Superconducting qubit based on altermagnets

Altermagnets, characterized by vanishing net magnetization and momentum-dependent spin splitting, provide a promising platform for next-generation Josephson devices. Here, we exploit the Josephson effect in superconductor-altermagnet-superconductor junctions and show how to engineer prescribed current-phase relations by device design. Based on these programmable Josephson potentials utilizing altermagnetism, we propose a new class of superconducting qubits that combine large anharmonicity with enhanced robustness against decoherence via coherent two-Cooper-pair tunneling. We show that in the 2ϕ-junction regime, this kind of qubit is intrinsically protected against both charge and flux noise due to parity protection. Magnetic flux can be used to precisely control the qubit and, under appropriate bias, this architecture further suppresses charge and flux noise. Our results establish altermagnets as a versatile platform for Josephson-potential engineering and open a new route toward high-performance superconducting qubits combining high coherence, large anharmonicity, and broad tunability.