We investigate the quantum dynamics of a quadratic-quartic anharmonic oscillator formed by a potential well between two potential barriers. We realize this novel potential shape with a superconducting circuit comprised of a loop interrupted by two Jo
sephson junctions, with near-zero current bias and flux bias near half a flux quantum. We investigate escape out of the central well, which can occur via tunneling through either of the two barriers, and find good agreement with a generalized double-path macroscopic quantum tunneling theory. We also demonstrate that this system exhibits an optimal line in current and flux bias space along which the oscillator, which can be operated as a phase qubit, is insensitive to decoherence due to low-frequency current fluctuations.
