Two-level system loss characterization of NbTi superconducting resonators on Si/SiO2 substrates

Abstract

Superconducting coplanar waveguide (SCPW) resonators, key components for quantum computing and sensing applications, require a high internal quality factor (Q<inf>i</inf>) for effective qubit readout and quantum sensing applications. Minimizing two-level system (TLS) losses, particularly at material interfaces, is critical for gatemon and topological qubits operating at low temperatures and in high magnetic fields. NbTi, a superconducting alloy with a high upper critical field, enables SCPW resonators resilient to such conditions. We fabricated NbTi SCPW resonators on Si/SiO<inf>2</inf> substrates and systematically characterized their TLS-limited quality factors as functions of temperature and microwave photon number. Our results demonstrate that NbTi-based SCPWs on Si/SiO<inf>2</inf> substrates provide a promising platform for developing next-generation quantum circuits. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.