Nonreciprocal microwave devices play critical roles in high-fidelity, quantum-nondemolition (QND) measurement schemes. They impose unidirectional routing of readout signals and protect the quantum systems from unwanted noise originated by the output chain. However, cryogenic circulators and isolators are disadvantageous in scalable superconducting architectures because they use magnetic materials and strong magnetic fields. Here, we realize an active isolator formed by coupling two nondegenerate Josephson mixers in an interferometric scheme and driving them with phase-shifted, same-frequency pumps. By incorporating our Josephson-based isolator into a superconducting qubit setup, we demonstrate fast, high-fidelity, QND measurements of the qubit while providing 20 dB of protection within a bandwidth of 10 MHz against amplified noise reflected off the Josephson amplifier in the output chain. A moderate reduction of 35% is observed in T 2E when the Josephson-based isolator is turned on. Such a moderate degradation can be mitigated by minimizing heat dissipation in the pump lines.

We realize and characterize a quantum-limited, directional Josephson amplifier suitable for qubit readout. The device consists of two nondegenerate, three-wave-mixing amplifiers that are coupled together in an interferometric scheme, embedded in a printed circuit board. Nonreciprocity is generated by applying a phase gradient between the same-frequency pumps feeding the device, which plays the role of the magnetic field in a Faraday medium. Directional amplification and reflection-gain elimination are induced via wave interference between multiple paths in the system. We measure and discuss the main figures of merit of the device and show that the experimental results are in good agreement with theory. An improved version of this directional amplifier is expected to eliminate the need for bulky, off-chip isolation stages that generally separate quantum systems and preamplifiers in high-fidelity, quantum-nondemolition measurement setups. * Electronic address: babdo@us.ibm.com

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