Novel Computing Architecture on Arrays of Josephson Persistent Current Bits

Abstract

A superconducting qubit (or quantum bit), which consists of a micrometer-sized loop with three Josephson junctions, has two persistent currents of opposite direction
as its two states. The states of the qubit can be brought into quantum coherence to perform quantum computing. Classical bits can also be obtained from these
superconducting loops, making it possible to base a classical computer architecture. We study a novel computing structure based on these Josephson Persistent Current (PC) Bits, starting from elementary logic gates to a Random Access Memory (RAM). The investigation shows that the Josephson PC Bit technology would not surpass semiconductor technology in term of the device density, while it is a promising candidate for unltra-fast memory, which can be integrated with other technologies. The classical computer might also serve as pre and post processor for the quantum computing performed in the heart of the array. The Josephson PC circuits, therefore, seems a good vehicle for the study of the quantum computer paradigm.
Keywords: computing architecture, Josephson, circuit simulation, classical computing, quantum computing