Exchange interactions of paramagnetic spins on α-Al 2 O 3
Superconducting qubits (SQs) represent a promising route to achieving a scalable quantum computer. However, the coupling between SQs and (as yet largely unidentified) parasitic noise sources has so far limited the functionality of current SQs by reducing the coherence time of the quantum states below a practical threshold for measurement and manipulation. These noise sources also more generally limit the performance of a variety of devices based on superconducting circuits, including high energy-resolution cryogenic radiation detectors, sensitive magnetic detectors (superconducting quantum interference devices, or SQUIDs), nanomechanical motion sensors and quantum-limited parametric amplifiers. In this paper, we study the origins of spin interactions on a substrate using OH on sapphire as a model system. We show how the substrate can mediate spin-spin interactions generally favoring FM interactions, but that strain can modify the interaction. Surface and sub-surface defects between the spin defects may also enhance the exchange interactions.