Braiding-based quantum control of a Majorana qubit built from quantum dots

Abstract

Topology-related ideas might lead to noise-resilient quantum computing. For example, it is expected that the slow spatial exchange (`braiding') of Majorana zero modes in superconductors yields quantum gates that are robust against disorder. Here, we report our numerical experiments, which describe the dynamics of a Majorana qubit built from quantum dots controlled by time-dependent gate voltages. Our protocol incorporates non-protected control, braiding-based protected control, and readout, of the Majorana qubit. We use the Kitaev chain model for the simulations, and focus on the case when the main source of errors is quasistatic charge noise affecting the hybridization energy splitting of the Majorana modes. We provide quantitative guidelines to suppress both diabatic errors and disorder-induced qubit dephasing, such that a fidelity plateau is observed as the hallmark of the topological quantum gate. Our simulations predict realistic features that are expected to be seen in future braiding experiments with Majorana zero modes and other topological qubit architectures.