum computation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel hybrid Kitaev-Transmon qubit based on double quantum dots, demonstrating how to observe Majorana features through microwave spectroscopy.

Findings

Distinct MBS features observed in spectroscopy

Agreement with analytical predictions based on DQD parameters

Method to extract Majorana polarization from microwave response

Abstract

Minimal Kitaev chains composed of two semiconducting quantum dots coupled via a grounded superconductor have emerged as a promising platform to realize and study Majorana bound states (MBSs). We propose a hybrid qubit based on a Josephson junction between two such double quantum dots (DQDs) embedded in a superconducting qubit geometry. The qubit makes use of the $4{\pi}$-Josephson effect in the Kitaev junction to create a subspace based on the even/odd fermionic parities of the two DQD arrays hosting MBSs. Deep in the transmon regime, we demonstrate that by performing circuit QED spectroscopy on such hybrid Kitaev-Transmon "Kitmon" qubit one could observe distinct MBS features in perfect agreement with precise analytical predictions in terms of DQD parameters only. This agreement allows to extract the Majorana polarization in the junction from the microwave response.