Microwave circulators are key to a range of superconducting electronics as they allow routing of control and noise signals into and out of low noise devices. Conventional circulators are bulky devices using magnetic materials. AQC aims to develop on-chip circulators which are integrated into superconducting electronics, providing better performance in a much smaller volume. A significant limitation of current on-chip circulator designs is the stability and movement of quasi-particles generated externally and within the chip, which reduce circulator performance.

Using advanced theoretical and computational modelling techniques, this project will study the dynamics of quasi-particles in superconducting circuits. The aim will be to characterise and understand existing designs, and then propose and analyse new designs which will control quasiparticle dynamics. Improved materials and designs will then be tested both at UoA and AQC to calibrate and validate the theoretical models.