A simulation methodology for superconducting qubit readout fidelity

Abstract

Qubit readout is a critical part of any quantum computer including the superconducting-qubit-based one. The readout fidelity is affected by the readout pulse width, readout pulse energy, resonator design, qubit design, qubit-resonator coupling, and the noise generated along the readout path. It is thus important to model and predict the fidelity based on various design parameters along the readout path. In this work, a simulation methodology for superconducting qubit readout fidelity is proposed and implemented using Matlab and Ansys HFSS to allow co-optimization in the readout path. As an example, parameters are taken from an actual superconducting-qubit-based quantum computer. Without any calibrations, the model is able to predict the readout error of the system as a function of the readout pulse power. It is found that the system can still maintain high fidelity even if the input power is reduced by 7 dB. This can be used to guide the design and optimization of a superconducting qubit readout system.