Influence of low-frequency noise on macroscopic quantum tunneling in superconducting circuits

TL;DR

This paper investigates how low-frequency noise affects macroscopic quantum tunneling in superconducting circuits, using the Im-F approach, with implications for understanding Zener flip tunneling in quantum bits.

Contribution

It introduces an analysis of low-frequency noise effects on MQT in superconducting circuits, including models with 1/f-noise, and applies findings to Zener flip tunneling phenomena.

Findings

Low-frequency noise impacts MQT rates significantly.

Modeling with 1/f-noise reveals additional effects on tunneling.

Results enhance understanding of noise influence on quantum bit behavior.

Abstract

The influence of low to moderate frequency environments on Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling (MQT) in superconducting circuits is studied within the Im-F approach to evaluate tunneling rates. Particular attention is paid to two model environments, namely, a pure sluggish bath and a sluggish bath with additional 1/f-noise. General findings are applied to Zener flip tunneling, a MQT phenomenon recently predicted and observed in a superconducting circuit implementing a quantum bit.