Evaluating radiation impact on transmon qubits in above and underground facilities

TL;DR

This study compares transmon qubit performance in above-ground and underground facilities, revealing radiation effects are more significant above ground despite similar relaxation times, and evaluates qubit response to gamma-ray sources.

Contribution

First direct comparison of transmon qubit performance at different radiation environments, highlighting radiation-induced effects and response to gamma-ray sources.

Findings

Similar qubit relaxation times (~80 μs) at both sites.

Higher radiation-induced event rates observed above ground.

Intrinsic noise remains the main error source in superconducting qubits.

Abstract

Superconducting qubits can be sensitive to abrupt energy deposits caused by cosmic rays and ambient radioactivity. While previous studies have explored correlated effects in time and space due to cosmic ray interactions, we present the first direct comparison of a transmon qubit's performance measured at two distinct sites: the above-ground SQMS facility (Fermilab, US) and the deep-underground Gran Sasso Laboratory (Italy). Despite the stark difference in radiation levels, we observe a similar average qubit relaxation time of approximately 80 microseconds at both locations. To further investigate potential radiation-induced events, we employ a fast decay detection protocol, comparing the relative rates of triggered events between the two environments. Although intrinsic noise remains the dominant source of single errors in superconducting qubits, our analysis revealed a significant excess of radiation-induced events for high-coherence transmon qubits operated above-ground. Finally, using $\gamma$-ray sources with increasing activity levels, we evaluate the qubit response in a controlled low-background environment.