Patents by Inventor Erica C. Folk

Erica C. Folk has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Quantum bits and methods of forming the same
    Patent number: 9646259
    Abstract: A Josephson junction (JJ) quantum bit (qubits) arranged on a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, each qubit comprises a dielectric layer, a superconductor base layer portion underlying the dielectric layer and a first dielectric diffused region adjacent a dielectric layer/superconductor base layer portion junction. The qubit further comprise a superconductor mesa layer portion overlying the dielectric layer and having a second dielectric diffused region adjacent a dielectric layer/superconductor mesa layer portion junction, the first and second dielectric diffused regions mitigating further diffusion from other semiconductor processes on the plurality of qubits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Shea, Erica C. Folk, Daniel J. Ewing, John J. Talvacchio
  • Quantum bits and method of forming the same
    Patent number: 9355362
    Abstract: Methods are provided of forming a Josephson junction (JJ) quantum bit (qubit). In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a JJ trilayer on a substrate. The JJ trilayer is comprised of a dielectric layer sandwiched between a bottom superconductor material layer and a top superconductor material layer. The method further comprises performing a thermal hardening process on the JJ trilayer to control diffusion of the dielectric layer into the bottom superconductor material layer and the top superconductor material layer, and etching openings in the JJ trilayer to form one or more JJ qubits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Shea, Erica C. Folk, Daniel J. Ewing, John J. Talvacchio
  • QUANTUM BITS AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20140357493
    Abstract: A Josephson junction (JJ) quantum bit (qubits) arranged on a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, each qubit comprises a dielectric layer, a superconductor base layer portion underlying the dielectric layer and a first dielectric diffused region adjacent a dielectric layer/superconductor base layer portion junction. The qubit further comprise a superconductor mesa layer portion overlying the dielectric layer and having a second dielectric diffused region adjacent a dielectric layer/superconductor mesa layer portion junction, the first and second dielectric diffused regions mitigating further diffusion from other semiconductor processes on the plurality of qubits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: PATRICK B. SHEA, ERICA C. FOLK, DANIEL J. EWING, JOHN J. TALVACCHIO
  • Low temperature resistor for superconductor circuits
    Patent number: 8852959
    Abstract: A integrated circuit and methods for fabricating the circuit are provided. The circuit integrates at least one circuit element formed from a material that is superconducting at temperatures less than one hundred milliKelvin and at least one resistor connected to the circuit element. The resistor is formed from an alloy of transition metals that is resistive at temperatures less than one hundred milliKelvin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Northrup Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Talvacchio, Erica C. Folk, Sean R. McLaughlin, David J. Phillips
  • LOW TEMPERATURE RESISTOR FOR SUPERCONDUCTOR CIRCUITS
    Publication number: 20130157864
    Abstract: A integrated circuit and methods for fabricating the circuit are provided. The circuit integrates at least one circuit element formed from a material that is superconducting at temperatures less than one hundred milliKelvin and at least one resistor connected to the circuit element. The resistor is formed from an alloy of transition metals that is resistive at temperatures less than one hundred milliKelvin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: John J. Talvacchio, Erica C. Folk, Sean R. McLaughlin, David J. Phillips
  • QUANTUM BITS AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20130119351
    Abstract: Methods are provided of forming a Josephson junction (JJ) quantum bit (qubit). In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a JJ trilayer on a substrate. The JJ trilayer is comprised of a dielectric layer sandwiched between a bottom superconductor material layer and a top superconductor material layer. The method further comprises performing a thermal hardening process on the JJ trilayer to control diffusion of the dielectric layer into the bottom superconductor material layer and the top superconductor material layer, and etching openings in the JJ trilayer to form one or more JJ qubits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick B. Shea, Erica C. Folk, Daniel J. Ewing, John J. Talvacchio