Circuit quantization with time-dependent magnetic fields for realistic geometries

Quantum circuit theory has become a powerful and indispensable tool to predict the dynamics of superconducting circuits. Surprisingly however, the question of how to properly account for a time-dependent driving via external magnetic fields has hardly been addressed so far. Here, we derive a general recipe to construct a low-energy Hamiltonian, taking as input only the circuit geometry and the solution of the external magnetic fields. We find that the interplay of geometry and field distribution leads to a much richer circuit dynamics than commonly anticipated, already in devices as simple as the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). These dynamics can be captured by assigning negative, time-dependent or even momentarily singular capacitances to the Josephson junctions. Negative capacitances give rise to a strong enhancement of the qubit relaxation rates, while time-dependent capacitances lead to a finite Berry phase.

Automated summary

Quantum circuit theory is a powerful tool for predicting the dynamics of superconducting circuits. This study proposes a general method to construct a low-energy Hamiltonian based on the circuit geometry and the solution of external magnetic fields, revealing the rich dynamics resulting from the interplay between geometry and field distribution.