In quantum information science, superconducting quantum circuits, like qubits, have emerged as a useful platform for information processing. Significant progress has been made in extending the coherence time of these qubits, but further advances are required to achieve scalable quantum computing. Coherence time is often limited by loss from two-level systems and excess quasiparticles that arise at surfaces and interfaces as a result of materials’ defects, fabrication processes, and ambient exposure. Our recent efforts to address these loss sources have utilized a range of strategies, including surface encapsulation, substrate preparation methods, modification of the metal film growth, and new processes during fabrication. However, these methods typically address one surface or interface at a time. Here we examine the interplay of different surfaces and interfaces and the knock-on effects that these approaches have on the superconducting device as a whole. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) under contract No. DE-AC02-07CH11359.
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