Parametric Pump Controller

The Zurich Instruments SHFPPC Parametric Pump Controller is a fully integrated system for operating Josephson parametric amplifiers. Leveraging the benefits of parametric amplification, the SHFPPC enables high-fidelity readout at the quantum limit for the measurement of superconducting or spin-based qubits.

Each channel features a microwave source with automatic level control to generate the required pump tone with high power and low phase noise. To suppress the residual pump tone in the return signal path, each channel features a cancellation circuit that can be calibrated automatically. The bi-directional operation of this circuit supports the two main application use cases: cancelling the pump tone at room temperature or in the cryostat.

To achieve optimal readout fidelities, parametric amplifiers need to be operated at a point of large gain and maximal signal-to-noise ratio. The SHFPPC lets you find the optimal operation point quickly thanks to dedicated software routines and the ability to add independent pump and probe tones on one output port. This also enables regular performance monitoring and re-optimization without rewiring during a measurement session.

The SHFPPC is best operated in combination with one or more Zurich Instruments Quantum Analyzer channels - for example with the SHFQA Quantum Analyzer or the SHFQC Qubit Controller. The SHFPPC seamlessly integrates into a Quantum Computing Control System (QCCS) and can be controlled through the LabOne Python APIs, the LabOne Q software framework, or the LabOne graphical user interface, enabling fast tune-up and stable operation during long experiment cycles.

Benefits

• Integrated room temperature controller for optimal operation of parametric amplifiers, enabling higher readout fidelity and speed

• Software-controlled solution for swift and convenient amplifier tune-up

• Stable readout performance thanks to low drift, automated monitoring, and automated re-optimization within the LabOne Q Software

• Seamless integration into the QCCS to support automated characterization and control of your readout chain, making the QCCS more than the sum of its parts

• A scalable solution for superconducting quantum computing thanks to the high channel density and reliable operation

QCCS instrumentation compatibility

SHFQA Quantum Analyzer / SHFQC Qubit Controller

• Reduced cabling and setup time of readout electronics

• A fully software-controlled readout system including microwave signal generation and detection

• Integrated software features for fast readout tune-up

• Step-by-step instructions that help you tune-up your parametric amplifier

UHFQA Quantum Analyzer

• Integrated software features for fast readout tune-up 

• Step-by-step instructions that help you tune-up your parametric amplifier

Other readout instrumentation is not supported.

Stable operation of parametric amplifiers

For the operation of parametric amplifiers, a high-power pump tone with low phase noise and high spectral purity is paramount. At the heart of the SHFPPC lies a microwave source which is optimized to provide such a pump tone in a wide frequency range from 4 to 12 GHz. Multiple parametric amplifier implementations are supported such as travelling-wave parametric amplifiers, lumped-element based Josephson parametric amplifiers, or Josephson parametric converters. The automatic level control unit ensures long-term output amplitude stability. Together with low temperature sensitivity and phase drifts, this ensures stable operating conditions for the parametric amplifier for achieving optimal readout fidelities.

Automatic cancellation of spurious pump tones

A residual pump tone in the readout return signal can compromise the linearity of subsequent amplification steps and affect the signal-to-noise ratio. The SHFPPC offers an interferometric cancellation of this spurious tone within its signal conditioning unit, with automatically tuned amplitude and phase. This allows for a suppression of up to 65 dB compared to the uncalibrated case at the click of a button.

Fast and intuitive characterization of the full amplifier chain

Identifying and maintaining the optimal operating point of a parametric amplifier is critical for maximizing readout fidelity. The SHFPPC lets you save time when tuning up and monitoring the performance of the amplifier thanks to dedicated software routines and the possibility for adding a probe tone signal onto the pump tone, without the need for recabling.

Additionally, the SHFPPC can naturally be integrated into a Quantum Computing Control System enabling noise characterization, gain measurements, and more when using the Quantum Analyzer channels of the system. Trigger inputs and outputs as well as a digital input/output (DIO) port open the possibility for real-time communication with other instruments to control the timing of performance monitoring measurements. Seamless integration into the full measurement framework is ensured thanks to the software support via the LabOne Python APIs, LabOne Q, or the LabOne graphical user interface.