## Executive Summary This report provides an updated patentability and Freedom to Operate (FTO) assessment for the Harmonic Quantum Computing (HQC) technology, evaluating recent strategic shifts and preferred claims against relevant prior art and active patents. Patentability prospects have significantly improved following a strategic shift from initial broad concepts to focusing on specific, novel technical implementations integral to realizing the HQC *field-state qubit paradigm*. This paradigm uniquely utilizes coherent resonant electromagnetic field states as the fundamental qubits, termed harmonic qubits (h-qubits), within a precisely engineered physical medium and architecture. Unlike qubits based on discrete entities (such as charge, flux, or spin) or different continuous-variable quantum computing (CVQC) approaches, harmonic qubits encode quantum information in the quantized states of the resonant electromagnetic field itself. The core, distinguishing implementations enabling this paradigm include: a unique 3D superconducting lattice structure defining resonant cavities specifically configured for supporting and manipulating these harmonic qubits; tailored dielectric materials operating at cryogenic temperatures optimized for minimizing their decoherence; integrated multi-modal nanoscale noise mitigation targeting decoherence channels relevant to harmonic qubits; novel control methods for manipulating harmonic qubits directly; and Topological Data Analysis (TDA)-based manufacturing optimization specifically for the HQC medium based on its impact on h-qubit performance. Eight Preferred Claims (R1-R8) have been developed to protect these promising technical features. These claims collectively define a distinct approach to quantum computing based on directly manipulating coherent resonant electromagnetic field states (harmonic qubits) as the fundamental quantum information carriers within a precisely engineered physical medium and architecture. This fundamentally differs from prior art that primarily focuses on discrete charge, flux, or spin qubits or alternative CVQC implementations that do not utilize this specific field-state qubit paradigm within the claimed architecture. Based on a thorough review against relevant prior art (detailed in Appendix A), these claims are assessed to have **Good to High Confidence (Grades B and A)** for meeting patentability requirements (novelty, non-obviousness, subject matter eligibility) across major jurisdictions. **Crucially, the positive patentability outlook is contingent on providing robust technical enablement and sufficiency of disclosure** in the patent application. This enablement must clearly demonstrate the technical feasibility, specific functional advantages, and means of making and using these novel implementations of the field-state qubit concept, satisfying the requirements for written description, enablement, and best mode where applicable in the target jurisdictions (e.g., 35 U.S.C. § 112 in the US) and sufficiency of disclosure (e.g., Article 83 EPC in Europe). Such enablement will require providing detailed technical data, simulations, fabrication methods, operational descriptions, and supporting figures that substantiate the claimed features and demonstrate the practical application and technical solution provided by the HQC approach for creating, manipulating, and maintaining coherence of harmonic qubits. The FTO assessment indicates a **Medium Risk**. While the increased specificity of the Preferred Claims, rooted in the unique field-state qubit approach and its specific technical implementations, helps differentiate HQC from existing patents in related fields (superconducting circuits, Cavity QED, CVQC), a potential risk of infringement exists. While the Preferred Claims themselves are designed to define a novel and distinct technical space for HQC based on the field-state qubit paradigm, a potential risk of infringement arises not from the claimed HQC *concept* itself, but from the necessity of utilizing certain foundational or component-level technologies in specific physical *embodiments* built to implement the claimed inventions. These foundational technologies are often covered by broad, active, unexpired patents. These patents, often predating the HQC concept and covering widely applicable technologies, while not describing the HQC *field-state qubit paradigm* itself, might be interpreted to cover components or methods utilized in specific physical realizations necessary to implement the HQC system based on the Preferred Claims. For instance, while Claim R4 claims the method of manipulating field states with shaped pulses, the specific pulse generation hardware used in an embodiment implementing R4 might be covered by a patent on high-speed arbitrary waveform generators. Similarly, while Claim R2 specifies the use of HTS materials, a specific chemical process used to synthesize or deposit that HTS material in a manufacturing embodiment of the lattice might be covered by a patent claiming that specific synthesis or deposition method. Mitigating this risk necessitates a detailed and embodiment-specific FTO analysis of planned physical implementations based on the Preferred Claims, covering components, materials, methods, and sub-systems, and the development of potential design-around strategies or licensing considerations where necessary. The FTO risk, therefore, lies primarily in the implementation details rather than the core claimed inventive concepts of HQC. The strategic recommendation is a **Cautious Go**. Proceeding with patent filing based on the Preferred Claims is advisable given the potential to secure meaningful intellectual property protection on the core, distinguishing innovations of HQC, specifically the unique implementation of the field-state qubit paradigm and its specific technical instantiations. However, this strategy is fundamentally dependent on the successful development of a comprehensive and enabling technical disclosure that substantiates the claimed features with sufficient detail and data to meet stringent patent office requirements for enablement and sufficiency of disclosure. The primary associated costs and risks involve the significant R&D effort required for robust enablement, potential challenges during patent prosecution regarding obviousness over combined prior art references, the ongoing need for detailed and embodiment-specific FTO analysis for specific product implementations as they are defined, and the inherent costs of pursuing international patent protection. Leveraging the technical disclosures in expired prior art can be valuable in informing R&D and identifying foundational knowledge without posing an FTO risk. Success in securing patents for HQC technology hinges on clearly articulating and technically demonstrating, through detailed data, simulations, descriptions, and supporting figures in the patent application, how the HQC field-state qubit paradigm, as encoded and manipulated within the claimed specific structures, materials, and methods, provides a structurally and functionally distinct and advantageous solution compared to prior art based on discrete qubits or alternative resonant system architectures. ## Section 1: Preferred Patent Claims Based on the initial analysis and prior art review, the following claims have been identified as the most promising for patent protection. These claims focus on specific technical implementations designed to distinguish the Harmonic Quantum Computing (HQC) approach from existing prior art, particularly by defining the use of coherent resonant electromagnetic field states as qubits within a unique physical architecture and associated methods. These coherent resonant field states are referred to herein as harmonic qubits (h-qubits). This paradigm utilizes the continuous variables of the electromagnetic field within resonant structures as the fundamental carriers of quantum information, distinct from discrete qubit approaches and differentiated from other continuous-variable approaches by the specific architecture and field-state encoding. > **Claim R1:** A quantum computing system comprising: > a three-dimensional superconducting lattice structure defining a plurality of interconnected resonant cavities, wherein the geometric parameters and material composition of the lattice structure are configured to support a plurality of addressable, coherent resonant electromagnetic field states within the cavities, each state representing a harmonic qubit (h-qubit); > a dielectric material substantially filling the resonant cavities, the dielectric material having a defined high dielectric constant and low loss tangent at cryogenic temperatures; > a control system configured to apply modulated electromagnetic fields to the lattice structure to selectively manipulate the coherent resonant electromagnetic field states and perform quantum logic gates; and > a readout system configured to measure properties of the resonant electromagnetic field states to determine a final state of the harmonic qubits. > **Claim R2:** The system of Claim R1, wherein the three-dimensional superconducting lattice structure comprises High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) materials arranged in a specific geometric configuration optimized for enhanced harmonic qubit coherence and reduced crosstalk when encoding harmonic qubits as coherent resonant electromagnetic field states. > **Claim R3:** The system of Claim R1, wherein the dielectric material is a specifically formulated hydrogel or ordered liquid designed for use at millikelvin temperatures and having tailored dielectric properties to minimize decoherence of the resonant electromagnetic field states used as harmonic qubits. > **Claim R4:** A method for performing a quantum logic gate on one or more harmonic qubits encoded as coherent resonant electromagnetic field states within a three-dimensional resonant medium, the method comprising: > applying a sequence of precisely shaped and timed modulated electromagnetic pulses to the resonant medium, wherein the pulse parameters are specifically calculated to induce a controlled, non-linear interaction between the applied fields and the target resonant electromagnetic field state(s) to effect a desired quantum gate operation; and > maintaining coherence of the target resonant electromagnetic field state(s) during the gate operation through the inherent properties of the resonant medium and applied control fields. > **Claim R5:** An integrated noise mitigation system for a quantum computing device utilizing harmonic qubits encoded in resonant electromagnetic field states within a physical medium, the system comprising: > a physical medium configured to support the harmonic qubits; and > a plurality of nanoscale shielding structures integrated within or immediately adjacent to the physical medium, the shielding structures comprising a combination of photonic bandgap structures, phononic bandgap structures, and integrated quasiparticle traps, wherein the design and spatial arrangement of the shielding structures are specifically configured to simultaneously mitigate electromagnetic noise, phonon noise, and quasiparticle poisoning affecting the harmonic qubits encoded as resonant electromagnetic field states. > **Claim R6:** The system of Claim R5, wherein the physical medium comprises a superconducting structure supporting the harmonic qubits, and the integrated quasiparticle traps are strategically located within or adjacent to superconducting components of the medium to mitigate quasiparticle poisoning of the resonant electromagnetic field states. > **Claim R7:** A method for optimizing the manufacturing process of a three-dimensional resonant medium for harmonic qubit quantum computing, the method comprising: > obtaining a dataset generated during the manufacturing process of the resonant medium, the dataset comprising structural or material property data; > applying Topological Data Analysis (TDA) techniques to the dataset to extract shape-based or topological features indicative of manufacturing variations; > correlating the extracted shape-based or topological features with measured quantum performance metrics of the resonant medium, the metrics including harmonic qubit coherence time, addressability, or coupling strength of the harmonic qubits encoded as coherent resonant electromagnetic field states; and > adjusting one or more manufacturing process parameters based on the correlation to optimize the quantum performance metrics of subsequently manufactured resonant media. > **Claim R8:** A cryogenic sensor system for characterizing a resonant medium for harmonic qubit quantum computing, the system comprising: > a superconducting resonant structure configured to be coupled to the resonant medium and operate at millikelvin temperatures; and > a measurement system coupled to the superconducting resonant structure, the measurement system configured to detect changes in the resonance properties of the superconducting resonant structure induced by interaction with single phonons originating from or interacting with the resonant medium supporting harmonic qubits, thereby enabling single-phonon detection for characterizing the phonon environment affecting the resonant electromagnetic field states. ## Section 2: Consolidated Prior Art Impact & Freedom to Operate (FTO) Assessment ### Introduction: Understanding Prior Art vs. Freedom to Operate **Prior Art** refers to any evidence that your invention was already known, publicly available, or rendered obvious before the effective filing date of your patent application. It is used by patent examiners to determine if your claims meet the requirements of novelty (new) and non-obviousness (inventive step). If your invention is anticipated by or made obvious in light of prior art, it cannot be patented. Expired patents are considered prior art and do not pose an FTO risk regarding their expired claims. **Freedom to Operate (FTO)**, also known as Clearance Search, is an analysis conducted to determine if the commercialization of your invention or technology might infringe on the valid, in-force patent rights held by others in the jurisdictions where you plan to operate. An FTO analysis focuses specifically on the *claims* of active, unexpired patents. Expired patents do not pose an FTO risk regarding their expired claims. ### A. Patentability Assessment of Preferred Claims The prior art search revealed significant relevant documents, particularly those related to resonant quantum systems employing discrete qubits (e.g., Cavity QED, superconducting circuits encoding transmons or flux qubits) and continuous-variable quantum computing (CVQC) systems based on different physical implementations. However, this prior art primarily describes systems utilizing or coupling to *discrete* qubits or employing mechanisms for encoding quantum information that differ fundamentally from the HQC field-state qubit paradigm, which uses coherent resonant electromagnetic field states *themselves* as the qubits. The prior art search specifically focused on identifying existing disclosures that anticipate or render obvious the core concepts and features claimed in the Preferred Claims. Based on this review, the Preferred Claims are assessed as novel and non-obvious *as claimed*, **contingent upon sufficient technical enablement and sufficiency of disclosure**. The Preferred Claims (Section 1) are specifically drafted to define technical implementations that distinguish the HQC approach within this landscape. They define structural, material, or method features focused on the use of *coherent resonant electromagnetic field states as the fundamental quantum information carriers* within a specifically engineered medium and architecture, thereby fundamentally differentiating HQC from prior art primarily centered on *discrete qubits* or alternative CVQC implementations. **Achieving patentability is critically contingent on providing robust technical enablement and sufficiency of disclosure** in the patent application sufficient to meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (US) and Article 83/85 EPC (Europe). Robust enablement must demonstrate the technical feasibility, specific advantages for supporting and manipulating harmonic qubits, and allow a skilled person to make and use the claimed invention. Providing detailed data, simulations, fabrication methods, operational descriptions, and supporting figures will be essential to substantiate the claimed features and demonstrate the practical, technical solution they provide for enabling and controlling harmonic qubits. For detailed document-by-document analysis of prior art and its mapping against the Preferred Claims, refer to **Appendix A**. Jurisdictional Considerations for Patentability: In major patent jurisdictions (e.g., US, EP, China, Japan, Korea), patentability requires novelty, an inventive step (non-obviousness), and industrial applicability. Exclusions typically apply to abstract ideas, mathematical methods, and natural phenomena unless claimed as part of a specific technical solution providing a practical application. The US, in particular, scrutinizes subject matter eligibility under 35 U.S.C. § 101 (Alice/Mayo framework) for claims directed to abstract ideas or natural phenomena. European practice under the EPC requires a "technical character," generally satisfied by claims directed to physical devices or technical methods solving a technical problem. The Preferred Claims are directed to tangible physical systems and technical methods offering concrete solutions to technical problems in quantum computing and device manufacturing related to the unique HQC field-state qubit paradigm. Accordingly, they are expected to satisfy subject matter eligibility requirements in these jurisdictions, provided they are sufficiently defined and robustly enabled to demonstrate a practical application and technical solution grounded in the unique physics of harmonic qubits. The following provides a patentability grade for each Preferred Claim from Section 1, based on the identified prior art and general patentability requirements in major jurisdictions: * Preferred Claim R1: **Grade: B (Good Confidence)** Rationale for Grade & Resilience: Claim R1 defines a specific technical system: a *three-dimensional superconducting lattice structure* that *itself defines* a plurality of *interconnected resonant cavities*. The geometric parameters and material composition of the lattice structure are configured to support a plurality of addressable, coherent resonant electromagnetic field states (*harmonic qubits*) within these cavities. This architecture is novel because the lattice structure *is* the resonant medium supporting the qubits, which are the *field states themselves*, fundamentally distinct from prior art where resonant structures primarily house or couple to *discrete* qubits. The claim further specifies a *dielectric material substantially filling* these cavities with a *defined high dielectric constant and low loss tangent at cryogenic temperatures*, tailored for this specific qubit type and environment to minimize decoherence. The combination of this unique 3D lattice architecture *defining cavities* for *harmonic qubits* and a tailored cryogenic dielectric filler provides a strong basis for novelty and non-obviousness over prior art focused on discrete qubits in or coupled to resonant structures or different 3D cavity/transmon arrangements. Patentability **depends critically on providing strong technical enablement and sufficiency of disclosure** under 35 U.S.C. § 112 and Article 83 EPC. This must demonstrate the technical feasibility and specific advantages *of this architecture and material combination for hosting and manipulating harmonic qubits*. Enablement must include detailed design specifications, fabrication methods for the 3D superconducting lattice and resonant cavities, material properties of the dielectric at cryogenic temperatures, and experimental or simulation data showing the support, addressability, and coherence of harmonic qubits within this specific structure, differentiating it from systems designed for discrete qubits. Key Jurisdictional Outlook: Good prospects in US, EP, CN, JP, KR if robustly enabled and clearly distinguished from existing 3D cavity/transmon and dielectric filler art by emphasizing the *field-state* qubit encoding within the *lattice-defined cavities* and the specific functional properties of the dielectric tailored for this purpose at cryogenic temperatures to minimize decoherence of harmonic qubits. Enablement must detail how the lattice structure and dielectric are designed and fabricated to support addressable, coherent harmonic qubits and demonstrate the claimed properties (e.g., high dielectric constant, low loss tangent at millikelvin temperatures) with supporting data. * Preferred Claim R2: **Grade: B (Good Confidence)** Rationale for Grade & Resilience: Builds on Claim R1 by specifying the use of *High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) materials* in the 3D lattice, specifically arranged and optimized for enhanced harmonic qubit coherence and reduced crosstalk *when encoding harmonic qubits as coherent resonant electromagnetic field states*. While superconducting/HTS materials are known in various QC contexts, including discrete qubit systems, this claim specifies their application within the *unique 3D resonant lattice architecture* claimed in R1, specifically for supporting harmonic qubits and achieving enhanced performance metrics (coherence, crosstalk) *in this specific HQC context*. The novelty and non-obviousness stem from this specific application and claimed functional optimization within the novel HQC architecture *for harmonic qubits*, differentiating it from generic uses of HTS. Technical enablement must demonstrate *how* the chosen HTS material and its specific arrangement contribute to these particular performance enhancements for harmonic qubits within the claimed structure. This requires providing detailed material specifications, fabrication methods for incorporating HTS into the 3D lattice, and experimental or simulation data demonstrating enhanced coherence and reduced crosstalk for harmonic qubits compared to other superconducting materials in this architecture. **Robust enablement is essential.** Key Jurisdictional Outlook: Good prospects, reinforcing R1, provided the specific technical benefits of using HTS in this unique HQC architecture for improving harmonic qubit performance are clearly demonstrated and differentiated from general uses of HTS in other quantum systems. Enablement should describe the specific HTS materials and their integration into the lattice to achieve the recited performance improvements for harmonic qubits, backed by data. * Preferred Claim R3: **Grade: A (High Confidence)** Rationale for Grade & Resilience: Focuses on a *specifically formulated* dielectric material, such as a hydrogel or ordered liquid, *expressly designed for use at millikelvin temperatures* and possessing *tailored dielectric properties* aimed at *minimizing decoherence* of the resonant electromagnetic field states used as harmonic qubits. While dielectric fillers are known in resonant systems, a specifically formulated *hydrogel or ordered liquid* designed for operation at *millikelvin temperatures* with properties precisely tailored for *minimizing harmonic qubit decoherence* specifically in *resonant field states* appears highly novel and non-obvious. Prior art on dielectric fillers typically relates to different material types, temperature ranges, or primary functions (e.g., frequency tuning or mechanical support) rather than directly mitigating qubit decoherence at deep cryogenic temperatures specifically for harmonic qubits. Strong patentability **depends critically on a detailed description and enablement** of the specific formulation, its tailored properties (e.g., specific dielectric constant and loss tangent values at millikelvin temperatures, chemical stability at low temperatures), and experimental or simulation data demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing decoherence of harmonic qubits at millikelvin temperatures when used as a filler for the resonant cavities supporting them. This **robust enablement is essential.** Key Jurisdictional Outlook: Excellent prospects across major jurisdictions due to the high specificity and apparent novelty of the material formulation and its precise functional application for qubit decoherence mitigation at millikelvin temperatures within the unique HQC field-state qubit paradigm. Enablement must provide sufficient detail on the material's composition, properties (e.g., specific dielectric constant and low loss tangent values at millikelvin temperatures), and demonstrated performance regarding decoherence reduction of harmonic qubits, supported by data. * Preferred Claim R4: **Grade: B (Good Confidence)** Rationale for Grade & Resilience: This method claim describes performing quantum logic gates by applying *precisely shaped and timed modulated electromagnetic pulses* specifically calculated to induce a *controlled, non-linear interaction* with the *target resonant electromagnetic field state(s)* to effect a gate operation, while maintaining coherence. While quantum control using shaped pulses and non-linear interactions are broad concepts known in controlling discrete qubits (eg., transmons), the novelty lies in their *specific application* to *directly manipulate coherent resonant electromagnetic field states used as qubits* within the claimed 3D resonant medium, and particularly in achieving a *controlled non-linear interaction* *with these harmonic qubits themselves* for gate operations. This differentiates it from standard pulse sequences used for manipulating discrete qubits (e.g., transmons, spin qubits) and generic quantum control methods. **Enablement requires a detailed description** of how these pulses are designed and applied to achieve specific gate operations on the harmonic qubits, technically demonstrating the feasibility and mechanism of the controlled non-linear interaction for this qubit type. This should include details on pulse parameters (shape, timing, amplitude), the theoretical framework or simulation results showing the non-linear interaction mechanism with harmonic qubits, and experimental data demonstrating successful gate operations and maintenance of coherence of the harmonic qubits. **Robust enablement is essential.** Key Jurisdictional Outlook: Good prospects, provided the method is clearly distinguished from generic quantum control pulse methods by highlighting its specific technical application and effect on *harmonic qubits* in the HQC context, requiring strong technical detail on the specific pulse sequences, their calculation methodology, and their interaction dynamics with the harmonic qubits to achieve gate operations while maintaining coherence, supported by data. * Preferred Claim R5: **Grade: A (High Confidence)** Rationale for Grade & Resilience: Claims an integrated noise mitigation system comprising a *combination* of *nanoscale* shielding structures (photonic bandgap, phononic bandgap) and *integrated quasiparticle traps*, specifically designed and arranged *within or immediately adjacent to the physical medium supporting resonant electromagnetic field-state qubits* to *simultaneously mitigate electromagnetic noise, phonon noise, and quasiparticle poisoning*. While individual noise mitigation techniques (e.g., bandgaps, traps) are known in QC for discrete qubits, their *integrated combination* at the *nanoscale*, explicitly designed and arranged *within or immediately adjacent to the medium supporting harmonic qubits* to *simultaneously* address this specific set of distinct noise sources relevant to the HQC architecture and affecting harmonic qubits, appears highly novel and non-obvious. The claim's strength is in this specific, multi-modal, integrated nanoscale solution tailored for the HQC qubit type and medium. **Enablement must describe** the design and fabrication of these integrated structures at the nanoscale and provide data or simulations demonstrating their effectiveness in mitigating the specified noise sources for harmonic qubits within the resonant medium. This should include details on the design principles of the bandgap structures and traps, fabrication methods for integrating them, and experimental or simulation results showing simultaneous noise reduction affecting harmonic qubits encoded as field states. **Robust enablement is essential.** Key Jurisdictional Outlook: Excellent prospects across major jurisdictions due to the unique combination and integration of nanoscale noise mitigation strategies specifically adapted for the HQC architecture and harmonic qubit type, addressing multiple relevant decoherence channels simultaneously. Enablement must describe the design, fabrication, and precise placement of these nanoscale structures within or adjacent to the HQC medium and demonstrate their noise mitigation effect on the harmonic qubits, supported by data. * Preferred Claim R6: **Grade: A (High Confidence)** Rationale for Grade & Resilience: Provides specific detail to Claim R5 by stating that the physical medium supporting the harmonic qubits is superconducting and the integrated quasiparticle traps are strategically located within or adjacent to superconducting components. This adds a specific, practical implementation detail highly relevant to superconducting HQC systems and the mitigation of quasiparticle-induced decoherence for harmonic qubits supported by superconducting structures. This specificity further strengthens the novelty and non-obviousness of the integrated noise mitigation system by detailing a key aspect of its physical implementation tailored for the superconducting HQC environment and specifically targeting decoherence of field-state qubits in a superconducting context. **Enablement should detail** the strategic placement and design of the quasiparticle traps relative to the superconducting structures supporting the harmonic qubits and provide experimental or simulation data demonstrating their efficacy in mitigating quasiparticle poisoning for harmonic qubits. This **robust enablement is essential.** Key Jurisdictional Outlook: Excellent prospects, reinforcing the strength of Claim R5 with a specific, highly relevant implementation detail for superconducting HQC systems and the targeted mitigation of quasiparticle poisoning for harmonic qubits supported by superconducting structures. Enablement should detail the strategic placement and design of the quasiparticle traps relative to the superconducting structures supporting the harmonic qubits and demonstrate their efficacy with supporting data. * Preferred Claim R7: **Grade: B (Good Confidence)** Rationale for Grade & Resilience: A method for manufacturing optimization using *Topological Data Analysis (TDA)* applied to manufacturing data of the *unique 3D resonant medium for harmonic qubits* to extract *shape-based or topological features*, correlating these features with *measured quantum performance metrics* (coherence time, addressability, coupling strength) of the *harmonic qubits encoded as coherent resonant electromagnetic field states*, and adjusting manufacturing parameters based on this correlation to optimize quantum performance. While TDA and manufacturing optimization are known in various fields, applying TDA *specifically to the manufacturing data of this unique 3D resonant medium configured for supporting harmonic qubits*, extracting *topological features related to its physical structure*, and correlating them *directly to measured quantum performance metrics* *of these specific qubits* to guide process optimization appears novel. The non-obviousness lies in the specific application of TDA in this technical context for this particular functional outcome (optimizing h-qubit performance derived from the physical medium's characteristics). Subject matter eligibility in the US will likely hinge on whether the claim is perceived solely as an abstract mathematical method (TDA) or as a technical method that improves a manufacturing *process* for a *physical product* (the 3D resonant medium) based on data analysis directly linked to physical characteristics and their demonstrable impact on the quantum performance of the harmonic qubits. Clearly framing it as a technical improvement to a manufacturing process tied to tangible physical and performance outcomes is crucial for US eligibility. In Europe, the focus will be on demonstrating the "technical character" of the method, which is generally satisfied by methods that improve a manufacturing process of a physical article. **Robust enablement is required** to demonstrate the technical feasibility and utility of applying TDA in this specific manufacturing context for optimizing harmonic qubit performance. Enablement must provide details on the TDA application steps, the type of manufacturing data used (e.g., microscopy images, sensor data), the specific shape-based or topological features extracted, the correlation methodology linking these features to measured harmonic qubit performance metrics, and examples of how manufacturing parameters are adjusted based on the correlation to achieve improved harmonic qubit performance of the field-state qubits. This **robust enablement is essential.** Key Jurisdictional Outlook: Good prospects, particularly in jurisdictions with a strong "technical character" requirement (EP) or where claims are viewed as improving a manufacturing *process* of a physical article (US), provided the technical details of applying TDA in this specific context and the demonstrable correlation between the extracted features and quantum performance metrics of the harmonic qubits are clearly described and enabled. Enablement must provide details on the TDA application steps, the type of manufacturing data used, the specific shape-based or topological features extracted, the correlation methodology, and how the results are used to adjust manufacturing parameters to achieve improved harmonic qubit performance, supported by data. Potential for scrutiny under US § 101 if the method is perceived solely as an abstract mathematical analysis detached from its application to improve the manufacturing process of a physical article and its resulting impact on measurable quantum performance metrics of the harmonic qubits. * Preferred Claim R8: **Grade: A (High Confidence)** Rationale for Grade & Resilience: Claims a cryogenic sensor system specifically designed for characterizing the *HQC resonant medium* using a *superconducting resonant structure* coupled to the medium operating at millikelvin temperatures, configured to detect changes in the resonance properties *induced by interaction with single phonons* originating from or interacting with the medium supporting harmonic qubits, thereby enabling *single-phonon detection capability* for characterizing the phonon environment. While cryogenic sensors and resonant structures are known, a system specifically designed with a *superconducting resonant structure* tailored to achieve *single-phonon detection capability* by coupling to the *HQC resonant medium* for the specific purpose of characterizing its *phonon environment* at millikelvin temperatures appears highly specific, novel, and non-obvious. This system addresses a critical technical need for understanding and mitigating phonon noise, a significant decoherence source affecting the harmonic qubits in the HQC system. **Enablement requires describing** the specific design of the superconducting resonant structure, its coupling mechanism to the HQC medium supporting harmonic qubits, and the details of the measurement system capable of detecting single-phonon interactions with the necessary sensitivity at millikelvin temperatures. This should include technical specifications of the superconducting resonator, details of the coupling mechanism, the measurement setup, and experimental or simulation data demonstrating single-phonon detection sensitivity and its use in characterizing the phonon environment affecting harmonic qubits. This **robust enablement is essential.** Key Jurisdictional Outlook: Excellent prospects across major jurisdictions due to the high specificity and apparent novelty of a single-phonon detection system tailored for characterizing the critical phonon environment of the HQC resonant medium and its harmonic qubits at deep cryogenic temperatures. Enablement must demonstrate the technical feasibility of achieving single-phonon detection sensitivity with the described system and its utility for characterizing the phonon environment relevant to harmonic qubit decoherence, supported by data. ### B. Freedom to Operate (FTO) Assessment The FTO assessment for the Preferred Claims indicates a **Medium Risk**. The increased specificity of the Preferred Claims, focusing on the unique 3D lattice architecture defining cavities for harmonic qubits (R1), the tailored cryogenic dielectric material optimized for these qubits (R3), integrated nanoscale multi-modal noise mitigation targeting decoherence channels for harmonic qubits (R5), TDA-based manufacturing optimization specific to the HQC medium and its impact on harmonic qubit performance (R7), and the unique cryogenic single-phonon sensor for characterizing the HQC medium (R8), provides significant differentiation from existing patents primarily directed to discrete qubits or different resonant system configurations. This specificity helps carve out a potentially non-infringing space for the core HQC innovations *as claimed*, which focus on the specific implementation of the field-state qubit paradigm using novel structures, materials, and methods directly related to the harmonic qubits themselves and their environment. However, the risk level is assessed as Medium due to the potential for active, unexpired patents covering broader, more foundational technologies or components that may necessarily be utilized in specific physical *embodiments* implementing the Preferred Claims. These patents often cover general techniques, materials, or apparatus developed for widespread use in quantum computing or related fields, potentially predating the specific HQC innovations. Critically, these foundational patents generally *do not* describe or suggest the HQC field-state qubit paradigm or its unique technical implementations as claimed. Nevertheless, specific physical implementations of the HQC system that embody the claimed inventions could potentially fall within the scope of claims in these broader patents, which cover generic building blocks regardless of their specific application within HQC. This includes potential overlaps with patents claiming: * **Generic Superconducting Circuit Architectures:** Patents on fundamental layouts, fabrication processes, or specific structures (i.e., types of Josephson junctions used in control circuitry, vias, routing layers) used in superconducting circuits generally, even if not specific to qubit types or the particular HQC resonant cavities designed for field-state qubits. Such patents could potentially be infringed by the control or readout circuitry utilized *alongside* the claimed HQC resonant medium in a complete system embodiment. * **General Microwave Resonator Technology:** Claims covering broad aspects of microwave resonators, their design principles, coupling methods, or materials, independent of their use for harmonic qubits or within the specific HQC 3D lattice structure. Specific physical implementations of the resonant cavities or coupling structures described or used in embodiments of claims like R1 and R8 could potentially fall within the scope of such broad, foundational patents. * **Quantum Control Systems and Methods:** Patents on general techniques for generating, shaping, or applying microwave pulses, control electronics (e.g., arbitrary waveform generators, mixers, amplifiers), or control algorithms, which might be used in the HQC control system (R1) or method (R4). For instance, while Claim R4 claims the method of manipulating field states with shaped pulses, the specific pulse generation hardware (e.g., a high-speed arbitrary waveform generator) or the general control algorithms used in an embodiment implementing R4 might be covered by an existing patent on those general technologies. * **Cryogenic Apparatus and Techniques:** Claims related to dilution refrigerators, cryogenic wiring, thermal shielding, or temperature sensing/control methods used to create and maintain the millikelvin environment required for the HQC system (R1, R3, R8). While these are supporting technologies, specific implementations of cryogenic components or techniques utilized in HQC embodiments could potentially infringe existing patents. * **Materials Technology:** Patents covering the composition, synthesis, or properties of superconducting materials (e.g., specific HTS formulations, thin-film deposition techniques) or dielectric materials, even if not specifically tailored or applied *as claimed* in R2, R3, R6, or R8 for harmonic qubits within the unique HQC structure. For example, while Claim R2 specifies the use of HTS materials, a specific chemical process used to synthesize or deposit that HTS material in a manufacturing embodiment of the lattice might be covered by a patent claiming that specific synthesis or deposition method. Similarly, the formulation of the tailored dielectric material (R3), or the materials and fabrication methods for nanoscale shielding structures and traps (R5, R6) could be covered by existing patents on those material compositions, synthesis methods, or structures, independent of their specific application within the HQC system for supporting harmonic qubits. Therefore, while the Preferred Claims effectively define a novel and distinct technical space for HQC differentiating it from prior art on discrete qubits or alternative CVQC approaches by focusing on the field-state qubit paradigm, the assessed Medium FTO risk stems specifically from the potential need to incorporate components, materials, or methods covered by existing broader patents on generic or foundational technologies during the design of specific physical *embodiments* realizing the claimed HQC system. These foundational patents do not describe the HQC field-state qubit paradigm itself but cover general building blocks that could be used in any quantum computing system. A comprehensive and embodiment-specific FTO analysis focusing specifically on the components, materials, methods, and sub-systems utilized in planned physical realizations of the Preferred Claims will be essential to identify and mitigate potential infringement risks. Mitigation strategies may include designing around existing patent claims where possible, or considering licensing options for foundational technologies that cannot be avoided in specific embodiments. The FTO risk is tied to the necessary underlying technologies for *implementing* the claimed invention, not the fundamental HQC concept described by the claims themselves. ------------------------------------------