Parasitic Resistance

Parasitic resistance checks identify unwanted ohmic paths, contacts, vias, and

interconnect losses before superconducting operation.

#

Parameter

Symbol / Unit

Extraction Method

Typical Q3D Value

Ideal / Optimal

Good Range

Worst Case

Why It Matters

Key Design Note

21

Series JJ Parasitic Resistance

R_ser / Ω

RF impedance spectroscopy; Q3D lead model

< 0.01 Ω

< 0.01 Ω (clean superconducting)

0.01 – 0.1 Ω

> 1 Ω

Quasiparticle conductance in JJ leads causes T₁ decay via Ohmic dissipation

in qubit circuit

Quasiparticle poisoning (stray radiation) transiently raises R_ser;

shielding critical at mK

22

Shunt Parasitic Resistance (R_p)

R_p / kΩ

Q3D G matrix → R_p = 1/G_ii

> 1 MΩ

> 1 MΩ (effectively open)

100 kΩ – 1 MΩ

< 10 kΩ

Parallel leakage path across qubit capacitor reduces effective Q =

R_p·√(C/L)

Substrate residues from lithography are the most common cause; requires

thorough O₂ plasma clean

23

Wirebond / Bump Resistance

R_wb / mΩ

4-probe TDR; Q3D bond-wire cylinder model

< 5 mΩ per bond

< 5 mΩ

2 – 20 mΩ

> 100 mΩ

Parasitic series resistance contributes to insertion loss and thermal noise

at 4K

Au–Au thermo-compression bonds have lower and more repeatable R_wb than Al

wedge bonds

24

Metal Interface Contact Resistance

R_c / mΩ

TLM structure measurement; Q3D metal stack

< 1 mΩ (clean Al–Al)

< 1 mΩ

1 – 10 mΩ

> 50 mΩ

Interface resistance at Al–Au and Al–Nb transitions is critical in 3D

integration

Native Al₂O₃ (2–4 nm) must be removed by Ar ion milling before deposition

for low R_c