Microwave spectroscopy evidence of superconducting pairing in the magnetic-field-induced metallic state of InO(x) films at zero temperature.

PubMed

Liu, Wei; Pan, LiDong; Wen, Jiajia; Kim, Minsoo; Sambandamurthy, G; Armitage, N P

2013-08-09

We investigate the field-tuned quantum phase transition in a 2D low-disorder amorphous InO(x) film in the frequency range of 0.05 to 16 GHz employing microwave spectroscopy. In the zero-temperature limit, the ac data are consistent with a scenario where this transition is from a superconductor to a metal instead of a direct transition to an insulator. The intervening metallic phase is unusual with a small but finite resistance that is much smaller than the normal state sheet resistance at the lowest measured temperatures. Moreover, it exhibits a superconducting response on short length and time scales while global superconductivity is destroyed. We present evidence that the true quantum critical point of this 2D superconductor metal transition is located at a field B(sm) far below the conventionally defined critical field B(cross) where different isotherms of magnetoresistance cross each other. The superfluid stiffness in the low-frequency limit and the superconducting fluctuation frequency from opposite sides of the transition both vanish at B≈B(sm). The lack of evidence for finite-frequency superfluid stiffness surviving B(cross) signifies that B(cross) is a crossover above which superconducting fluctuations make a vanishing contribution to dc and ac measurements.

Radiofrequency amplifier based on a dc superconducting quantum interference device

DOEpatents

Hilbert, Claude; Martinis, John M.; Clarke, John

1986-01-01

A low noise radiofrequency amplifier (10), using a dc SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) as the input amplifying element. The dc SQUID (11) and an input coil (12) are maintained at superconductivity temperatures in a superconducting shield (13), with the input coil (12) inductively coupled to the superconducting ring (17) of the dc SQUID (11). A radiofrequency signal from outside the shield (13) is applied to the input coil (12), and an amplified radiofrequency signal is developed across the dc SQUID ring (17) and transmitted to exteriorly of the shield (13). A power gain of 19.5.+-.0.5 dB has been achieved with a noise temperature of 1.0.+-.0.4 K. at a frequency of 100 MHz.

Nonreciprocal frequency conversion in a multimode microwave optomechanical circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feofanov, A. K.; Bernier, N. R.; Toth, L. D.; Koottandavida, A.; Kippenberg, T. J.

Nonreciprocal devices such as isolators, circulators, and directional amplifiers are pivotal to quantum signal processing with superconducting circuits. In the microwave domain, commercially available nonreciprocal devices are based on ferrite materials. They are barely compatible with superconducting quantum circuits, lossy, and cannot be integrated on chip. Significant potential exists for implementing non-magnetic chip-scale nonreciprocal devices using microwave optomechanical circuits. Here we demonstrate a possibility of nonreciprocal frequency conversion in a multimode microwave optomechanical circuit using solely optomechanical interaction between modes. The conversion scheme and the results reflecting the actual progress on the experimental implementation of the scheme will be presented.

Suppression of low-frequency charge noise in superconducting resonators by surface spin desorption.

PubMed

de Graaf, S E; Faoro, L; Burnett, J; Adamyan, A A; Tzalenchuk, A Ya; Kubatkin, S E; Lindström, T; Danilov, A V

2018-03-20

Noise and decoherence due to spurious two-level systems located at material interfaces are long-standing issues for solid-state quantum devices. Efforts to mitigate the effects of two-level systems have been hampered by a lack of knowledge about their chemical and physical nature. Here, by combining dielectric loss, frequency noise and on-chip electron spin resonance measurements in superconducting resonators, we demonstrate that desorption of surface spins is accompanied by an almost tenfold reduction in the charge-induced frequency noise in the resonators. These measurements provide experimental evidence that simultaneously reveals the chemical signatures of adsorbed magnetic moments and highlights their role in generating charge noise in solid-state quantum devices.

Effects of 780 nm Optical Illumination on Loss in Superconducting Microwave Resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budoyo, R. P.; Hertzberg, J. B.; Ballard, C. J.; Voigt, K. D.; Hoffman, J. E.; Grover, J. A.; Solano, P.; Lee, J.; Rolston, S. L.; Orozco, L. A.; Anderson, J. R.; Lobb, C. J.; Wellstood, F. C.

2015-03-01

Understanding the effects of light incident on a superconducting circuit is an important step toward building a hybrid quantum system where a superconducting qubit or resonator is coupled to atoms trapped on a tapered optical fiber. We fabricated a microscale thin-film Al superconducting LC resonator (frequency 6.72 GHz) on sapphire substrate and mounted it inside an Al 3d cavity (TE101 mode frequency 7.50 GHz). Using an optical fiber, we illuminated the resonator with 780 nm light, and measured the change in internal quality factor and resonant frequency of the resonator as a function of applied optical power. The results suggest that the illumination causes an increase in rf drive-dependent dissipation. While optical illumination is expected to enhance dissipation due to quasiparticles, rf drive dependence is more typically seen in two-level-system dissipation. We compare the results with the change in loss from increased resonator temperature, and discuss various mechanisms of loss from optical illumination. Work supported by NSF through the Physics Frontier Center at the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI), and by the Center of Nanophysics and Advanced Materials (CNAM).

Achieving Optimal Quantum Acceleration of Frequency Estimation Using Adaptive Coherent Control.

PubMed

Naghiloo, M; Jordan, A N; Murch, K W

2017-11-03

Precision measurements of frequency are critical to accurate time keeping and are fundamentally limited by quantum measurement uncertainties. While for time-independent quantum Hamiltonians the uncertainty of any parameter scales at best as 1/T, where T is the duration of the experiment, recent theoretical works have predicted that explicitly time-dependent Hamiltonians can yield a 1/T^{2} scaling of the uncertainty for an oscillation frequency. This quantum acceleration in precision requires coherent control, which is generally adaptive. We experimentally realize this quantum improvement in frequency sensitivity with superconducting circuits, using a single transmon qubit. With optimal control pulses, the theoretically ideal frequency precision scaling is reached for times shorter than the decoherence time. This result demonstrates a fundamental quantum advantage for frequency estimation.

Simple All-Microwave Entangling Gate for Fixed-Frequency Superconducting Qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chow, Jerry M.; Córcoles, A. D.; Gambetta, Jay M.; Rigetti, Chad; Johnson, B. R.; Smolin, John A.; Rozen, J. R.; Keefe, George A.; Rothwell, Mary B.; Ketchen, Mark B.; Steffen, M.

2011-08-01

We demonstrate an all-microwave two-qubit gate on superconducting qubits which are fixed in frequency at optimal bias points. The gate requires no additional subcircuitry and is tunable via the amplitude of microwave irradiation on one qubit at the transition frequency of the other. We use the gate to generate entangled states with a maximal extracted concurrence of 0.88, and quantum process tomography reveals a gate fidelity of 81%.

Mitigating leakage errors due to cavity modes in a superconducting quantum computer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McConkey, T. G.; Béjanin, J. H.; Earnest, C. T.; McRae, C. R. H.; Pagel, Z.; Rinehart, J. R.; Mariantoni, M.

2018-07-01

A practical quantum computer requires quantum bit (qubit) operations with low error probabilities in extensible architectures. We study a packaging method that makes it possible to address hundreds of superconducting qubits by means of coaxial Pogo pins. A qubit chip is housed in a superconducting box, where both box and chip dimensions lead to unwanted modes that can interfere with qubit operations. We analyze these interference effects in the context of qubit coherent leakage and qubit decoherence induced by damped modes. We propose two methods, half-wave fencing and antinode pinning, to mitigate the resulting errors by detuning the resonance frequency of the modes from the qubit frequency. We perform electromagnetic field simulations indicating that the resonance frequency of the modes increases with the number of installed pins and can be engineered to be significantly higher than the highest qubit frequency. We estimate that the error probabilities and decoherence rates due to suitably shifted modes in realistic scenarios can be up to two orders of magnitude lower than the state-of-the-art superconducting qubit error and decoherence rates. Our methods can be extended to different types of packages that do not rely on Pogo pins. Conductive bump bonds, for example, can serve the same purpose in qubit architectures based on flip chip technology. Metalized vias, instead, can be used to mitigate modes due to the increasing size of the dielectric substrate on which qubit arrays are patterned.

Suppression of 1/f Flux Noise in Superconducting Quantum Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Pradeep; Freeland, John; Yu, Clare; Wu, Ruqian; Wang, Zhe; Wang, Hui; Shi, Chuntai; Pappas, David; McDermott, Robert

Low frequency 1/f magnetic flux noise is a dominant contributor to dephasing in superconducting quantum circuits. It is believed that the noise is due to a high density of unpaired magnetic defect states at the surface of the superconducting thin films. We have performed X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) experiments that point to adsorbed molecular oxygen as the dominant source of magnetism in these films. By improving the vacuum environment of our superconducting devices, we have achieved a significant reduction in surface magnetic susceptibility and 1/f flux noise power spectral density. These results open the door to realization of superconducting qubits with improved dephasing times. State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Control and Measurement of an Xmon with the Quantum Socket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McConkey, T. G.; Bejanin, J. H.; Earnest, C. T.; McRae, C. R. H.; Rinehart, J. R.; Weides, M.; Mariantoni, M.

The implementation of superconducting quantum processors is rapidly reaching scalability limitations. Extensible electronics and wiring solutions for superconducting quantum bits (qubits) are among the most imminent issues to be tackled. The necessity to substitute planar electrical interconnects (e.g., wire bonds) with three-dimensional wires is emerging as a fundamental pillar towards scalability. In a previous work, we have shown that three-dimensional wires housed in a suitable package, named the quantum socket, can be utilized to measure high-quality superconducting resonators. In this work, we set out to test the quantum socket with actual superconducting qubits to verify its suitability as a wiring solution in the development of an extensible quantum computing architecture. To this end, we have designed and fabricated a series of Xmon qubits. The qubits range in frequency from about 6 to 7 GHz with anharmonicity of 200 MHz and can be tuned by means of Z pulses. Controlling tunable Xmons will allow us to verify whether the three-dimensional wires contact resistance is low enough for qubit operation. Qubit T1 and T2 times and single qubit gate fidelities are compared against current standards in the field.

Frequency-tuned microwave photon counter based on a superconductive quantum interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shnyrkov, V. I.; Yangcao, Wu; Soroka, A. A.; Turutanov, O. G.; Lyakhno, V. Yu.

2018-03-01

Various types of single-photon counters operating in infrared, ultraviolet, and optical wavelength ranges are successfully used to study electromagnetic fields, analyze radiation sources, and solve problems in quantum informatics. However, their operating principles become ineffective at millimeter band, S-band, and ultra-high frequency bands of wavelengths due to the decrease in quantum energy by 4-5 orders of magnitude. Josephson circuits with discrete Hamiltonians and qubits are a good foundation for the construction of single-photon counters at these frequencies. This paper presents a frequency-tuned microwave photon counter based on a single-junction superconducting quantum interferometer and flux qutrit. The control pulse converts the interferometer into a two-level system for resonance absorption of photons. Decay of the photon-induced excited state changes the magnetic flux in the interferometer, which is measured by a SQUID magnetometer. Schemes for recording the magnetic flux using a DC SQUID or ideal parametric detector, based on a qutrit with high-frequency excitation, are discussed. It is shown that the counter consisting of an interferometer with a Josephson junction and a parametric detector demonstrates high performance and is capable of detecting single photons in a microwave band.

Adiabatic two-qubit state preparation in a superconducting qubit system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filipp, Stefan; Ganzhorn, Marc; Egger, Daniel; Fuhrer, Andreas; Moll, Nikolaj; Mueller, Peter; Roth, Marco; Schmidt, Sebastian

The adiabatic transport of a quantum system from an initial eigenstate to its final state while remaining in the instantaneous eigenstate of the driving Hamiltonian can be used for robust state preparation. With control over both qubit frequencies and qubit-qubit couplings this method can be used to drive the system from initially trivial eigenstates of the uncoupled qubits to complex entangled multi-qubit states. In the context of quantum simulation, the final state may encode a non-trivial ground-state of a complex molecule or, in the context of adiabatic quantum computing, the solution to an optimization problem. Here, we present experimental results on a system comprising fixed-frequency superconducting transmon qubits and a tunable coupler to adjust the qubit-qubit coupling via parametric frequency modulation. We realize different types of interaction by adjusting the frequency of the modulation. A slow variation of drive amplitude and phase leads to an adiabatic steering of the system to its final state showing entanglement between the qubits.

Simple all-microwave entangling gate for fixed-frequency superconducting qubits.

PubMed

Chow, Jerry M; Córcoles, A D; Gambetta, Jay M; Rigetti, Chad; Johnson, B R; Smolin, John A; Rozen, J R; Keefe, George A; Rothwell, Mary B; Ketchen, Mark B; Steffen, M

2011-08-19

We demonstrate an all-microwave two-qubit gate on superconducting qubits which are fixed in frequency at optimal bias points. The gate requires no additional subcircuitry and is tunable via the amplitude of microwave irradiation on one qubit at the transition frequency of the other. We use the gate to generate entangled states with a maximal extracted concurrence of 0.88, and quantum process tomography reveals a gate fidelity of 81%. © 2011 American Physical Society

Electrically protected resonant exchange qubits in triple quantum dots.

PubMed

Taylor, J M; Srinivasa, V; Medford, J

2013-08-02

We present a modulated microwave approach for quantum computing with qubits comprising three spins in a triple quantum dot. This approach includes single- and two-qubit gates that are protected against low-frequency electrical noise, due to an operating point with a narrowband response to high frequency electric fields. Furthermore, existing double quantum dot advances, including robust preparation and measurement via spin-to-charge conversion, are immediately applicable to the new qubit. Finally, the electric dipole terms implicit in the high frequency coupling enable strong coupling with superconducting microwave resonators, leading to more robust two-qubit gates.

Superconducting Qubit with Integrated Single Flux Quantum Controller Part II: Experimental Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonard, Edward, Jr.; Beck, Matthew; Thorbeck, Ted; Zhu, Shaojiang; Howington, Caleb; Nelson, Jj; Plourde, Britton; McDermott, Robert

We describe the characterization of a single flux quantum (SFQ) pulse generator cofabricated with a superconducting quantum circuit on a single chip. Resonant trains of SFQ pulses are used to induce coherent qubit rotations on the Bloch sphere. We describe the SFQ drive characteristics of the qubit at the fundamental transition frequency and at subharmonics (ω01 / n , n = 2 , 3 , 4 , ⋯). We address the issue of quasiparticle poisoning due to the proximal SFQ pulse generator, and we characterize the fidelity of SFQ-based rotations using randomized benchmarking. Present address: IBM T.J. Watson Research Center.

Superconductivity versus quantum criticality: Effects of thermal fluctuations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Huajia; Wang, Yuxuan; Torroba, Gonzalo

2018-02-01

We study the interplay between superconductivity and non-Fermi liquid behavior of a Fermi surface coupled to a massless SU(N ) matrix boson near the quantum critical point. The presence of thermal infrared singularities in both the fermionic self-energy and the gap equation invalidates the Eliashberg approximation, and makes the quantum-critical pairing problem qualitatively different from that at zero temperature. Taking the large N limit, we solve the gap equation beyond the Eliashberg approximation, and obtain the superconducting temperature Tc as a function of N . Our results show an anomalous scaling between the zero-temperature gap and Tc. For N greater than a critical value, we find that Tc vanishes with a Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless scaling behavior, and the system retains non-Fermi liquid behavior down to zero temperature. This confirms and extends previous renormalization-group analyses done at T =0 , and provides a controlled example of a naked quantum critical point. We discuss the crucial role of thermal fluctuations in relating our results with earlier work where superconductivity always develops due to the special role of the first Matsubara frequency.

Frequency-tunable superconducting resonators via nonlinear kinetic inductance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vissers, M. R.; Hubmayr, J.; Sandberg, M.; Chaudhuri, S.; Bockstiegel, C.; Gao, J.

2015-08-01

We have designed, fabricated, and tested a frequency-tunable high-Q superconducting resonator made from a niobium titanium nitride film. The frequency tunability is achieved by injecting a DC through a current-directing circuit into the nonlinear inductor whose kinetic inductance is current-dependent. We have demonstrated continuous tuning of the resonance frequency in a 180 MHz frequency range around 4.5 GHz while maintaining the high internal quality factor Qi > 180 000. This device may serve as a tunable filter and find applications in superconducting quantum computing and measurement. It also provides a useful tool to study the nonlinear response of a superconductor. In addition, it may be developed into techniques for measurement of the complex impedance of a superconductor at its transition temperature and for readout of transition-edge sensors.

Efficient quantum microwave-to-optical conversion using electro-optic nanophotonic coupled resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soltani, Mohammad; Zhang, Mian; Ryan, Colm; Ribeill, Guilhem J.; Wang, Cheng; Loncar, Marko

2017-10-01

We propose a low-noise, triply resonant, electro-optic (EO) scheme for quantum microwave-to-optical conversion based on coupled nanophotonics resonators integrated with a superconducting qubit. Our optical system features a split resonance—a doublet—with a tunable frequency splitting that matches the microwave resonance frequency of the superconducting qubit. This is in contrast to conventional approaches, where large optical resonators with free-spectral range comparable to the qubit microwave frequency are used. In our system, EO mixing between the optical pump coupled into the low-frequency doublet mode and a resonance microwave photon results in an up-converted optical photon on resonance with high-frequency doublet mode. Importantly, the down-conversion process, which is the source of noise, is suppressed in our scheme as the coupled-resonator system does not support modes at that frequency. Our device has at least an order of magnitude smaller footprint than conventional devices, resulting in large overlap between optical and microwave fields and a large photon conversion rate (g /2 π ) in the range of ˜5 -15 kHz. Owing to a large g factor and doubly resonant nature of our device, microwave-to-optical frequency conversion can be achieved with optical pump powers in the range of tens of microwatts, even with moderate values for optical Q (˜106 ) and microwave Q (˜104 ). The performance metrics of our device, with substantial improvement over the previous EO-based approaches, promise a scalable quantum microwave-to-optical conversion and networking of superconducting processors via optical fiber communication.

Encoding quantum information in a stabilized manifold of a superconducting cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Touzard, S.; Leghtas, Z.; Mundhada, S. O.; Axline, C.; Reagor, M.; Chou, K.; Blumoff, J.; Sliwa, K. M.; Shankar, S.; Frunzio, L.; Schoelkopf, R. J.; Mirrahimi, M.; Devoret, M. H.

In a superconducting Josephson circuit architecture, we activate a multi-photon process between two modes by applying microwave drives at specific frequencies. This creates a pairwise exchange of photons between a high-Q cavity and the environment. The resulting open dynamical system develops a two-dimensional quasi-energy ground state manifold. Can we encode, protect and manipulate quantum information in this manifold? We experimentally investigate the convergence and escape rates in and out of this confined subspace. Finally, using quantum Zeno dynamics, we aim to perform gates which maintain the state in the protected manifold at all times. Work supported by: ARO, ONR, AFOSR and YINQE.

Frequency-tunable superconducting resonators via nonlinear kinetic inductance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vissers, M. R.; Hubmayr, J.; Sandberg, M.

2015-08-10

We have designed, fabricated, and tested a frequency-tunable high-Q superconducting resonator made from a niobium titanium nitride film. The frequency tunability is achieved by injecting a DC through a current-directing circuit into the nonlinear inductor whose kinetic inductance is current-dependent. We have demonstrated continuous tuning of the resonance frequency in a 180 MHz frequency range around 4.5 GHz while maintaining the high internal quality factor Q{sub i} > 180 000. This device may serve as a tunable filter and find applications in superconducting quantum computing and measurement. It also provides a useful tool to study the nonlinear response of a superconductor. In addition,more » it may be developed into techniques for measurement of the complex impedance of a superconductor at its transition temperature and for readout of transition-edge sensors.« less

Microwave-to-optical frequency conversion using a cesium atom coupled to a superconducting resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gard, Bryan T.; Jacobs, Kurt; McDermott, R.; Saffman, M.

2017-07-01

A candidate for converting quantum information from microwave to optical frequencies is the use of a single atom that interacts with a superconducting microwave resonator on one hand and an optical cavity on the other. The large electric dipole moments and microwave transition frequencies possessed by Rydberg states allow them to couple strongly to superconducting devices. Lasers can then be used to connect a Rydberg transition to an optical transition to realize the conversion. Since the fundamental source of noise in this process is spontaneous emission from the atomic levels, the resulting control problem involves choosing the pulse shapes of the driving lasers so as to maximize the transfer rate while minimizing this loss. Here we consider the concrete example of a cesium atom, along with two specific choices for the levels to be used in the conversion cycle. Under the assumption that spontaneous emission is the only significant source of errors, we use numerical optimization to determine the likely rates for reliable quantum communication that could be achieved with this device. These rates are on the order of a few megaqubits per second.

Interfacing planar superconducting qubits with high overtone bulk acoustic phonons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kervinen, Mikael; Rissanen, Ilkka; Sillanpää, Mika

2018-05-01

Mechanical resonators are a promising way for interfacing qubits in order to realize hybrid quantum systems that offer great possibilities for applications. Mechanical systems can have very long energy lifetimes, and they can be further interfaced to other systems. Moreover, integration of a mechanical oscillator with qubits creates a potential platform for the exploration of quantum physics in macroscopic mechanical degrees of freedom. The utilization of high overtone bulk acoustic resonators coupled to superconducting qubits is an intriguing platform towards these goals. These resonators exhibit a combination of high-frequency and high-quality factors. They can reach their quantum ground state at dilution refrigeration temperatures and they can be strongly coupled to superconducting qubits via their piezoelectric effect. In this paper, we demonstrate our system where bulk acoustic phonons of a high overtone resonator are coupled to a transmon qubit in a planar circuit architecture. We show that the bulk acoustic phonons are interacting with the qubit in a simple design architecture at the quantum level, representing further progress towards the quantum control of mechanical motion.

Quantum acoustics with superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Yiwen

2017-04-01

The ability to engineer and manipulate different types of quantum mechanical objects allows us to take advantage of their unique properties and create useful hybrid technologies. Thus far, complex quantum states and exquisite quantum control have been demonstrated in systems ranging from trapped ions to superconducting resonators. Recently, there have been many efforts to extend these demonstrations to the motion of complex, macroscopic objects. These mechanical objects have important applications as quantum memories or transducers for measuring and connecting different types of quantum systems. In particular, there have been a few experiments that couple motion to nonlinear quantum objects such as superconducting qubits. This opens up the possibility of creating, storing, and manipulating non-Gaussian quantum states in mechanical degrees of freedom. However, before sophisticated quantum control of mechanical motion can be achieved, we must realize systems with long coherence times while maintaining a sufficient interaction strength. These systems should be implemented in a simple and robust manner that allows for increasing complexity and scalability in the future. In this talk, I will describe our recent experiments demonstrating a high frequency bulk acoustic wave resonator that is strongly coupled to a superconducting qubit using piezoelectric transduction. In contrast to previous experiments with qubit-mechanical systems, our device requires only simple fabrication methods, extends coherence times to many microseconds, and provides controllable access to a multitude of phonon modes. We use this system to demonstrate basic quantum operations on the coupled qubit-phonon system. Straightforward improvements to the current device will allow for advanced protocols analogous to what has been shown in optical and microwave resonators, resulting in a novel resource for implementing hybrid quantum technologies.

Driven superconducting quantum circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Yasunobu

2014-03-01

Driven nonlinear quantum systems show rich phenomena in various fields of physics. Among them, superconducting quantum circuits have very attractive features such as well-controlled quantum states with design flexibility, strong nonlinearity of Josephson junctions, strong coupling to electromagnetic driving fields, little internal dissipation, and tailored coupling to the electromagnetic environment. We have investigated properties and functionalities of driven superconducting quantum circuits. A transmon qubit coupled to a transmission line shows nearly perfect spatial mode matching between the incident and scattered microwave field in the 1D mode. Dressed states under a driving field are studied there and also in a semi-infinite 1D mode terminated by a resonator containing a flux qubit. An effective Λ-type three-level system is realized under an appropriate driving condition. It allows ``impedance-matched'' perfect absorption of incident probe photons and down conversion into another frequency mode. Finally, the weak signal from the qubit is read out using a Josephson parametric amplifier/oscillator which is another nonlinear circuit driven by a strong pump field. This work was partly supported by the Funding Program for World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology (FIRST), Project for Developing Innovation Systems of MEXT, MEXT KAKENHI ``Quantum Cybernetics,'' and the NICT Commissioned Research.

Demonstration of an ac Josephson junction laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassidy, M. C.; Bruno, A.; Rubbert, S.; Irfan, M.; Kammhuber, J.; Schouten, R. N.; Akhmerov, A. R.; Kouwenhoven, L. P.

2017-03-01

Superconducting electronic devices have reemerged as contenders for both classical and quantum computing due to their fast operation speeds, low dissipation, and long coherence times. An ultimate demonstration of coherence is lasing. We use one of the fundamental aspects of superconductivity, the ac Josephson effect, to demonstrate a laser made from a Josephson junction strongly coupled to a multimode superconducting cavity. A dc voltage bias applied across the junction provides a source of microwave photons, and the circuit’s nonlinearity allows for efficient down-conversion of higher-order Josephson frequencies to the cavity’s fundamental mode. The simple fabrication and operation allows for easy integration with a range of quantum devices, allowing for efficient on-chip generation of coherent microwave photons at low temperatures.

Direct current superconducting quantum interference device spectrometer for pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance and nuclear quadrupole resonance at frequencies up to 5 MHz

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

TonThat, D.M.; Clarke, J.

1996-08-01

A spectrometer based on a dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) has been developed for the direct detection of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) at frequencies up to 5 MHz. The sample is coupled to the input coil of the niobium-based SQUID via a nonresonant superconducting circuit. The flux locked loop involves the direct offset integration technique with additional positive feedback in which the output of the SQUID is coupled directly to a low-noise preamplifier. Precession of the nuclear quadrupole spins is induced by a magnetic field pulse with the feedback circuit disabled; subsequently, flux lockedmore » operation is restored and the SQUID amplifies the signal produced by the nuclear free induction signal. The spectrometer has been used to detect {sup 27}Al NQR signals in ruby (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}[Cr{sup 3+}]) at 359 and 714 kHz. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}« less

Develop of a quantum electromechanical hybrid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Yu; Rouxinol, Francisco; Brito, Frederico; Caldeira, Amir; Irish, Elinor; Lahaye, Matthew

In this poster, we will show our results from measurements of a hybrid quantum system composed of a superconducting transmon qubit-coupled and ultra-high frequency nano-mechanical resonator, embedded in a superconducting cavity. The transmon is capacitively coupled to a 3.4GHz nanoresonator and a T-filter-biased high-Q transmission line cavity. Single-tone and two-tone transmission spectroscopy measurements are used to probe the interactions between the cavity, qubit and mechanical resonator. These measurements are in good agreement with numerical simulations based upon a master equation for the tripartite system including dissipation. The results indicate that this system may be developed to serve as a platform for more advanced measurements with nanoresonators, including quantum state measurement, the exploration of nanoresonator quantum noise, and reservoir engineering.

Millimeter-wave interconnects for microwave-frequency quantum machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pechal, Marek; Safavi-Naeini, Amir H.

2017-10-01

Superconducting microwave circuits form a versatile platform for storing and manipulating quantum information. A major challenge to further scalability is to find approaches for connecting these systems over long distances and at high rates. One approach is to convert the quantum state of a microwave circuit to optical photons that can be transmitted over kilometers at room temperature with little loss. Many proposals for electro-optic conversion between microwave and optics use optical driving of a weak three-wave mixing nonlinearity to convert the frequency of an excitation. Residual absorption of this optical pump leads to heating, which is problematic at cryogenic temperatures. Here we propose an alternative approach where a nonlinear superconducting circuit is driven to interconvert between microwave-frequency (7 ×109 Hz) and millimeter-wave-frequency photons (3 ×1011 Hz). To understand the potential for quantum state conversion between microwave and millimeter-wave photons, we consider the driven four-wave mixing quantum dynamics of nonlinear circuits. In contrast to the linear dynamics of the driven three-wave mixing converters, the proposed four-wave mixing converter has nonlinear decoherence channels that lead to a more complex parameter space of couplings and pump powers that we map out. We consider physical realizations of such converter circuits by deriving theoretically the upper bound on the maximum obtainable nonlinear coupling between any two modes in a lossless circuit, and synthesizing an optimal circuit based on realistic materials that saturates this bound. Our proposed circuit dissipates less than 10-9 times the energy of current electro-optic converters per qubit. Finally, we outline the quantum link budget for optical, microwave, and millimeter-wave connections, showing that our approach is viable for realizing interconnected quantum processors for intracity or quantum data center environments.

A frequency and sensitivity tunable microresonator array for high-speed quantum processor readout

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Whittaker, J. D., E-mail: jwhittaker@dwavesys.com; Swenson, L. J.; Volkmann, M. H.

Superconducting microresonators have been successfully utilized as detection elements for a wide variety of applications. With multiplexing factors exceeding 1000 detectors per transmission line, they are the most scalable low-temperature detector technology demonstrated to date. For high-throughput applications, fewer detectors can be coupled to a single wire but utilize a larger per-detector bandwidth. For all existing designs, fluctuations in fabrication tolerances result in a non-uniform shift in resonance frequency and sensitivity, which ultimately limits the efficiency of bandwidth utilization. Here, we present the design, implementation, and initial characterization of a superconducting microresonator readout integrating two tunable inductances per detector. Wemore » demonstrate that these tuning elements provide independent control of both the detector frequency and sensitivity, allowing us to maximize the transmission line bandwidth utilization. Finally, we discuss the integration of these detectors in a multilayer fabrication stack for high-speed readout of the D-Wave quantum processor, highlighting the use of control and routing circuitry composed of single-flux-quantum loops to minimize the number of control wires at the lowest temperature stage.« less

Nonreciprocal Microwave Signal Processing with a Field-Programmable Josephson Amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lecocq, F.; Ranzani, L.; Peterson, G. A.; Cicak, K.; Simmonds, R. W.; Teufel, J. D.; Aumentado, J.

2017-02-01

We report on the design and implementation of a field-programmable Josephson amplifier (FPJA)—a compact and lossless superconducting circuit that can be programmed in situ by a set of microwave drives to perform reciprocal and nonreciprocal frequency conversion and amplification. In this work, we demonstrate four modes of operation: frequency conversion (transmission of -0.5 dB, reflection of -30 dB), circulation (transmission of -0.5 dB, reflection of -30 dB, isolation of 30 dB), phase-preserving amplification (gain >20 dB , one photon of added noise) and directional phase-preserving amplification (reflection of -10 dB, forward gain of 18 dB, reverse isolation of 8 dB, one photon of added noise). The system exhibits quantitative agreement with the theoretical prediction. Based on a gradiometric superconducting quantum-interference device with Nb /Al -Al Ox/Nb Josephson junctions, the FPJA is first-order insensitive to flux noise and can be operated without magnetic shielding at low temperature. Owing to its flexible design and compatibility with existing superconducting fabrication techniques, the FPJA offers a straightforward route toward on-chip integration with superconducting quantum circuits such as qubits and microwave optomechanical systems.

Temporal shaping of quantum states released from a superconducting cavity memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burkhart, L.; Axline, C.; Pfaff, W.; Zou, C.; Zhang, M.; Narla, A.; Frunzio, L.; Devoret, M. H.; Jiang, L.; Schoelkopf, R. J.

State transfer and entanglement distribution are essential primitives in network-based quantum information processing. We have previously demonstrated an interface between a quantum memory and propagating light fields in the microwave domain: by parametric conversion in a single Josephson junction, we have coherently released quantum states from a superconducting cavity resonator into a transmission line. Protocols for state transfer mediated by propagating fields typically rely on temporal mode-matching of couplings at both sender and receiver. However, parametric driving on a single junction results in dynamic frequency shifts, raising the question of whether the pumps alone provide enough control for achieving this mode-matching. We show, in theory and experiment, that phase and amplitude shaping of the parametric drives allows arbitrary control over the propagating field, limited only by the drives bandwidth and amplitude constraints. This temporal mode shaping technique allows for release and capture of quantum states, providing a credible route towards state transfer and entanglement generation in quantum networks in which quantum states are stored and processed in cavities.

Implementation of a quantum metamaterial using superconducting qubits.

PubMed

Macha, Pascal; Oelsner, Gregor; Reiner, Jan-Michael; Marthaler, Michael; André, Stephan; Schön, Gerd; Hübner, Uwe; Meyer, Hans-Georg; Il'ichev, Evgeni; Ustinov, Alexey V

2014-10-14

The key issue for the implementation of a metamaterial is to demonstrate the existence of collective modes corresponding to coherent oscillations of the meta-atoms. Atoms of natural materials interact with electromagnetic fields as quantum two-level systems. Artificial quantum two-level systems can be made, for example, using superconducting nonlinear resonators cooled down to their ground state. Here we perform an experiment in which 20 of these quantum meta-atoms, so-called flux qubits, are embedded into a microwave resonator. We observe the dispersive shift of the resonator frequency imposed by the qubit metamaterial and the collective resonant coupling of eight qubits. The realized prototype represents a mesoscopic limit of naturally occurring spin ensembles and as such we demonstrate the AC-Zeeman shift of a resonant qubit ensemble. The studied system constitutes the implementation of a basic quantum metamaterial in the sense that many artificial atoms are coupled collectively to the quantized mode of a photon field.

Photon Statistics of Propagating Thermal Microwaves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deppe, F.; Goetz, J.; Eder, P.; Fischer, M.; Pogorzalek, S.; Xie, E.; Fedorov, K. G.; Marx, A.; Gross, R.

In experiments with superconducting quantum circuits, characterizing the photon statistics of propagating microwave fields is a fundamental task. This task is in particular relevant for thermal fields, which are omnipresent noise sources in superconducting quantum circuits covering all relevant frequency regimes. We quantify the n2 + n photon number variance of thermal microwave photons emitted from a black-body radiator for mean photon numbers 0 . 05 <= n <= 1 . 5. In addition, we also use the fields as a sensitive probe for second-order decoherence effects of the qubit. Specifically, we investigate the influence of thermal fields on the low-frequency spectrum of the qubit parameter fluctuations. We find an enhacement of the white noise contribution of the noise power spectral density. Our data confirms a model of thermally activated two-level states interacting with the qubit. Supported by the German Research Foundation through FE 1564/1-1, the doctorate programs ExQM of the Elite Network of Bavaria, and the IMPRS Quantum Science and Technology.

Low-noise 115-GHz receiver using superconducting tunnel junctions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pan, S.-K.; Feldman, M. J.; Kerr, A. R.; Timble, P.

1983-01-01

A 110-118-GHz receiver based on a superconducting quasiparticle tunnel junction mixer is described. The single-sideband noise temperature is as low as 68 + or - 3 K. This is nearly twice the sensitivity of any other receiver at this frequency. The receiver was designed using a low-frequency scale model in conjunction with the quantum mixer theory. A scaled version of the receiver for operation at 46 GHz has a single-sideband noise temperature of 55 K. The factors leading to the success of this design are discussed.

Nanohertz frequency determination for the gravity probe B high frequency superconducting quantum interference device signal.

PubMed

Salomon, M; Conklin, J W; Kozaczuk, J; Berberian, J E; Keiser, G M; Silbergleit, A S; Worden, P; Santiago, D I

2011-12-01

In this paper, we present a method to measure the frequency and the frequency change rate of a digital signal. This method consists of three consecutive algorithms: frequency interpolation, phase differencing, and a third algorithm specifically designed and tested by the authors. The succession of these three algorithms allowed a 5 parts in 10(10) resolution in frequency determination. The algorithm developed by the authors can be applied to a sampled scalar signal such that a model linking the harmonics of its main frequency to the underlying physical phenomenon is available. This method was developed in the framework of the gravity probe B (GP-B) mission. It was applied to the high frequency (HF) component of GP-B's superconducting quantum interference device signal, whose main frequency f(z) is close to the spin frequency of the gyroscopes used in the experiment. A 30 nHz resolution in signal frequency and a 0.1 pHz/s resolution in its decay rate were achieved out of a succession of 1.86 s-long stretches of signal sampled at 2200 Hz. This paper describes the underlying theory of the frequency measurement method as well as its application to GP-B's HF science signal.

Hysteretic Flux Response and Nondegenerate Gain of Flux-Driven Josephson Parametric Amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pogorzalek, Stefan; Fedorov, Kirill G.; Zhong, Ling; Goetz, Jan; Wulschner, Friedrich; Fischer, Michael; Eder, Peter; Xie, Edwar; Inomata, Kunihiro; Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi; Nakamura, Yasunobu; Marx, Achim; Deppe, Frank; Gross, Rudolf

2017-08-01

Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs) have become key devices in quantum science and technology with superconducting circuits. In particular, they can be utilized as quantum-limited amplifiers or as a source of squeezed microwave fields. Here, we report on the detailed measurements of five flux-driven JPAs exhibiting a hysteretic dependence of the resonant frequency on the applied magnetic flux. We model the measured characteristics by numerical simulations based on the two-dimensional potential landscape of the dc superconducting quantum interference devices, which provide the JPA nonlinearity for a nonzero screening parameter βL>0 and demonstrate excellent agreement between the numerical results and the experimental data. Furthermore, we study the nondegenerate response of different JPAs and accurately describe the experimental results with our theory.

New technologies for the detection of millimeter and submillimeter waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, P. L.; Clarke, J.; Gildemeister, J. M.; Lanting, T.; Lee, A. T.

2001-01-01

Voltage-biased superconducting bolometers have many operational advantages over conventional bolometer technology including sensitivity, linearity, speed, and immunity from environmental disturbance. A review is given of the Berkeley program for developing this new technology. Developments include fully lithographed individual bolometers in the spiderweb configuration, arrays of 1024 close-packed absorber-coupled bolometers, antenna-coupled bolometers, and a frequency-domain SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) readout multiplexer.

Controlling Photons, Qubits and their Interactions in Superconducting Electronic Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallraff, Andreas

2009-03-01

A combination of ideas from atomic physics, quantum optics and solid state physics allows us to investigate the fundamental interaction of matter and light on the level of single quanta in electronic circuits. In an approach known as circuit quantum electrodynamics, we coherently couple individual photons stored in a high quality microwave frequency resonator to a fully controllable superconducting two-level system (qubit) realized in a macroscopic electronic circuit [1]. In particular, we have recently observed the simultaneous interaction of one, two and three photons with a single qubit. In these experiments, we have probed the quantum nonlinearity of the qubit/light interaction governed by the Jaynes-Cummings hamiltonian, clearly demonstrating the quantization of the radiation field in the on-chip cavity. We have also performed quantum optics experiments with no photons at all. In this situation, i.e. in pure vacuum, we have resolved the renormalization of the qubit transition frequency - known as the Lamb shift - due to its non-resonant interaction with the cavity vacuum fluctuations [3].[4pt] [1] A. Wallraff et al., Nature (London) 431, 162 (2004)[0pt] [2] J. Fink et al., Nature (London) 454, 315 (2008)[0pt] [3] A. Fragner et al., Science 322, 1357 (2008)

Josephson junction microwave amplifier in self-organized noise compression mode

PubMed Central

Lähteenmäki, Pasi; Vesterinen, Visa; Hassel, Juha; Seppä, Heikki; Hakonen, Pertti

2012-01-01

The fundamental noise limit of a phase-preserving amplifier at frequency is the standard quantum limit . In the microwave range, the best candidates have been amplifiers based on superconducting quantum interference devices (reaching the noise temperature at 700 MHz), and non-degenerate parametric amplifiers (reaching noise levels close to the quantum limit at 8 GHz). We introduce a new type of an amplifier based on the negative resistance of a selectively damped Josephson junction. Noise performance of our amplifier is limited by mixing of quantum noise from Josephson oscillation regime down to the signal frequency. Measurements yield nearly quantum-limited operation, at 2.8 GHz, owing to self-organization of the working point. Simulations describe the characteristics of our device well and indicate potential for wide bandwidth operation. PMID:22355788

Nondegenerate parametric oscillations in a tunable superconducting resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bengtsson, Andreas; Krantz, Philip; Simoen, Michaël; Svensson, Ida-Maria; Schneider, Ben; Shumeiko, Vitaly; Delsing, Per; Bylander, Jonas

2018-04-01

We investigate nondegenerate parametric oscillations in a superconducting microwave multimode resonator that is terminated by a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The parametric effect is achieved by modulating magnetic flux through the SQUID at a frequency close to the sum of two resonator-mode frequencies. For modulation amplitudes exceeding an instability threshold, self-sustained oscillations are observed in both modes. The amplitudes of these oscillations show good quantitative agreement with a theoretical model. The oscillation phases are found to be correlated and exhibit strong fluctuations which broaden the oscillation spectral linewidths. These linewidths are significantly reduced by applying a weak on-resonant tone, which also suppresses the phase fluctuations. When the weak tone is detuned, we observe synchronization of the oscillation frequency with the frequency of the input. For the detuned input, we also observe an emergence of three idlers in the output. This observation is in agreement with theory indicating four-mode amplification and squeezing of a coherent input.

Microwave photonics with superconducting quantum circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Xiu; Kockum, Anton Frisk; Miranowicz, Adam; Liu, Yu-xi; Nori, Franco

2017-11-01

In the past 20 years, impressive progress has been made both experimentally and theoretically in superconducting quantum circuits, which provide a platform for manipulating microwave photons. This emerging field of superconducting quantum microwave circuits has been driven by many new interesting phenomena in microwave photonics and quantum information processing. For instance, the interaction between superconducting quantum circuits and single microwave photons can reach the regimes of strong, ultra-strong, and even deep-strong coupling. Many higher-order effects, unusual and less familiar in traditional cavity quantum electrodynamics with natural atoms, have been experimentally observed, e.g., giant Kerr effects, multi-photon processes, and single-atom induced bistability of microwave photons. These developments may lead to improved understanding of the counterintuitive properties of quantum mechanics, and speed up applications ranging from microwave photonics to superconducting quantum information processing. In this article, we review experimental and theoretical progress in microwave photonics with superconducting quantum circuits. We hope that this global review can provide a useful roadmap for this rapidly developing field.

An argon ion beam milling process for native AlOx layers enabling coherent superconducting contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grünhaupt, Lukas; von Lüpke, Uwe; Gusenkova, Daria; Skacel, Sebastian T.; Maleeva, Nataliya; Schlör, Steffen; Bilmes, Alexander; Rotzinger, Hannes; Ustinov, Alexey V.; Weides, Martin; Pop, Ioan M.

2017-08-01

We present an argon ion beam milling process to remove the native oxide layer forming on aluminum thin films due to their exposure to atmosphere in between lithographic steps. Our cleaning process is readily integrable with conventional fabrication of Josephson junction quantum circuits. From measurements of the internal quality factors of superconducting microwave resonators with and without contacts, we place an upper bound on the residual resistance of an ion beam milled contact of 50 mΩ μm2 at a frequency of 4.5 GHz. Resonators for which only 6% of the total foot-print was exposed to the ion beam milling, in areas of low electric and high magnetic fields, showed quality factors above 106 in the single photon regime, and no degradation compared to single layer samples. We believe these results will enable the development of increasingly complex superconducting circuits for quantum information processing.

Qubit Coupled Mechanical Resonator in an Electromechanical System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Yu

This thesis describes the development of a hybrid quantum electromechanical system. In this system the mechanical resonator is capacitively coupled to a superconducting transmon which is embedded in a superconducting coplanar waveguide (CPW) cavity. The difficulty of achieving high quality of superconducting qubit in a high-quality voltage-biased cavity is overcome by integrating a superconducting reflective T-filter to the cavity. Further spectroscopic and pulsed measurements of the hybrid system demonstrate interactions between the ultra-high frequency mechanical resonator and transmon qubit. The noise of mechanical resonator close to ground state is measured by looking at the spectroscopy of the transmon. At last, fabrication and tests of membrane resonators are discussed.

AC Josephson effect without superconductivity, and other effects of radio frequency quantum nanoelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waintal, Xavier; Gaury, Benoit; Weston, Joseph

With single coherent electron sources and electronic interferometers now available in the lab, the time resolved dynamics of electrons can now be probed directly. I will discuss how a fast raise of voltage propagates inside an electronic interferometer and leads to an oscillating current of well controled frequency. This phenomena is the normal counterpart to the AC josephson effect. I will also briefly advertize our software for computing quantum transport properties, Kwant (http://kwant-project.org) and its time-dependent extension T-Kwant.

Storing quantum information in spins and high-sensitivity ESR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morton, John J. L.; Bertet, Patrice

2018-02-01

Quantum information, encoded within the states of quantum systems, represents a novel and rich form of information which has inspired new types of computers and communications systems. Many diverse electron spin systems have been studied with a view to storing quantum information, including molecular radicals, point defects and impurities in inorganic systems, and quantum dots in semiconductor devices. In these systems, spin coherence times can exceed seconds, single spins can be addressed through electrical and optical methods, and new spin systems with advantageous properties continue to be identified. Spin ensembles strongly coupled to microwave resonators can, in principle, be used to store the coherent states of single microwave photons, enabling so-called microwave quantum memories. We discuss key requirements in realising such memories, including considerations for superconducting resonators whose frequency can be tuned onto resonance with the spins. Finally, progress towards microwave quantum memories and other developments in the field of superconducting quantum devices are being used to push the limits of sensitivity of inductively-detected electron spin resonance. The state-of-the-art currently stands at around 65 spins per √{ Hz } , with prospects to scale down to even fewer spins.

Storing quantum information in spins and high-sensitivity ESR.

PubMed

Morton, John J L; Bertet, Patrice

2018-02-01

Quantum information, encoded within the states of quantum systems, represents a novel and rich form of information which has inspired new types of computers and communications systems. Many diverse electron spin systems have been studied with a view to storing quantum information, including molecular radicals, point defects and impurities in inorganic systems, and quantum dots in semiconductor devices. In these systems, spin coherence times can exceed seconds, single spins can be addressed through electrical and optical methods, and new spin systems with advantageous properties continue to be identified. Spin ensembles strongly coupled to microwave resonators can, in principle, be used to store the coherent states of single microwave photons, enabling so-called microwave quantum memories. We discuss key requirements in realising such memories, including considerations for superconducting resonators whose frequency can be tuned onto resonance with the spins. Finally, progress towards microwave quantum memories and other developments in the field of superconducting quantum devices are being used to push the limits of sensitivity of inductively-detected electron spin resonance. The state-of-the-art currently stands at around 65 spins per Hz, with prospects to scale down to even fewer spins. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Superconducting micro-resonator arrays with ideal frequency spacing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.; Guo, W.; Wang, Y.; Dai, M.; Wei, L. F.; Dober, B.; McKenney, C. M.; Hilton, G. C.; Hubmayr, J.; Austermann, J. E.; Ullom, J. N.; Gao, J.; Vissers, M. R.

2017-12-01

We present a wafer trimming technique for producing superconducting micro-resonator arrays with highly uniform frequency spacing. With the light-emitting diode mapper technique demonstrated previously, we first map the measured resonance frequencies to the physical resonators. Then, we fine-tune each resonator's frequency by lithographically trimming a small length, calculated from the deviation of the measured frequency from its design value, from the interdigitated capacitor. We demonstrate this technique on a 127-resonator array made from titanium-nitride and show that the uniformity of frequency spacing is greatly improved. The array yield in terms of frequency collisions improves from 84% to 97%, while the quality factors and noise properties are unaffected. The wafer trimming technique provides an easy-to-implement tool to improve the yield and multiplexing density of large resonator arrays, which is important for various applications in photon detection and quantum computing.

Hidden magnetism and quantum criticality in the heavy fermion superconductor CeRhIn5.

PubMed

Park, Tuson; Ronning, F; Yuan, H Q; Salamon, M B; Movshovich, R; Sarrao, J L; Thompson, J D

2006-03-02

With only a few exceptions that are well understood, conventional superconductivity does not coexist with long-range magnetic order (for example, ref. 1). Unconventional superconductivity, on the other hand, develops near a phase boundary separating magnetically ordered and magnetically disordered phases. A maximum in the superconducting transition temperature T(c) develops where this boundary extrapolates to zero Kelvin, suggesting that fluctuations associated with this magnetic quantum-critical point are essential for unconventional superconductivity. Invariably, though, unconventional superconductivity masks the magnetic phase boundary when T < T(c), preventing proof of a magnetic quantum-critical point. Here we report specific-heat measurements of the pressure-tuned unconventional superconductor CeRhIn5 in which we find a line of quantum-phase transitions induced inside the superconducting state by an applied magnetic field. This quantum-critical line separates a phase of coexisting antiferromagnetism and superconductivity from a purely unconventional superconducting phase, and terminates at a quantum tetracritical point where the magnetic field completely suppresses superconductivity. The T --> 0 K magnetic field-pressure phase diagram of CeRhIn5 is well described with a theoretical model developed to explain field-induced magnetism in the high-T(c) copper oxides, but in which a clear delineation of quantum-phase boundaries has not been possible. These experiments establish a common relationship among hidden magnetism, quantum criticality and unconventional superconductivity in copper oxides and heavy-electron systems such as CeRhIn5.

A microwave cryogenic low-noise amplifier based on sige heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, B. I.; Grajcar, M.; Novikov, I. L.; Vostretsov, A. G.; Il'ichev, E.

2016-04-01

A low-noise cryogenic amplifier for the measurement of weak microwave signals at sub-Kelvin temperatures is constructed. The amplifier has five stages based on SiGe bipolar heterostructure transistors and has a gain factor of 35 dB in the frequency band from 100 MHz to 4 GHz at an operating temperature of 800 mK. The parameters of a superconducting quantum bit measured with this amplifier in the ultralow-power mode are presented as an application example. The amplitude-frequency response of the "supercon-ducting qubit-coplanar cavity" structure is demonstrated. The ground state of the qubit is characterized in the quasi-dispersive measurement mode.

Energy density in the Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wesolowski, Denne; Hosotani, Yutaka; Chakravarty, Sumantra

1994-12-01

A two-dimensional nonrelativistic fermion system coupled to both electromagnetic gauge fields and Chern-Simons gauge fields is analyzed. Polarization tensors relevant in the quantum Hall effect and anyon superconductivity are obtained as simple closed integrals and are evaluated numerically for all momenta and frequencies. The correction to the energy density is evaluated in the random phase approximation (RPA) by summing an infinite series of ring diagrams. It is found that the correction has significant dependence on the particle number density. In the context of anyon superconductivity, the energy density relative to the mean field value is minimized at a hole concentration per lattice plaquette (0.05-0.06)(pca/ħ)2 where pc and a are the momentum cutoff and lattice constant, respectively. At the minimum the correction is about -5% to -25%, depending on the ratio 2mwc/p2c where wc is the frequency cutoff. In the Jain-Fradkin-Lopez picture of the fractional quantum Hall effect the RPA correction to the energy density is very large. It diverges logarithmically as the cutoff is removed, implying that corrections beyond RPA become important at large momentum and frequency.

Quantum noise in SIS mixers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zorin, A. B.

1985-03-01

In the present, quantum-statistical analysis of SIS heterodyne mixer performance, the conventional three-port model of the mixer circuit and the microscopic theory of superconducting tunnel junctions are used to derive a general expression for a noise parameter previously used for the case of parametric amplifiers. This expression is numerically evaluated for various quasiparticle current step widths, dc bias voltages, local oscillator powers, signal frequencies, signal source admittances, and operation temperatures.

Deterministic quantum teleportation with feed-forward in a solid state system.

PubMed

Steffen, L; Salathe, Y; Oppliger, M; Kurpiers, P; Baur, M; Lang, C; Eichler, C; Puebla-Hellmann, G; Fedorov, A; Wallraff, A

2013-08-15

Engineered macroscopic quantum systems based on superconducting electronic circuits are attractive for experimentally exploring diverse questions in quantum information science. At the current state of the art, quantum bits (qubits) are fabricated, initialized, controlled, read out and coupled to each other in simple circuits. This enables the realization of basic logic gates, the creation of complex entangled states and the demonstration of algorithms or error correction. Using different variants of low-noise parametric amplifiers, dispersive quantum non-demolition single-shot readout of single-qubit states with high fidelity has enabled continuous and discrete feedback control of single qubits. Here we realize full deterministic quantum teleportation with feed-forward in a chip-based superconducting circuit architecture. We use a set of two parametric amplifiers for both joint two-qubit and individual qubit single-shot readout, combined with flexible real-time digital electronics. Our device uses a crossed quantum bus technology that allows us to create complex networks with arbitrary connecting topology in a planar architecture. The deterministic teleportation process succeeds with order unit probability for any input state, as we prepare maximally entangled two-qubit states as a resource and distinguish all Bell states in a single two-qubit measurement with high efficiency and high fidelity. We teleport quantum states between two macroscopic systems separated by 6 mm at a rate of 10(4) s(-1), exceeding other reported implementations. The low transmission loss of superconducting waveguides is likely to enable the range of this and other schemes to be extended to significantly larger distances, enabling tests of non-locality and the realization of elements for quantum communication at microwave frequencies. The demonstrated feed-forward may also find application in error correction schemes.

Analysis of high quality superconducting resonators: consequences for TLS properties in amorphous oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burnett, J.; Faoro, L.; Lindström, T.

2016-04-01

1/f noise caused by microscopic two-level systems (TLS) is known to be very detrimental to the performance of superconducting quantum devices but the nature of these TLS is still poorly understood. Recent experiments with superconducting resonators indicates that interaction between TLS in the oxide at the film-substrate interface is not negligible. Here we present data on the loss and 1/f frequency noise from two different Nb resonators with and without Pt capping and discuss what conclusions can be drawn regarding the properties of TLS in amorphous oxides. We also estimate the concentration and dipole moment of the TLS.

Graduate Student Support for Quantum Computing With Superconducting Charge States

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-08-31

cavity resonance frequency ωr, the atomic transition frequency Ω, and the strength of the atom- photon coupling g appearing in the Jaynes - Cummings ...the atom through the cavity. In the absence of damping, exact diagonalization of the Jaynes - Cumming Hamiltonian yields the excited eigen- states...cillating terms and omitting damping for the moment, 5 Eq. (16) reduces to the Jaynes - Cummings Hamiltonian (1) with Ω = EJ/~ and the vacuum Rabi frequency

Widely Tunable On-Chip Microwave Circulator for Superconducting Quantum Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chapman, Benjamin J.; Rosenthal, Eric I.; Kerckhoff, Joseph; Moores, Bradley A.; Vale, Leila R.; Mates, J. A. B.; Hilton, Gene C.; Lalumière, Kevin; Blais, Alexandre; Lehnert, K. W.

2017-10-01

We report on the design and performance of an on-chip microwave circulator with a widely (GHz) tunable operation frequency. Nonreciprocity is created with a combination of frequency conversion and delay, and requires neither permanent magnets nor microwave bias tones, allowing on-chip integration with other superconducting circuits without the need for high-bandwidth control lines. Isolation in the device exceeds 20 dB over a bandwidth of tens of MHz, and its insertion loss is small, reaching as low as 0.9 dB at select operation frequencies. Furthermore, the device is linear with respect to input power for signal powers up to hundreds of fW (≈103 circulating photons), and the direction of circulation can be dynamically reconfigured. We demonstrate its operation at a selection of frequencies between 4 and 6 GHz.

HiFi-MBQC High Fidelitiy Measurement-Based Quantum Computing using Superconducting Detectors

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-04

superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) which allowed support of quantum photonics experiments leading to 14 peer-reviewed...sampling, and several other areas. 15. SUBJECT TERMS EOARD, photonics, cryostat, superconducting nanowire , SNSPD 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17...quantum simulations. The main budget contribution was dedicated to develop superconducting nanowire detectors with efficiencies above 93% at telecom

Development and study of charge sensors for fast charge detection in quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thalakulam, Madhu

Charge detection at microsecond time-scales has far reaching consequences in both technology and in our understanding of electron dynamics in nanoscale devices such as quantum dots. Radio-frequency superconducting single electron transistors (RF-SET) and quantum point contacts (QPC) are ultra sensitive charge sensors operating near the quantum limit. The operation of RF-SETs outside the superconducting gap has been a topic of study; the sub-gap operation, especially in the presence of large quantum fluctuations of quasiparticles remains largely unexplored, both theoretically and experimentally. We have investigated the effects of quantum fluctuations of quasiparticles on the operation of RF-SETs for large values of the quasiparticle cotunneling parameter alpha = 8EJ/Ec, where EJ and Ec are the Josephson and charging energies. We find that, for alpha > 1, sub-gap RF-SET operation is still feasible despite quantum fluctuations that wash out quasiparticle tunneling thresholds. Such RF-SETs show linearity and signal-to-noise ratio superior to those obtained when quantum fluctuations are weak, while still demonstrating excellent charge sensitivity. We have operated a QPC charge detector in a radio frequency mode that allows fast charge detection in a bandwidth of several megahertz. The noise limiting the sensitivity of the charge detector is not the noise of a secondary amplifier, but the non-equilibrium device noise of the QPC itself. The noise power averaged over a measurement bandwidth of about 10MHz around the carrier frequency is in agreement with the theory of photon-assisted shot noise. Frequency-resolved measurements, however show several significant discrepancies with the theoretical predictions. The measurement techniques developed can also be used to investigate the noise of other semiconductor nanostructures such as quantum dots in the Kondo regime. A study of the noise characteristics alone can not determine whether the device is operating at the quantum limit; a characterization of back action is also necessary. The inelastic current through a double quantum dot system (DQD) is sensitive to the spectral density of voltage fluctuations in its electromagnetic environment. Electrical transport studies on a DQD system electrostatically coupled to an SET shows qualitative evidence of back-action of SET. The design and fabrication of a few electron DQD device with integrated RF-SET and QPC charge sensors for the study of back action of the sensors and real-time electron dynamics in the DQD are also discussed.

Quantum networks in divergence-free circuit QED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parra-Rodriguez, A.; Rico, E.; Solano, E.; Egusquiza, I. L.

2018-04-01

Superconducting circuits are one of the leading quantum platforms for quantum technologies. With growing system complexity, it is of crucial importance to develop scalable circuit models that contain the minimum information required to predict the behaviour of the physical system. Based on microwave engineering methods, divergent and non-divergent Hamiltonian models in circuit quantum electrodynamics have been proposed to explain the dynamics of superconducting quantum networks coupled to infinite-dimensional systems, such as transmission lines and general impedance environments. Here, we study systematically common linear coupling configurations between networks and infinite-dimensional systems. The main result is that the simple Lagrangian models for these configurations present an intrinsic natural length that provides a natural ultraviolet cutoff. This length is due to the unavoidable dressing of the environment modes by the network. In this manner, the coupling parameters between their components correctly manifest their natural decoupling at high frequencies. Furthermore, we show the requirements to correctly separate infinite-dimensional coupled systems in local bases. We also compare our analytical results with other analytical and approximate methods available in the literature. Finally, we propose several applications of these general methods to analogue quantum simulation of multi-spin-boson models in non-perturbative coupling regimes.

Quantum Zeno Effect in the Strong Measurement Regime of Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-17

andNV centers [16]. In driven superconducting qubits, the QZEhas been indirectly inferred from the transition between coherent Rabi oscillations and...qubit will undergo sinusoidal Rabi oscillations between states at frequency pW 2 , whereΩ depends on the strength of the resonant drive. Repeated...where the qubit dynamics dependmainly on qubit drive andmeasurement strength. Because of the presence of the Rabi drive, this treatment is only valid

Mechanisms for Superconductivity in Cuprates compared with results from the Generalized MacMillan-Rowell Analysis of High Resolution Laser- ARPES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varma, Chandra; Choi, Han-Yong; Zhang, Wentao; Zhou, Xingjiang

2012-02-01

The spectra of fluctuations and their coupling to fermions has been deduced from extensive high resolution laser ARPES in several BISCCO samples and quantitatively analyzed. We ask the question whether some of the theories for superconductivity in Cuprates are consistent or inconsistent with the frequency and the momentum dependence of the deductions. We find that any fluctuation spectra, for example that of Antiferromagnetic Fluctuations, whose frequency dependence depends significantly on momentum dependence are excluded. We consider the quantum-critical spectra of the loop-current order observed in under-doped cuprates and its coupling to fermions and find it consistent with the data.

Quantum correlations in microwave frequency combs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weissl, Thomas; Jolin, Shan W.; Haviland, David B.; Department of Applied Physics Team

Non-linear superconducting resonators are used as parametric amplifiers in circuit quantum electrodynamics experiments. When a strong pump is applied to a non-linear microwave oscillator, it correlates vacuum fluctuations at signal and idler frequencies symmetrically located around the pump, resulting in two-mode squeezed vacuum. When the non-linear oscillator is pumped with a frequency comb, complex multipartite entangled states can be created as demonstrated with experiments in the optical domain. Such cluster states are considered to be a universal resource for one-way quantum computing. With our microwave measurement setup it is possible to pump and measure response at as many as 42 frequencies in parallel, with independent control over all pump amplitudes and phases. We show results of two-mode squeezing for of pairs of tones in a microwave frequency comb. The squeezing is created by four-wave mixing of a pump tone applied to a non-linear coplanar-waveguide resonator. We acknowledge financial support from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation.

An ultra-sensitive and wideband magnetometer based on a superconducting quantum interference device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Storm, Jan-Hendrik; Hömmen, Peter; Drung, Dietmar; Körber, Rainer

2017-02-01

The magnetic field noise in superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) used for biomagnetic research such as magnetoencephalography or ultra-low-field nuclear magnetic resonance is usually limited by instrumental dewar noise. We constructed a wideband, ultra-low noise system with a 45 mm diameter superconducting pick-up coil inductively coupled to a current sensor SQUID. Thermal noise in the liquid helium dewar is minimized by using aluminized polyester fabric as superinsulation and aluminum oxide strips as heat shields. With a magnetometer pick-up coil in the center of the Berlin magnetically shielded room 2 (BMSR2), a noise level of around 150 aT Hz-1/2 is achieved in the white noise regime between about 20 kHz and the system bandwidth of about 2.5 MHz. At lower frequencies, the resolution is limited by magnetic field noise arising from the walls of the shielded room. Modeling the BMSR2 as a closed cube with continuous μ-metal walls, we can quantitatively reproduce its measured field noise.

Chiral topological superconductor and half-integer conductance plateau from quantum anomalous Hall plateau transition

DOE PAGES

Wang, Jing; Zhou, Quan; Lian, Biao; ...

2015-08-31

Here, we propose to realize a two-dimensional chiral topological superconducting (TSC) state from the quantum anomalous Hall plateau transition in a magnetic topological insulator thin film through the proximity effect to a conventional s -wave superconductor. This state has a full pairing gap in the bulk and a single chiral Majorana mode at the edge. The optimal condition for realizing such chiral TSC is to have inequivalent superconducting pairing amplitudes on top and bottom surfaces of the doped magnetic topological insulator. We further propose several transport experiments to detect the chiral TSC. One unique signature is that the conductance willmore » be quantized into a half-integer plateau at the coercive field in this hybrid system. In particular, with the point contact formed by a superconducting junction, the conductance oscillates between e 2 /2h and e2 /h with the frequency determined by the voltage across the junction. We close by discussing the feasibility of these experimental proposals.« less

Chiral topological superconductor and half-integer conductance plateau from quantum anomalous Hall plateau transition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Jing; Zhou, Quan; Lian, Biao

Here, we propose to realize a two-dimensional chiral topological superconducting (TSC) state from the quantum anomalous Hall plateau transition in a magnetic topological insulator thin film through the proximity effect to a conventional s -wave superconductor. This state has a full pairing gap in the bulk and a single chiral Majorana mode at the edge. The optimal condition for realizing such chiral TSC is to have inequivalent superconducting pairing amplitudes on top and bottom surfaces of the doped magnetic topological insulator. We further propose several transport experiments to detect the chiral TSC. One unique signature is that the conductance willmore » be quantized into a half-integer plateau at the coercive field in this hybrid system. In particular, with the point contact formed by a superconducting junction, the conductance oscillates between e 2 /2h and e2 /h with the frequency determined by the voltage across the junction. We close by discussing the feasibility of these experimental proposals.« less

Superconducting quantum interference device with frequency-dependent damping: Readout of flux qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robertson, T. L.; Plourde, B. L. T.; Hime, T.; Linzen, S.; Reichardt, P. A.; Wilhelm, F. K.; Clarke, John

2005-07-01

Recent experiments on superconducting flux qubits, consisting of a superconducting loop interrupted by Josephson junctions, have demonstrated quantum coherence between two different quantum states. The state of the qubit is measured with a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Such measurements require the SQUID to have high resolution while exerting minimal backaction on the qubit. By designing shunts across the SQUID junctions appropriately, one can improve the measurement resolution without increasing the backaction significantly. Using a path-integral approach to analyze the Caldeira-Leggett model, we calculate the narrowing of the distribution of the switching events from the zero-voltage state of the SQUID for arbitrary shunt admittances, focusing on shunts consisting of a capacitance Cs and resistance Rs in series. To test this model, we fabricated a dc SQUID in which each junction is shunted with a thin-film interdigitated capacitor in series with a resistor, and measured the switching distribution as a function of temperature and applied magnetic flux. After accounting for the damping due to the SQUID leads, we found good agreement between the measured escape rates and the predictions of our model. We analyze the backaction of a shunted symmetric SQUID on a flux qubit. For the given parameters of our SQUID and realistic parameters for a flux qubit, at the degeneracy point we find a relaxation time of 113μs , which limits the decoherence time to 226μs . Based on our analysis of the escape process, we determine that a SQUID with purely capacitive shunts should have narrow switching distributions and no dissipation.

Andreev spectrum with high spin-orbit interactions: Revealing spin splitting and topologically protected crossings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murani, A.; Chepelianskii, A.; Guéron, S.; Bouchiat, H.

2017-10-01

In order to point out experimentally accessible signatures of spin-orbit interaction, we investigate numerically the Andreev spectrum of a multichannel mesoscopic quantum wire (N) with high spin-orbit interaction coupled to superconducting electrodes (S), contrasting topological and nontopological behaviors. In the nontopological case (square lattice with Rashba interactions), we find that the Kramers degeneracy of Andreev levels is lifted by a phase difference between the S reservoirs except at multiples of π , when the normal quantum wires can host several conduction channels. The level crossings at these points invariant by time-reversal symmetry are not lifted by disorder. Whereas the dc Josephson current is insensitive to these level crossings, the high-frequency admittance (susceptibility) at finite temperature reveals these level crossings and the lifting of their degeneracy at π by a small Zeeman field. We have also investigated the hexagonal lattice with intrinsic spin-orbit interaction in the range of parameters where it is a two-dimensional topological insulator with one-dimensional helical edges protected against disorder. Nontopological superconducting contacts can induce topological superconductivity in this system characterized by zero-energy level crossing of Andreev levels. Both Josephson current and finite-frequency admittance carry then very specific signatures at low temperature of this disorder-protected Andreev level crossing at π and zero energy.

Investigation and optimization of low-frequency noise performance in readout electronics of dc superconducting quantum interference device

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Jing; Peter Grünberg Institute; Zhang, Yi

2014-05-15

We investigated and optimized the low-frequency noise characteristics of a preamplifier used for readout of direct current superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). When the SQUID output was detected directly using a room-temperature low-voltage-noise preamplifier, the low-frequency noise of a SQUID system was found to be dominated by the input current noise of the preamplifiers in case of a large dynamic resistance of the SQUID. To reduce the current noise of the preamplifier in the low-frequency range, we investigated the dependence of total preamplifier noise on the collector current and source resistance. When the collector current was decreased from 8.4 mAmore » to 3 mA in the preamplifier made of 3 parallel SSM2220 transistor pairs, the low-frequency total voltage noise of the preamplifier (at 0.1 Hz) decreased by about 3 times for a source resistance of 30 Ω whereas the white noise level remained nearly unchanged. Since the relative contribution of preamplifier's input voltage and current noise is different depending on the dynamic resistance or flux-to-voltage transfer of the SQUID, the results showed that the total noise of a SQUID system at low-frequency range can be improved significantly by optimizing the preamplifier circuit parameters, mainly the collector current in case of low-noise bipolar transistor pairs.« less

Investigation and optimization of low-frequency noise performance in readout electronics of dc superconducting quantum interference device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jing; Zhang, Yi; Lee, Yong-Ho; Krause, Hans-Joachim

2014-05-01

We investigated and optimized the low-frequency noise characteristics of a preamplifier used for readout of direct current superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). When the SQUID output was detected directly using a room-temperature low-voltage-noise preamplifier, the low-frequency noise of a SQUID system was found to be dominated by the input current noise of the preamplifiers in case of a large dynamic resistance of the SQUID. To reduce the current noise of the preamplifier in the low-frequency range, we investigated the dependence of total preamplifier noise on the collector current and source resistance. When the collector current was decreased from 8.4 mA to 3 mA in the preamplifier made of 3 parallel SSM2220 transistor pairs, the low-frequency total voltage noise of the preamplifier (at 0.1 Hz) decreased by about 3 times for a source resistance of 30 Ω whereas the white noise level remained nearly unchanged. Since the relative contribution of preamplifier's input voltage and current noise is different depending on the dynamic resistance or flux-to-voltage transfer of the SQUID, the results showed that the total noise of a SQUID system at low-frequency range can be improved significantly by optimizing the preamplifier circuit parameters, mainly the collector current in case of low-noise bipolar transistor pairs.

Statistical Mechanics and Applications in Condensed Matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Castro, Carlo; Raimondi, Roberto

2015-08-01

Preface; 1. Thermodynamics: a brief overview; 2. Kinetics; 3. From Boltzmann to Gibbs; 4. More ensembles; 5. The thermodynamic limit and its thermodynamic stability; 6. Density matrix and quantum statistical mechanics; 7. The quantum gases; 8. Mean-field theories and critical phenomena; 9. Second quantization and Hartree-Fock approximation; 10. Linear response and fluctuation-dissipation theorem in quantum systems: equilibrium and small deviations; 11. Brownian motion and transport in disordered systems; 12. Fermi liquids; 13. The Landau theory of the second order phase transitions; 14. The Landau-Wilson model for critical phenomena; 15. Superfluidity and superconductivity; 16. The scaling theory; 17. The renormalization group approach; 18. Thermal Green functions; 19. The microscopic foundations of Fermi liquids; 20. The Luttinger liquid; 21. Quantum interference effects in disordered electron systems; Appendix A. The central limit theorem; Appendix B. Some useful properties of the Euler Gamma function; Appendix C. Proof of the second theorem of Yang and Lee; Appendix D. The most probable distribution for the quantum gases; Appendix E. Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein integrals; Appendix F. The Fermi gas in a uniform magnetic field: Landau diamagnetism; Appendix G. Ising and gas-lattice models; Appendix H. Sum over discrete Matsubara frequencies; Appendix I. Hydrodynamics of the two-fluid model of superfluidity; Appendix J. The Cooper problem in the theory of superconductivity; Appendix K. Superconductive fluctuations phenomena; Appendix L. Diagrammatic aspects of the exact solution of the Tomonaga Luttinger model; Appendix M. Details on the theory of the disordered Fermi liquid; References; Author index; Index.

Tunable, Flexible, and Efficient Optimization of Control Pulses for Practical Qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machnes, Shai; Assémat, Elie; Tannor, David; Wilhelm, Frank K.

2018-04-01

Quantum computation places very stringent demands on gate fidelities, and experimental implementations require both the controls and the resultant dynamics to conform to hardware-specific constraints. Superconducting qubits present the additional requirement that pulses must have simple parameterizations, so they can be further calibrated in the experiment, to compensate for uncertainties in system parameters. Other quantum technologies, such as sensing, require extremely high fidelities. We present a novel, conceptually simple and easy-to-implement gradient-based optimal control technique named gradient optimization of analytic controls (GOAT), which satisfies all the above requirements, unlike previous approaches. To demonstrate GOAT's capabilities, with emphasis on flexibility and ease of subsequent calibration, we optimize fast coherence-limited pulses for two leading superconducting qubits architectures—flux-tunable transmons and fixed-frequency transmons with tunable couplers.

Origin and Reduction of 1 / f Magnetic Flux Noise in Superconducting Devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, P.; Sendelbach, S.; Beck, M. A.

2016-10-01

Magnetic flux noise is a dominant source of dephasing and energy relaxation in superconducting qubits. The noise power spectral density varies with frequency as 1=fα, with α ≲ 1, and spans 13 orders of magnitude. Recent work indicates that the noise is from unpaired magnetic defects on the surfaces of the superconducting devices. Here, we demonstrate that adsorbed molecular O2 is the dominant contributor to magnetism in superconducting thin films. We show that this magnetism can be reduced by appropriate surface treatment or improvement in the sample vacuum environment. We observe a suppression of static spin susceptibility by more thanmore » an order of magnitude and a suppression of 1=f magnetic flux noise power spectral density of up to a factor of 5. These advances open the door to the realization of superconducting qubits with improved quantum coherence.« less

Origin and Reduction of 1 /f Magnetic Flux Noise in Superconducting Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, P.; Sendelbach, S.; Beck, M. A.; Freeland, J. W.; Wang, Zhe; Wang, Hui; Yu, Clare C.; Wu, R. Q.; Pappas, D. P.; McDermott, R.

2016-10-01

Magnetic flux noise is a dominant source of dephasing and energy relaxation in superconducting qubits. The noise power spectral density varies with frequency as 1 /fα, with α ≲1 , and spans 13 orders of magnitude. Recent work indicates that the noise is from unpaired magnetic defects on the surfaces of the superconducting devices. Here, we demonstrate that adsorbed molecular O2 is the dominant contributor to magnetism in superconducting thin films. We show that this magnetism can be reduced by appropriate surface treatment or improvement in the sample vacuum environment. We observe a suppression of static spin susceptibility by more than an order of magnitude and a suppression of 1 /f magnetic flux noise power spectral density of up to a factor of 5. These advances open the door to the realization of superconducting qubits with improved quantum coherence.

Electromagnetically induced transparency in circuit quantum electrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ku, Hsiang-Sheng; Long, Junling; Wu, Xian; Lake, Russell; Gu, Xiu; Liu, Yu-Xi; Pappas, David

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is a phenomenon caused by quantum interference between distinct transition paths in a three-level system. In general, it is difficult to realize EIT in a system of three-level superconducting quantum circuit, because the decay rates and the Rabi frequency of the driving field do not normally satisfy the conditions for EIT. However, we propose to achieve EIT within a driven circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) system by creating polariton states and engineering the decay rates of their levels with the driving field. In this talk we present spectroscopic measurements of the polariton states that will enable demonstration of EIT within cQED.

Intermodulation in nonlinear SQUID metamaterials: Experiment and theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Daimeng; Trepanier, Melissa; Antonsen, Thomas; Ott, Edward; Anlage, Steven M.

2016-11-01

The response of nonlinear metamaterials and superconducting electronics to two-tone excitation is critical for understanding their use as low-noise amplifiers and tunable filters. A new setting for such studies is that of metamaterials made of radio frequency superconducting quantum interference devices (rf-SQUIDs). The two-tone response of self-resonant rf-SQUID meta-atoms and metamaterials is studied here via intermodulation (IM) measurement over a broad range of tone frequencies and tone powers. A sharp onset followed by a surprising strongly suppressed IM region near the resonance is observed. Using a two time scale analysis technique, we present an analytical theory that successfully explains our experimental observations. The theory predicts that the IM can be manipulated with tone power, center frequency, frequency difference between the two tones, and temperature. This quantitative understanding potentially allows for the design of rf-SQUID metamaterials with either very low or very high IM response.

Microwave control of the superconducting proximity effect and minigap in magnetic and normal metals

PubMed Central

Linder, Jacob; Amundsen, Morten; Ouassou, Jabir Ali

2016-01-01

We demonstrate theoretically that microwave radiation applied to superconducting proximity structures controls the minigap and other spectral features in the density of states of normal and magnetic metals, respectively. Considering both a bilayer and Josephson junction geometry, we show that microwaves with frequency ω qualitatively alters the spectral properties of the system: inducing a series of resonances, controlling the minigap size Emg, and even replacing the minigap with a strong peak of quasiparticle accumulation at zero energy when ω = Emg. The interaction between light and Cooper pairs may thus open a route to active control of quantum coherent phenomena in superconducting proximity structures. PMID:27982128

Qubit lattice coherence induced by electromagnetic pulses in superconducting metamaterials.

PubMed

Ivić, Z; Lazarides, N; Tsironis, G P

2016-07-12

Quantum bits (qubits) are at the heart of quantum information processing schemes. Currently, solid-state qubits, and in particular the superconducting ones, seem to satisfy the requirements for being the building blocks of viable quantum computers, since they exhibit relatively long coherence times, extremely low dissipation, and scalability. The possibility of achieving quantum coherence in macroscopic circuits comprising Josephson junctions, envisioned by Legett in the 1980's, was demonstrated for the first time in a charge qubit; since then, the exploitation of macroscopic quantum effects in low-capacitance Josephson junction circuits allowed for the realization of several kinds of superconducting qubits. Furthermore, coupling between qubits has been successfully achieved that was followed by the construction of multiple-qubit logic gates and the implementation of several algorithms. Here it is demonstrated that induced qubit lattice coherence as well as two remarkable quantum coherent optical phenomena, i.e., self-induced transparency and Dicke-type superradiance, may occur during light-pulse propagation in quantum metamaterials comprising superconducting charge qubits. The generated qubit lattice pulse forms a compound "quantum breather" that propagates in synchrony with the electromagnetic pulse. The experimental confirmation of such effects in superconducting quantum metamaterials may open a new pathway to potentially powerful quantum computing.

European roadmap on superconductive electronics - status and perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anders, S.; Blamire, M. G.; Buchholz, F.-Im.; Crété, D.-G.; Cristiano, R.; Febvre, P.; Fritzsch, L.; Herr, A.; Il'ichev, E.; Kohlmann, J.; Kunert, J.; Meyer, H.-G.; Niemeyer, J.; Ortlepp, T.; Rogalla, H.; Schurig, T.; Siegel, M.; Stolz, R.; Tarte, E.; ter Brake, H. J. M.; Toepfer, H.; Villegier, J.-C.; Zagoskin, A. M.; Zorin, A. B.

2010-12-01

Executive SummaryFor four decades semiconductor electronics has followed Moore’s law: with each generation of integration the circuit features became smaller, more complex and faster. This development is now reaching a wall so that smaller is no longer any faster. The clock rate has saturated at about 3-5 GHz and the parallel processor approach will soon reach its limit. The prime reason for the limitation the semiconductor electronics experiences is not the switching speed of the individual transistor, but its power dissipation and thus heat. Digital superconductive electronics is a circuit- and device-technology that is inherently faster at much less power dissipation than semiconductor electronics. It makes use of superconductors and Josephson junctions as circuit elements, which can provide extremely fast digital devices in a frequency range - dependent on the material - of hundreds of GHz: for example a flip-flop has been demonstrated that operated at 750 GHz. This digital technique is scalable and follows similar design rules as semiconductor devices. Its very low power dissipation of only 0.1 μW per gate at 100 GHz opens the possibility of three-dimensional integration. Circuits like microprocessors and analogue-to-digital converters for commercial and military applications have been demonstrated. In contrast to semiconductor circuits, the operation of superconducting circuits is based on naturally standardized digital pulses the area of which is exactly the flux quantum Φ0. The flux quantum is also the natural quantization unit for digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital converters. The latter application is so precise, that it is being used as voltage standard and that the physical unit ‘Volt’ is defined by means of this standard. Apart from its outstanding features for digital electronics, superconductive electronics provides also the most sensitive sensor for magnetic fields: the Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID). Amongst many other applications SQUIDs are used as sensors for magnetic heart and brain signals in medical applications, as sensor for geological surveying and food-processing and for non-destructive testing. As amplifiers of electrical signals, SQUIDs can nearly reach the theoretical limit given by Quantum Mechanics. A further important field of application is the detection of very weak signals by ‘transition-edge’ bolometers, superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, and superconductive tunnel junctions. Their application as radiation detectors in a wide frequency range, from microwaves to X-rays is now standard. The very low losses of superconductors have led to commercial microwave filter designs that are now widely used in the USA in base stations for cellular phones and in military communication applications. The number of demonstrated applications is continuously increasing and there is no area in professional electronics, in which superconductive electronics cannot be applied and surpasses the performance of classical devices. Superconductive electronics has to be cooled to very low temperatures. Whereas this was a bottleneck in the past, cooling techniques have made a huge step forward in recent years: very compact systems with high reliability and a wide range of cooling power are available commercially, from microcoolers of match-box size with milli-Watt cooling power to high-reliability coolers of many Watts of cooling power for satellite applications. Superconductive electronics will not replace semiconductor electronics and similar room-temperature techniques in standard applications, but for those applications which require very high speed, low-power consumption, extreme sensitivity or extremely high precision, superconductive electronics is superior to all other available techniques. To strengthen the European competitiveness in superconductor electronics research projects have to be set-up in the following field: Ultra-sensitive sensing and imaging. Quantum measurement instrumentation. Advanced analogue-to-digital converters. Superconductive electronics technology.

Frequency multiplexed superconducting quantum interference device readout of large bolometer arrays for cosmic microwave background measurements.

PubMed

Dobbs, M A; Lueker, M; Aird, K A; Bender, A N; Benson, B A; Bleem, L E; Carlstrom, J E; Chang, C L; Cho, H-M; Clarke, J; Crawford, T M; Crites, A T; Flanigan, D I; de Haan, T; George, E M; Halverson, N W; Holzapfel, W L; Hrubes, J D; Johnson, B R; Joseph, J; Keisler, R; Kennedy, J; Kermish, Z; Lanting, T M; Lee, A T; Leitch, E M; Luong-Van, D; McMahon, J J; Mehl, J; Meyer, S S; Montroy, T E; Padin, S; Plagge, T; Pryke, C; Richards, P L; Ruhl, J E; Schaffer, K K; Schwan, D; Shirokoff, E; Spieler, H G; Staniszewski, Z; Stark, A A; Vanderlinde, K; Vieira, J D; Vu, C; Westbrook, B; Williamson, R

2012-07-01

A technological milestone for experiments employing transition edge sensor bolometers operating at sub-Kelvin temperature is the deployment of detector arrays with 100s-1000s of bolometers. One key technology for such arrays is readout multiplexing: the ability to read out many sensors simultaneously on the same set of wires. This paper describes a frequency-domain multiplexed readout system which has been developed for and deployed on the APEX-SZ and South Pole Telescope millimeter wavelength receivers. In this system, the detector array is divided into modules of seven detectors, and each bolometer within the module is biased with a unique ∼MHz sinusoidal carrier such that the individual bolometer signals are well separated in frequency space. The currents from all bolometers in a module are summed together and pre-amplified with superconducting quantum interference devices operating at 4 K. Room temperature electronics demodulate the carriers to recover the bolometer signals, which are digitized separately and stored to disk. This readout system contributes little noise relative to the detectors themselves, is remarkably insensitive to unwanted microphonic excitations, and provides a technology pathway to multiplexing larger numbers of sensors.

A general numerical analysis of the superconducting quasiparticle mixer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hicks, R. G.; Feldman, M. J.; Kerr, A. R.

1985-01-01

For very low noise millimeter-wave receivers, the superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) quasiparticle mixer is now competitive with conventional Schottky mixers. Tucker (1979, 1980) has developed a quantum theory of mixing which has provided a basis for the rapid improvement in SIS mixer performance. The present paper is concerned with a general method of numerical analysis for SIS mixers which allows arbitrary terminating impedances for all the harmonic frequencies. This analysis provides an approach for an examination of the range of validity of the three-frequency results of the quantum mixer theory. The new method has been implemented with the aid of a Fortran computer program.

Observation of enhanced superconductivity in the vicinity of Ar-induced nano-cavities in Pb(111).

PubMed

Song, Sang Yong; Seo, Jungpil

2017-09-22

Local variations of superconductivity have been studied using scanning tunneling microscopy around nano-cavities formed by Ar ions embedded in Pb(111). Various factors including the density of states at Fermi energy, electron-phonon couplings, and quantum well states, which are known to affect superconductivity, have been examined. We show that the superconductivity is enhanced near the nano-cavities and propose that quantum effects such as quantum confinement, proximity effect and multi-gap effect are possibly involved in determining the superconducting gap of this system. These results have important implications for the characterization and understanding of superconductivity at a nanometer scale.

The Department of Defense Superconductivity Research and Development (DSRD) Options. A Study of Possible Directions for Exploitation of Superconductivity in Military Applications.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-07-01

transmission lines Low - noise mm wave detectors, mixers and amplifiers Multi-GHz chirp transform processors High performance small antenna arrays Multi-GHz A/D...attractive alternative. The overall advantages for HTS mm wave receivers are very- low quantum-limited noise , wide bandwidth, low electrical power...0 0 3 2 1 6 6.3A 0 0 0 2 -3 S Total 2 2 4 S 4 17 116 10, ELF Communication (far term). Extremely low frequency communication via magnetic wave has

Superconducting Microwave Multivibrator Produced by Coherent Feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerckhoff, Joseph; Lehnert, K. W.

2012-10-01

We investigate a nonlinear coherent feedback circuit constructed from preexisting superconducting microwave devices. The network exhibits emergent bistable and astable states, and we demonstrate its operation as a latch and the frequency locking of its oscillations. While the network is tedious to model by hand, our observations agree quite well with the semiclassical dynamical model produced by a new software package (N. Tezak , arXiv:1111.3081v1 [Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A (to be published)]) that systematically interpreted an idealized schematic of the system as a quantum optic feedback network.

Scalable quantum memory in the ultrastrong coupling regime.

PubMed

Kyaw, T H; Felicetti, S; Romero, G; Solano, E; Kwek, L-C

2015-03-02

Circuit quantum electrodynamics, consisting of superconducting artificial atoms coupled to on-chip resonators, represents a prime candidate to implement the scalable quantum computing architecture because of the presence of good tunability and controllability. Furthermore, recent advances have pushed the technology towards the ultrastrong coupling regime of light-matter interaction, where the qubit-resonator coupling strength reaches a considerable fraction of the resonator frequency. Here, we propose a qubit-resonator system operating in that regime, as a quantum memory device and study the storage and retrieval of quantum information in and from the Z2 parity-protected quantum memory, within experimentally feasible schemes. We are also convinced that our proposal might pave a way to realize a scalable quantum random-access memory due to its fast storage and readout performances.

Scalable quantum memory in the ultrastrong coupling regime

PubMed Central

Kyaw, T. H.; Felicetti, S.; Romero, G.; Solano, E.; Kwek, L.-C.

2015-01-01

Circuit quantum electrodynamics, consisting of superconducting artificial atoms coupled to on-chip resonators, represents a prime candidate to implement the scalable quantum computing architecture because of the presence of good tunability and controllability. Furthermore, recent advances have pushed the technology towards the ultrastrong coupling regime of light-matter interaction, where the qubit-resonator coupling strength reaches a considerable fraction of the resonator frequency. Here, we propose a qubit-resonator system operating in that regime, as a quantum memory device and study the storage and retrieval of quantum information in and from the Z2 parity-protected quantum memory, within experimentally feasible schemes. We are also convinced that our proposal might pave a way to realize a scalable quantum random-access memory due to its fast storage and readout performances. PMID:25727251

Superconducting nanoribbon with a constriction: A quantum-confined Josephson junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flammia, L.; Zhang, L.-F.; Covaci, L.; Perali, A.; Milošević, M. V.

2018-04-01

Extended defects are known to strongly affect nanoscale superconductors. Here, we report the properties of superconducting nanoribbons with a constriction formed between two adjacent step edges by solving the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations self-consistently in the regime where quantum confinement is important. Since the quantum resonances of the superconducting gap in the constricted area are different from the rest of the nanoribbon, such constriction forms a quantum-confined S-S'-S Josephson junction, with a broadly tunable performance depending on the length and width of the constriction with respect to the nanoribbon, and possible gating. These findings provide an intriguing approach to further tailor superconducting quantum devices where Josephson effect is of use.

Quantum Devices Bonded Beneath a Superconducting Shield: Part 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McRae, Corey Rae; Abdallah, Adel; Bejanin, Jeremy; Earnest, Carolyn; McConkey, Thomas; Pagel, Zachary; Mariantoni, Matteo

The next-generation quantum computer will rely on physical quantum bits (qubits) organized into arrays to form error-robust logical qubits. In the superconducting quantum circuit implementation, this architecture will require the use of larger and larger chip sizes. In order for on-chip superconducting quantum computers to be scalable, various issues found in large chips must be addressed, including the suppression of box modes (due to the sample holder) and the suppression of slot modes (due to fractured ground planes). By bonding a metallized shield layer over a superconducting circuit using thin-film indium as a bonding agent, we have demonstrated proof of concept of an extensible circuit architecture that holds the key to the suppression of spurious modes. Microwave characterization of shielded transmission lines and measurement of superconducting resonators were compared to identical unshielded devices. The elimination of box modes was investigated, as well as bond characteristics including bond homogeneity and the presence of a superconducting connection.

Superconducting-circuit quantum heat engine with frequency resolved thermal baths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofer, Patrick P.; Souquet, Jean-René; Clerk, Aashish A.

The study of quantum heat engines promises to unravel deep, fundamental concepts in quantum thermodynamics. With this in mind, we propose a novel, realistic device that efficiently converts heat into work while maintaining reasonably large output powers. The key concept in our proposal is a highly peaked spectral density in both the thermal baths as well as the working fluid. This allows for a complete separation of the heat current from the working fluid. In our setup, Cooper pairs tunnelling across a Josephson junction serve as the the working fluid, while two resonant cavities coupled to the junction act as frequency-resolved thermal baths. The device is operated such that a heat flux carried entirely by the photons induces an electrical current against a voltage bias, providing work.

Coupling a single electron spin to a microwave resonator: Part I: controlling transverse and longitudinal couplings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lachance-Quirion, Dany; Beaudoin, Félix; Camirand Lemyre, Julien; Coish, William A.; Pioro-Ladrière, Michel

Novel quantum technologies can be combined within hybrid systems to benefit from the complementary capabilities of individual components. For example, microwave-frequency superconducting resonators are ideally suited to perform qubit readout and to mediate two-qubit gates, while spin qubits offer long coherence times and high-fidelity single-qubit gates. In this talk, we consider strong coupling between a microwave resonator and an electron-spin qubit in a double quantum dot due to an inhomogeneous magnetic field generated by a nearby nanomagnet.. Considering realistic parameters, we estimate spin-resonator couplings of order 1 MHz. Further, we show that the position of the double dot relative to the nanomagnet allows us to select between purely longitudinal and transverse couplings. While the transverse coupling may be used for quantum state transfer between the spin qubit and the resonator, the longitudinal coupling could be used in a new qubit readout scheme recently introduced for superconducting qubits.

Qubit lattice coherence induced by electromagnetic pulses in superconducting metamaterials

PubMed Central

Ivić, Z.; Lazarides, N.; Tsironis, G. P.

2016-01-01

Quantum bits (qubits) are at the heart of quantum information processing schemes. Currently, solid-state qubits, and in particular the superconducting ones, seem to satisfy the requirements for being the building blocks of viable quantum computers, since they exhibit relatively long coherence times, extremely low dissipation, and scalability. The possibility of achieving quantum coherence in macroscopic circuits comprising Josephson junctions, envisioned by Legett in the 1980’s, was demonstrated for the first time in a charge qubit; since then, the exploitation of macroscopic quantum effects in low-capacitance Josephson junction circuits allowed for the realization of several kinds of superconducting qubits. Furthermore, coupling between qubits has been successfully achieved that was followed by the construction of multiple-qubit logic gates and the implementation of several algorithms. Here it is demonstrated that induced qubit lattice coherence as well as two remarkable quantum coherent optical phenomena, i.e., self-induced transparency and Dicke-type superradiance, may occur during light-pulse propagation in quantum metamaterials comprising superconducting charge qubits. The generated qubit lattice pulse forms a compound ”quantum breather” that propagates in synchrony with the electromagnetic pulse. The experimental confirmation of such effects in superconducting quantum metamaterials may open a new pathway to potentially powerful quantum computing. PMID:27403780

Qubit lattice coherence induced by electromagnetic pulses in superconducting metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivić, Z.; Lazarides, N.; Tsironis, G. P.

2016-07-01

Quantum bits (qubits) are at the heart of quantum information processing schemes. Currently, solid-state qubits, and in particular the superconducting ones, seem to satisfy the requirements for being the building blocks of viable quantum computers, since they exhibit relatively long coherence times, extremely low dissipation, and scalability. The possibility of achieving quantum coherence in macroscopic circuits comprising Josephson junctions, envisioned by Legett in the 1980’s, was demonstrated for the first time in a charge qubit; since then, the exploitation of macroscopic quantum effects in low-capacitance Josephson junction circuits allowed for the realization of several kinds of superconducting qubits. Furthermore, coupling between qubits has been successfully achieved that was followed by the construction of multiple-qubit logic gates and the implementation of several algorithms. Here it is demonstrated that induced qubit lattice coherence as well as two remarkable quantum coherent optical phenomena, i.e., self-induced transparency and Dicke-type superradiance, may occur during light-pulse propagation in quantum metamaterials comprising superconducting charge qubits. The generated qubit lattice pulse forms a compound ”quantum breather” that propagates in synchrony with the electromagnetic pulse. The experimental confirmation of such effects in superconducting quantum metamaterials may open a new pathway to potentially powerful quantum computing.

Nodal bilayer-splitting controlled by spin-orbit interactions in underdoped high-T c cuprates

DOE PAGES

Harrison, N.; Ramshaw, B. J.; Shekhter, A.

2015-06-03

The highest superconducting transition temperatures in the cuprates are achieved in bilayer and trilayer systems, highlighting the importance of interlayer interactions for high T c. It has been argued that interlayer hybridization vanishes along the nodal directions by way of a specific pattern of orbital overlap. Recent quantum oscillation measurements in bilayer cuprates have provided evidence for a residual bilayer-splitting at the nodes that is sufficiently small to enable magnetic breakdown tunneling at the nodes. Here we show that several key features of the experimental data can be understood in terms of weak spin-orbit interactions naturally present in bilayer systems,more » whose primary effect is to cause the magnetic breakdown to be accompanied by a spin flip. These features can now be understood to include the equidistant set of three quantum oscillation frequencies, the asymmetry of the quantum oscillation amplitudes in c-axis transport compared to ab-plane transport, and the anomalous magnetic field angle dependence of the amplitude of the side frequencies suggestive of small effective g-factors. We suggest that spin-orbit interactions in bilayer systems can further affect the structure of the nodal quasiparticle spectrum in the superconducting phase. PACS numbers: 71.45.Lr, 71.20.Ps, 71.18.+y« less

Superconductivity in epitaxially grown self-assembled indium islands: progress towards hybrid superconductor/semiconductor optical sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gehl, Michael; Gibson, Ricky; Zandbergen, Sander

Currently, superconducting qubits lead the way in potential candidates for quantum computing. This is a result of the robust nature of superconductivity and the non-linear Josephson effect which make possible many types of qubits. At the same time, transferring quantum information over long distances typically relies on the use of photons as the elementary qubit. Converting between stationary electronic qubits in superconducting systems and traveling photonic qubits is a challenging yet necessary goal for the interface of quantum computing and communication. The most promising path to achieving this goal appears to be the integration of superconductivity with optically active semiconductors,more » with quantum information being transferred between the two by means of the superconducting proximity effect. Obtaining good interfaces between superconductor and semiconductor is the next obvious step for improving these hybrid systems. As a result, we report on our observation of superconductivity in self-assembled indium structures grown epitaxially on the surface of semiconductor material.« less

Superconductivity in epitaxially grown self-assembled indium islands: progress towards hybrid superconductor/semiconductor optical sources

DOE PAGES

Gehl, Michael; Gibson, Ricky; Zandbergen, Sander; ...

2016-02-01

Currently, superconducting qubits lead the way in potential candidates for quantum computing. This is a result of the robust nature of superconductivity and the non-linear Josephson effect which make possible many types of qubits. At the same time, transferring quantum information over long distances typically relies on the use of photons as the elementary qubit. Converting between stationary electronic qubits in superconducting systems and traveling photonic qubits is a challenging yet necessary goal for the interface of quantum computing and communication. The most promising path to achieving this goal appears to be the integration of superconductivity with optically active semiconductors,more » with quantum information being transferred between the two by means of the superconducting proximity effect. Obtaining good interfaces between superconductor and semiconductor is the next obvious step for improving these hybrid systems. As a result, we report on our observation of superconductivity in self-assembled indium structures grown epitaxially on the surface of semiconductor material.« less

Full-switching FSF-type superconducting spin-triplet magnetic random access memory element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenk, D.; Morari, R.; Zdravkov, V. I.; Ullrich, A.; Khaydukov, Yu.; Obermeier, G.; Müller, C.; Sidorenko, A. S.; von Nidda, H.-A. Krug; Horn, S.; Tagirov, L. R.; Tidecks, R.

2017-11-01

In the present work a superconducting Co/CoOx/Cu41Ni59 /Nb/Cu41Ni59 nanoscale thin film heterostructure is investigated, which exhibits a superconducting transition temperature, Tc, depending on the history of magnetic field applied parallel to the film plane. In more detail, around zero applied field, Tc is lower when the field is changed from negative to positive polarity (with respect to the cooling field), compared to the opposite case. We interpret this finding as the result of the generation of the odd-in-frequency triplet component of superconductivity arising at noncollinear orientation of the magnetizations in the Cu41Ni59 layer adjacent to the CoOx layer. This interpretation is supported by superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, which revealed a correlation between details of the magnetic structure and the observed superconducting spin-valve effects. Readout of information is possible at zero applied field and, thus, no permanent field is required to stabilize both states. Consequently, this system represents a superconducting magnetic random access memory element for superconducting electronics. By applying increased transport currents, the system can be driven to the full switching mode between the completely superconducting and the normal state.

Hybrid quantum systems: Outsourcing superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cleland, Andrew

Superconducting qubits offer excellent prospects for manipulating quantum information, with good qubit lifetimes, high fidelity single- and two-qubit gates, and straightforward scalability (admittedly with multi-dimensional interconnect challenges). One interesting route for experimental development is the exploration of hybrid systems, i.e. coupling superconducting qubits to other systems. I will report on our group's efforts to develop approaches that will allow interfacing superconducting qubits in a quantum-coherent fashion to spin defects in solids, to optomechanical devices, and to resonant nanomechanical structures. The longer term goals of these efforts include transferring quantum states between different qubit systems; generating and receiving ``flying'' acoustic phonon-based as well as optical photon-based qubits; and ultimately developing systems that can be used for quantum memory, quantum computation and quantum communication, the last in both the microwave and fiber telecommunications bands. Work is supported by Grants from AFOSR, ARO, DOE and NSF.

Quantum information processing with superconducting circuits: a review.

PubMed

Wendin, G

2017-10-01

During the last ten years, superconducting circuits have passed from being interesting physical devices to becoming contenders for near-future useful and scalable quantum information processing (QIP). Advanced quantum simulation experiments have been shown with up to nine qubits, while a demonstration of quantum supremacy with fifty qubits is anticipated in just a few years. Quantum supremacy means that the quantum system can no longer be simulated by the most powerful classical supercomputers. Integrated classical-quantum computing systems are already emerging that can be used for software development and experimentation, even via web interfaces. Therefore, the time is ripe for describing some of the recent development of superconducting devices, systems and applications. As such, the discussion of superconducting qubits and circuits is limited to devices that are proven useful for current or near future applications. Consequently, the centre of interest is the practical applications of QIP, such as computation and simulation in Physics and Chemistry.

Quantum information processing with superconducting circuits: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wendin, G.

2017-10-01

During the last ten years, superconducting circuits have passed from being interesting physical devices to becoming contenders for near-future useful and scalable quantum information processing (QIP). Advanced quantum simulation experiments have been shown with up to nine qubits, while a demonstration of quantum supremacy with fifty qubits is anticipated in just a few years. Quantum supremacy means that the quantum system can no longer be simulated by the most powerful classical supercomputers. Integrated classical-quantum computing systems are already emerging that can be used for software development and experimentation, even via web interfaces. Therefore, the time is ripe for describing some of the recent development of superconducting devices, systems and applications. As such, the discussion of superconducting qubits and circuits is limited to devices that are proven useful for current or near future applications. Consequently, the centre of interest is the practical applications of QIP, such as computation and simulation in Physics and Chemistry.

Multi-frequency spin manipulation using rapidly tunable superconducting coplanar waveguide microresonators

DOE PAGES

Asfaw, A. T.; Sigillito, A. J.; Tyryshkin, A. M.; ...

2017-07-17

In this work, we demonstrate the use of frequency-tunable superconducting NbTiN coplanar waveguide microresonators for multi-frequency pulsed electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments. By applying a bias current to the center pin, the resonance frequency (~7.6 GHz) can be continuously tuned by as much as 95 MHz in 270 ns without a change in the quality factor of 3000 at 2 K. We demonstrate the ESR performance of our resonators by measuring donor spin ensembles in silicon and show that adiabatic pulses can be used to overcome magnetic field inhomogeneities and microwave power limitations due to the applied bias current. Wemore » take advantage of the rapid tunability of these resonators to manipulate both phosphorus and arsenic spins in a single pulse sequence, demonstrating pulsed double electron-electron resonance. Our NbTiN resonator design is useful for multi-frequency pulsed ESR and should also have applications in experiments where spin ensembles are used as quantum memories.« less

Multi-frequency spin manipulation using rapidly tunable superconducting coplanar waveguide microresonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asfaw, A. T.; Sigillito, A. J.; Tyryshkin, A. M.; Schenkel, T.; Lyon, S. A.

2017-07-01

In this work, we demonstrate the use of frequency-tunable superconducting NbTiN coplanar waveguide microresonators for multi-frequency pulsed electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments. By applying a bias current to the center pin, the resonance frequency (˜7.6 GHz) can be continuously tuned by as much as 95 MHz in 270 ns without a change in the quality factor of 3000 at 2 K. We demonstrate the ESR performance of our resonators by measuring donor spin ensembles in silicon and show that adiabatic pulses can be used to overcome magnetic field inhomogeneities and microwave power limitations due to the applied bias current. We take advantage of the rapid tunability of these resonators to manipulate both phosphorus and arsenic spins in a single pulse sequence, demonstrating pulsed double electron-electron resonance. Our NbTiN resonator design is useful for multi-frequency pulsed ESR and should also have applications in experiments where spin ensembles are used as quantum memories.

Weakly superconducting, thin-film structures as radiation detectors.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirschman, R. K.

1972-01-01

Measurements were taken with weakly superconducting quantum structures of the Notarys-Mercereau type, representing a thin superconductor film with a short region that is weakened in the sense that its transition temperature is lower than in the remaining portion of the film. The structure acts as a superconducting relaxation oscillator in which the supercurrent increases with time until the critical current of the weakened section is attained, at which moment the supercurrent decays and the cycle repeats. Under applied radiation, a series of constant-voltage steps appears in the current-voltage curve, and the size of the steps varies periodically with the amplitude of applied radiation. Measurements of the response characteristics were made in the frequency range of 10 to 450 MHz.

Storage and on-demand release of microwaves using superconducting resonators with tunable coupling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pierre, Mathieu, E-mail: mathieu.pierre@lncmi.cnrs.fr; Svensson, Ida-Maria; Raman Sathyamoorthy, Sankar

2014-06-09

We present a system which allows to tune the coupling between a superconducting resonator and a transmission line. This storage resonator is addressed through a second, coupling resonator, which is frequency-tunable and controlled by a magnetic flux applied to a superconducting quantum interference device. We experimentally demonstrate that the lifetime of the storage resonator can be tuned by more than three orders of magnitude. A field can be stored for 18 μs when the coupling resonator is tuned off resonance and it can be released in 14 ns when the coupling resonator is tuned on resonance. The device allows capture, storage, andmore » on-demand release of microwaves at a tunable rate.« less

Magnification of signatures of a topological phase transition by quantum zero point motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopes, Pedro L. e. S.; Ghaemi, Pouyan

2015-08-01

We show that the zero point motion of a vortex in superconducting doped topological insulators leads to significant changes in the electronic spectrum at the topological phase transition in this system. This topological phase transition is tuned by the doping level, and the corresponding effects are manifest in the density of states at energies which are on the order of the vortex fluctuation frequency. Although the electronic energy gap in the spectrum generated by a stationary vortex is but a small fraction of the bulk superconducting gap, the vortex fluctuation frequency may be much larger. As a result, this quantum zero point motion can induce a discontinuous change in the spectral features of the system at the topological vortex phase transition to energies which are well within the resolution of scanning tunneling microscopy. This discontinuous change is exclusive to superconducting systems in which we have a topological phase transition. Moreover, the phenomena studied in this paper present effects of Magnus forces on the vortex spectrum which are not present in the ordinary s -wave superconductors. Finally, we demonstrate explicitly that the vortex in this system is equivalent to a Kitaev chain. This allows for the mapping of the vortex fluctuating scenario in three dimensions into similar one-dimensional situations in which one may search for other novel signatures of topological phase transitions.

Low-noise SQUID

DOEpatents

Dantsker, Eugene; Clarke, John

2000-01-01

The present invention comprises a high-transition-temperature superconducting device having low-magnitude low-frequency noise-characteristics in magnetic fields comprising superconducting films wherein the films have a width that is less than or equal to a critical width, w.sub.C, which depends on an ambient magnetic field. For operation in the Earth's magnetic field, the critical width is about 6 micrometers (.mu.m). When made with film widths of about 4 .mu.m an inventive high transition-temperature, superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) excluded magnetic flux vortices up to a threshold ambient magnetic field of about 100 microTesla (.mu.T). SQUIDs were fabricated having several different film strip patterns. When the film strip width was kept at about 4 .mu.m, the SQUIDs exhibited essentially no increase in low-frequency noise, even when cooled in static magnetic fields of magnitude up to 100 .mu.T. Furthermore, the mutual inductance between the inventive devices and a seven-turn spiral coil was at least 85% of that for inductive coupling to a conventional SQUID.

Braids and phase gates through high-frequency virtual tunneling of Majorana zero modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorantla, Pranay; Sensarma, Rajdeep

2018-05-01

Braiding of non-Abelian Majorana anyons is a first step towards using them in quantum computing. We propose a protocol for braiding Majorana zero modes formed at the edges of nanowires with strong spin-orbit coupling and proximity-induced superconductivity. Our protocol uses high-frequency virtual tunneling between the ends of the nanowires in a trijunction, which leads to an effective low-frequency coarse-grained dynamics for the system, to perform the braid. The braiding operation is immune to amplitude noise in the drives and depends only on relative phase between the drives, which can be controlled by the usual phase-locking techniques. We also show how a phase gate, which is necessary for universal quantum computation, can be implemented with our protocol.

Detecting Axion Dark Matter with Superconducting Qubits

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dixit, Akash; Chou, Aaron; Schuster, David

Axion dark matter haloscopes aim to detect dark matter axions converting to single photons in resonant cavities bathed in a uniform magnetic field. A qubit (two level system) operating as a single microwave photon detector is a viable readout system for such detectors and may offer advantages over the quantum limited amplifiers currently used. When weakly coupled to the detection cavity, the qubit transition frequency is shifted by an amount proportional to the cavity photon number. Through spectroscopy of the qubit, the frequency shift is measured and the cavity occupation number is extracted. At low enough temperatures, this would allowmore » sensitivities exceeding that of the standard quantum limit.« less

Controllable Quantum States Mesoscopic Superconductivity and Spintronics (MS+S2006)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takayanagi, Hideaki; Nitta, Junsaku; Nakano, Hayato

2008-10-01

Mesoscopic effects in superconductors. Tunneling measurements of charge imbalance of non-equilibrium superconductors / R. Yagi. Influence of magnetic impurities on Josephson current in SNS junctions / T. Yokoyama. Nonlinear response and observable signatures of equilibrium entanglement / A. M. Zagoskin. Stimulated Raman adiabatic passage with a Cooper pair box / Giuseppe Falci. Crossed Andreev reflection-induced giant negative magnetoresistance / Francesco Giazotto -- Quantum modulation of superconducting junctions. Adiabatic pumping through a Josephson weak link / Fabio Taddei. Squeezing of superconducting qubits / Kazutomu Shiokawa. Detection of Berrys phases in flux qubits with coherent pulses / D. N. Zheng. Probing entanglement in the system of coupled Josephson qubits / A. S. Kiyko. Josephson junction with tunable damping using quasi-particle injection / Ryuta Yagi. Macroscopic quantum coherence in rf-SQUIDs / Alexey V. Ustinov. Bloch oscillations in a Josephson circuit / D. Esteve. Manipulation of magnetization in nonequilibrium superconducting nanostructures / F. Giazotto -- Superconducting qubits. Decoherence and Rabi oscillations in a qubit coupled to a quantum two-level system / Sahel Ashhab. Phase-coupled flux qubits: CNOT operation, controllable coupling and entanglement / Mun Dae Kim. Characteristics of a switchable superconducting flux transformer with a DC-SQUID / Yoshihiro Shimazu. Characterization of adiabatic noise in charge-based coherent nanodevices / E. Paladino -- Unconventional superconductors. Threshold temperatures of zero-bias conductance peak and zero-bias conductance dip in diffusive normal metal/superconductor junctions / Iduru Shigeta. Tunneling conductance in 2DEG/S junctions in the presence of Rashba spin-orbit coupling / T. Yokoyama. Theory of charge transport in diffusive ferromagnet/p-wave superconductor junctions / T. Yokoyama. Theory of enhanced proximity effect by the exchange field in FS bilayers / T. Yokoyama. Theory of Josephson effect in diffusive d-wave junctions / T. Yokoyama. Quantum dissipation due to the zero energy bound states in high-T[symbol] superconductor junctions / Shiro Kawabata. Spin-polarized heat transport in ferromagnet/unconventional superconductor junctions / T. Yokoyama. Little-Parks oscillations in chiral p-wave superconducting rings / Mitsuaki Takigawa. Theoretical study of synergy effect between proximity effect and Andreev interface resonant states in triplet p-wave superconductors / Yasunari Tanuma. Theory of proximity effect in unconventional superconductor junctions / Y. Tanaka -- Quantum information. Analyzing the effectiveness of the quantum repeater / Kenichiro Furuta. Architecture-dependent execution time of Shor's algorithm / Rodney Van Meter -- Quantum dots and Kondo effects. Coulomb blockade properties of 4-gated quantum dot / Shinichi Amaha. Order-N electronic structure calculation of n-type GaAs quantum dots / Shintaro Nomura. Transport through double-dots coupled to normal and superconducting leads / Yoichi Tanaka. A study of the quantum dot in application to terahertz single photon counting / Vladimir Antonov. Electron transport through laterally coupled double quantum dots / T. Kubo. Dephasing in Kondo systems: comparison between theory and experiment / F. Mallet. Kondo effect in quantum dots coupled with noncollinear ferromagnetic leads / Daisuke Matsubayashi. Non-crossing approximation study of multi-orbital Kondo effect in quantum dot systems / Tomoko Kita. Theoretical study of electronic states and spin operation in coupled quantum dots / Mikio Eto. Spin correlation in a double quantum dot-quantum wire coupled system / S. Sasaki. Kondo-assisted transport through a multiorbital quantum dot / Rui Sakano. Spin decay in a quantum dot coupled to a quantum point contact / Massoud Borhani -- Quantum wires, low-dimensional electrons. Control of the electron density and electric field with front and back gates / Masumi Yamaguchi. Effect of the array distance on the magnetization configuration of submicron-sized ferromagnetic rings / Tetsuya Miyawaki. A wide GaAs/GaAlAs quantum well simultaneously containing two dimensional electrons and holes / Ane Jensen. Simulation of the photon-spin quantum state transfer process / Yoshiaki Rikitake. Magnetotransport in two-dimensional electron gases on cylindrical surface / Friedland Klaus-Juergen. Full counting statistics for a single-electron transistor at intermediate conductance / Yasuhiro Utsumi. Creation of spin-polarized current using quantum point contacts and its detection / Mikio Eto. Density dependent electron effective mass in a back-gated quantum well / S. Nomura. The supersymmetric sigma formula and metal-insulator transition in diluted magnetic semiconductors / I. Kanazawa. Spin-photovoltaic effect in quantum wires / A. Fedorov -- Quantum interference. Nonequilibrium transport in Aharonov-Bohm interferometer with electron-phonon interaction / Akiko Ueda. Fano resonance and its breakdown in AB ring embedded with a molecule / Shigeo Fujimoto, Yuhei Natsume. Quantum resonance above a barrier in the presence of dissipation / Kohkichi Konno. Ensemble averaging in metallic quantum networks / F. Mallet -- Coherence and order in exotic materials. Progress towards an electronic array on liquid helium / David Rees. Measuring noise and cross correlations at high frequencies in nanophysics / T. Martin. Single wall carbon nanotube weak links / K. Grove-Rasmussen. Optical preparation of nuclear spins coupled to a localized electron spin / Guido Burkard. Topological effects in charge density wave dynamics / Toru Matsuura. Studies on nanoscale charge-density-wave systems: fabrication technique and transport phenomena / Katsuhiko Inagaki. Anisotropic behavior of hysteresis induced by the in-plane field in the v = 2/3 quantum Hall state / Kazuki Iwata. Phase diagram of the v = 2 bilayer quantum Hall state / Akira Fukuda -- Trapped ions (special talk). Quantum computation with trapped ions / Hartmut Häffner.

Quantum routing of single optical photons with a superconducting flux qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Keyu; Jelezko, Fedor; Twamley, Jason

2018-05-01

Interconnecting optical photons with superconducting circuits is a challenging problem but essential for building long-range superconducting quantum networks. We propose a hybrid quantum interface between the microwave and optical domains where the propagation of a single-photon pulse along a nanowaveguide is controlled in a coherent way by tuning the electromagnetically induced transparency window with the quantum state of a flux qubit mediated by the spin in a nanodiamond. The qubit can route a single-photon pulse using the nanodiamond into a quantum superposition of paths without the aid of an optical cavity—simplifying the setup. By preparing the flux qubit in a superposition state our cavityless scheme creates a hybrid state-path entanglement between a flying single optical photon and a static superconducting qubit.

Metallic quantum critical points with finite BCS couplings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raghu, Srinivas

The problem of superconductivity near quantum critical points (QCPs) remains a central topic of modern condensed matter physics. In such systems, there is a competition between the enhanced pairing tendency due to the presence of long-range attractive interactions near criticality, and the suppression of superconductivity due to the destruction of Landau quasiparticles. I will describe some recent work that addresses these competing effects in the context of a solvable model of a metallic quantum critical point. I will show that the two effects - namely the enhanced pairing and the destruction of Landau quasiparticles - can offset one another, resulting in stable ''naked'' quantum critical points without superconductivity. However, the resulting quantum critical metal exhibits strong superconducting fluctuations on all length scales. Reference: S.R., Gonzalo Torroba, and Huajia Wang, arXiv1507.06652, PRB(2015).

Tunable Superconducting Qubits with Flux-Independent Coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutchings, M. D.; Hertzberg, J. B.; Liu, Y.; Bronn, N. T.; Keefe, G. A.; Brink, Markus; Chow, Jerry M.; Plourde, B. L. T.

2017-10-01

We study the impact of low-frequency magnetic flux noise upon superconducting transmon qubits with various levels of tunability. We find that qubits with weaker tunability exhibit dephasing that is less sensitive to flux noise. This insight is used to fabricate qubits where dephasing due to flux noise is suppressed below other dephasing sources, leading to flux-independent dephasing times T2*˜15 μ s over a tunable range of approximately 340 MHz. Such tunable qubits have the potential to create high-fidelity, fault-tolerant qubit gates and to fundamentally improve scalability for a quantum processor.

Detection of geometric phases in superconducting nanocircuits

PubMed

Falci; Fazio; Palma; Siewert; Vedral

2000-09-21

When a quantum-mechanical system undergoes an adiabatic cyclic evolution, it acquires a geometrical phase factor' in addition to the dynamical one; this effect has been demonstrated in a variety of microscopic systems. Advances in nanotechnology should enable the laws of quantum dynamics to be tested at the macroscopic level, by providing controllable artificial two-level systems (for example, in quantum dots and superconducting devices). Here we propose an experimental method to detect geometric phases in a superconducting device. The setup is a Josephson junction nanocircuit consisting of a superconducting electron box. We discuss how interferometry based on geometrical phases may be realized, and show how the effect may be applied to the design of gates for quantum computation.

Realizing Controllable Quantum States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takayanagi, Hideaki; Nitta, Junsaku

1. Entanglement in solid states. Orbital entanglement and violation of bell inequalities in mesoscopic conductors / M. Büttiker, P. Samuelsson and E. V. Sukhoruk. Teleportation of electron spins with normal and superconducting dots / O. Sauret, D. Feinberg and T. Martin. Entangled state analysis for one-dimensional quantum spin system: singularity at critical point / A. Kawaguchi and K. Shimizu. Detecting crossed Andreev reflection by cross-current correlations / G. Bignon et al. Current correlations and transmission probabilities for a Y-shaped diffusive conductor / S. K. Yip -- 2. Mesoscopic electronics. Quantum bistability, structural transformation, and spontaneous persistent currents in mesoscopic Aharonov-Bohm loops / I. O. Kulik. Many-body effects on tunneling of electrons in magnetic-field-induced quasi one-dimensional systems in quantum wells / T. Kubo and Y. Tokura. Electron transport in 2DEG narrow channel under gradient magnetic field / M. Hara et al. Transport properties of a quantum wire with a side-coupled quantum dot / M. Yamaguchi et al. Photoconductivity- and magneto-transport studies of single InAs quantum wires / A. Wirthmann et al. Thermoelectric transports in charge-density-wave systems / H. Yoshimoto and S. Kurihara -- 3. Mesoscopic superconductivity. Parity-restricted persistent currents in SNS nanorings / A. D. Zaikin and S. V. Sharov. Large energy dependence of current noise in superconductingh/normal metal junctions / F. Pistolesi and M. Houzet. Generation of photon number states and their superpositions using a superconducting qubit in a microcavity / Yu-Xi Liu, L. F. Wei and F. Nori. Andreev interferometry for pumped currents / F. Taddei, M. Governale and R. Fazio. Suppression of Cooper-pair breaking against high magnetic fields in carbon nanotubes / J. Haruyama et al. Impact of the transport supercurrent on the Josephson effect / S. N. Shevchenko. Josephson current through spin-polarized Luttinger liquid / N. Yokoshi and S. Kurihara -- 4. Mesoscopic superconductivity with unconventional superconductor or ferromagnet. Ultraefficient microrefrigerators realized with ferromagnet-superconductor junctions / F. Giazotto et al. Anomalous charge transport in triplet superconductor junctions by the synergy effect of the proximity effect and the mid gap Andreev resonant states / Y. Tanaka and S. Kashiwaya. Paramagnetic and glass states in superconductive YBa[symbol]Cu[symbol]O[symbol] ceramics of sub-micron scale grains / H. Deguchi et al. Quantum properties of single-domain triplet superconductors / A. M. Gulian and K. S. Wood. A numerical study of Josephson current in p wave superconducting junctions / Y. Asano et al. Tilted bi-crystal sapphire substrates improve properties of grain boundary YBa[symbol]Cu[symbol]O[symbol] junctions and extend their Josephson response to THZ frequencies / E. Stepantsov et al. Circuit theory analysis of AB-plane tunnel junctions of unconventional superconductor Bi[symbol]Sr[symbol]Ca[symbol]Cu[symbol]O[symbol] / I. Shigeta et al. Transport properties of normal metal/anisotropic superconductor junctions in the eutectic system Sr[symbol]RuO[symbol]Ru / M. Kawamura et al. Macroscopic quantum tunneling in d-wave superconductor Josephson / S. Kawabata et al. Quasiparticle states of high-T[symbol] oxides observed by a Zeeman magnetic field response / S. Kashiwaya et al. Experimentally realizable devices for controlling the motion of magnetic flux quanta in anisotropic superconductors: vortex lenses, vortex diodes and vortex pumps / S. Savel'ev and F. Nori. Stability of vortex-antivortex "molecules" in mesoscopic superconducting triangles / V. R. Misko et al. Superconducting network with magnetic decoration - Hofstadter butterfly in spatially modulated magnetic field / Y. Iye et al. Observation of paramagnetic supercurrent in mesoscopic superconducting rings and disks using multiple-small-tunnel-junction method / A. Kanda et al. Guidance of vortices in high-T[stmbol] superconducting thin films with special arrangements of antidots / R. Wöerdenweber, P. Dymashevski and V. R. Misko. Quantum tunneling of relativistic fluxons / K. Konno et al. -- 6. Quantum information processing in solid states. Qubit decoherence by low-frequency noise / K. Rabenstein, V. A. Sverdlov and D. V. Averin. A critique of two-level approximation / K. Savran and T. Hakioǧlu. Josephson arrays as quantum channels / A. Romito, C. Bruder and R. Fazio. Fighting decoherence in a Josephson qubit circuit / E. Collin et al. Fast switching current detection at low critical currents / J. Walter, S. Corlevi and D. Haviland. Asymmetric flux bias for coupled qubits to observe entangled states / Y. Shimazu. Interaction of Josephson qubits with strong QED cavity modes: dynamical entanglement transfer and navigation / G. Falci et al. Controlling decoherence of transported quantum spin information in semiconductor spintronics / B. Nikolic and S. Souma. Decoherence due to telegraph and 1/f noise in Josephson qubits / E. Paladino et al. Detection of entanglement in NMR quantum information processing / R. Rahimi, K. Takeda and M. Kitagawa. Multiphoton absorption and SQUID switching current behaviors in superconducting flux-qubit experiments / H. Takayanagi et al. -- 7. Quantum information theory. Quantum query complexities / K. Iwama. A construction for non-stabilizer Clifford codes / M. Hagiwara and H. Imai. Quantum pushdown automata that can deterministically solve a certain problem / Y. Murakami et al. Trading classical for quantum computation using indirection / R. van Meter. Intractability of the initial arrangement of input data on qubits / Y. Kawano et al. Reversibility of modular squaring / N. Kunihiro, Y. Takahashi and Y. Kawano. Study of proximity effect at D-wave superconductors in quasiclassical methods / Y. Tanuma, Y. Tanaka and S. Kashiwaya -- 8. Spintronics in band electrons. Triplet superconductors: exploitable basis for scalable quantum computing / K. S. Wood et al. Spin excitations in low-dimensional electron gases studied by far-infrared photoconductivity spectroscopy / C.-M. Hu. Control of photogenerated carriers and spins using surface acoustic waves / P. V. Santos, J. A. H. Stotz and R. Hey. PbTe nanostructures for spin filtering and detecting / G. Grabecki. G-factor control in an Ids-inserted InGaAs/InAlAs heterostructure / J. Nitta et al. Spin hall effect in p-type semiconductors / S. Murakami. Spin diffusion in mesoscopic superconducting A1 wires / Y.-S. Shin. H.-J. Lee and H.-W. Lee. Magnetization processes revealed by in-plane DC magnetoresistance measurements on manganite bicrystal thin film devices / R. Gunnarsson. M. Hanson and T. Claeson. Giant magnetoconductance at interface between a two-dimensional hole system and a magnetic semiconductor (Ga, Mn)As / Y. Hashimoto, S. Katsumoto and Y. Iye. Diffusion modes of the transport in diluted magnetic semiconductors / I. Kanazawa. Effect of an invasive voltage probe on the spin polarized current / J. Ohe and T. Ohtsuki -- 9. Spintronics in quantum dots. Tunable exchange interaction and Kondo screening in quantum dot devices / H. Tamura et al. Kondo effect in quantum dots in presence of itinerant-electron magnetism / J. Martinek et al. Optical band edge of II-VI and III-V based diluted magnetic semiconductors / M. Takahashi. Spin-polarized transport properties through double quantum dots / Y. Tanaka and N. Kawakami. RKKY interaction between two quantum dots embedded in an Aharonov-Bohm ring / Y. Utsumi et al. Fabrication and characterization of quantum dot single electron spin resonance devices / T. Kodera et al. Kondo effect in quantum dots with two orbitals and spin 1/2 - crossover from SU (4) to SU (2) symmetry / M. Eto. Detecting spin polarization of electrons in quantum dot edge channels by photoluminescence / S. Nomura. Manipulation of exchange interaction in a double quantum dot / M. Stopa, S. Tarucha and T. Hatano. Electron-density dependence of photoluminescence from Be-[symbol]-doped GaAs quantum wells with a back gate / M. Yamaguchi et al. Direct observation of [symbol]Si nuclear-spin decoherence process / S. Sasaki and S. Watanabe.

Two-dimensional lattice gauge theories with superconducting quantum circuits

PubMed Central

Marcos, D.; Widmer, P.; Rico, E.; Hafezi, M.; Rabl, P.; Wiese, U.-J.; Zoller, P.

2014-01-01

A quantum simulator of U(1) lattice gauge theories can be implemented with superconducting circuits. This allows the investigation of confined and deconfined phases in quantum link models, and of valence bond solid and spin liquid phases in quantum dimer models. Fractionalized confining strings and the real-time dynamics of quantum phase transitions are accessible as well. Here we show how state-of-the-art superconducting technology allows us to simulate these phenomena in relatively small circuit lattices. By exploiting the strong non-linear couplings between quantized excitations emerging when superconducting qubits are coupled, we show how to engineer gauge invariant Hamiltonians, including ring-exchange and four-body Ising interactions. We demonstrate that, despite decoherence and disorder effects, minimal circuit instances allow us to investigate properties such as the dynamics of electric flux strings, signaling confinement in gauge invariant field theories. The experimental realization of these models in larger superconducting circuits could address open questions beyond current computational capability. PMID:25512676

Gapless Andreev bound states in the quantum spin Hall insulator HgTe.

PubMed

Bocquillon, Erwann; Deacon, Russell S; Wiedenmann, Jonas; Leubner, Philipp; Klapwijk, Teunis M; Brüne, Christoph; Ishibashi, Koji; Buhmann, Hartmut; Molenkamp, Laurens W

2017-02-01

In recent years, Majorana physics has attracted considerable attention because of exotic new phenomena and its prospects for fault-tolerant topological quantum computation. To this end, one needs to engineer the interplay between superconductivity and electronic properties in a topological insulator, but experimental work remains scarce and ambiguous. Here, we report experimental evidence for topological superconductivity induced in a HgTe quantum well, a 2D topological insulator that exhibits the quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect. The a.c. Josephson effect demonstrates that the supercurrent has a 4π periodicity in the superconducting phase difference, as indicated by a doubling of the voltage step for multiple Shapiro steps. In addition, this response like that of a superconducting quantum interference device to a perpendicular magnetic field shows that the 4π-periodic supercurrent originates from states located on the edges of the junction. Both features appear strongest towards the QSH regime, and thus provide evidence for induced topological superconductivity in the QSH edge states.

Electromagnetic Remote Sensing. Low Frequency Electromagnetics

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

biased superconducting point - contact quantum devices", J.Appl.Phys. 41, p.1572, 1970. [40] A.Yariv and H.Winsor, "Proposal for detection of magnetic ... magnetics , electromagnetic induc- tion, electrostatics) 2. Nondestructive testing (electromagnetic induction, neutron tomography, x-ray imaging) 3...Detection of submarines from aircraft or ships ( magnetics , electromagnetic induction) 4. Detection of land vehicles using buried sensors ( magnetics

Superconducting Quantum Interference Device Array Based High Frequency Direction Finding on an Airborne Platform

DTIC Science & Technology

is performed using the MUSIC algorithm on the signals received on the non-uniform phased array, and the ESPRIT algorithm is used on the signals...received on the non-colocated vector sensor. The simulation results show that the MUSIC algorithm using 2D Bi-SQUIDs is able to differentiate two signals

Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling in Superconducting Junctions of β-Ag2Se Topological Insulator Nanowire.

PubMed

Kim, Jihwan; Kim, Bum-Kyu; Kim, Hong-Seok; Hwang, Ahreum; Kim, Bongsoo; Doh, Yong-Joo

2017-11-08

We report on the fabrication and electrical transport properties of superconducting junctions made of β-Ag 2 Se topological insulator (TI) nanowires in contact with Al superconducting electrodes. The temperature dependence of the critical current indicates that the superconducting junction belongs to a short and diffusive junction regime. As a characteristic feature of the narrow junction, the critical current decreases monotonously with increasing magnetic field. The stochastic distribution of the switching current exhibits the macroscopic quantum tunneling behavior, which is robust up to T = 0.8 K. Our observations indicate that the TI nanowire-based Josephson junctions can be a promising building block for the development of nanohybrid superconducting quantum bits.

The Quantum Socket: Wiring for Superconducting Qubits - Part 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bejanin, J. H.; McConkey, T. G.; Rinehart, J. R.; Bateman, J. D.; Earnest, C. T.; McRae, C. H.; Rohanizadegan, Y.; Shiri, D.; Mariantoni, M.; Penava, B.; Breul, P.; Royak, S.; Zapatka, M.; Fowler, A. G.

Quantum computing research has reached a level of maturity where quantum error correction (QEC) codes can be executed on linear arrays of superconducting quantum bits (qubits). A truly scalable quantum computing architecture, however, based on practical QEC algorithms, requires nearest neighbor interaction between qubits on a two-dimensional array. Such an arrangement is not possible with techniques that rely on wire bonding. To address this issue, we have developed the quantum socket, a device based on three-dimensional wires that enables the control of superconducting qubits on a two-dimensional grid. In this talk, we present experimental results characterizing this type of wiring. We will show that the quantum socket performs exceptionally well for the transmission and reflection of microwave signals up to 10 GHz, while minimizing crosstalk between adjacent wires. Under realistic conditions, we measured an S21 of -5 dB at 6 GHz and an average crosstalk of -60 dB. We also describe time domain reflectometry results and arbitrary pulse transmission tests, showing that the quantum socket can be used to control superconducting qubits.

Non-Fermi-liquid superconductivity: Eliashberg approach versus the renormalization group

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Huajia; Raghu, Srinivas; Torroba, Gonzalo

Here, we address the problem of superconductivity for non-Fermi liquids using two commonly adopted, yet apparently distinct, methods: (1) the renormalization group (RG) and (2) Eliashberg theory. The extent to which both methods yield consistent solutions for the low-energy behavior of quantum metals has remained unclear. We show that the perturbative RG beta function for the 4-Fermi coupling can be explicitly derived from the linearized Eliashberg equations, under the assumption that quantum corrections are approximately local across energy scales. We apply our analysis to the test case of phonon-mediated superconductivity and show the consistency of both the Eliashberg and RGmore » treatments. We next study superconductivity near a class of quantum critical points and find a transition between superconductivity and a “naked” metallic quantum critical point with finite, critical BCS couplings. We speculate on the applications of our theory to the phenomenology of unconventional metals.« less

Non-Fermi-liquid superconductivity: Eliashberg approach versus the renormalization group

DOE PAGES

Wang, Huajia; Raghu, Srinivas; Torroba, Gonzalo

2017-04-15

Here, we address the problem of superconductivity for non-Fermi liquids using two commonly adopted, yet apparently distinct, methods: (1) the renormalization group (RG) and (2) Eliashberg theory. The extent to which both methods yield consistent solutions for the low-energy behavior of quantum metals has remained unclear. We show that the perturbative RG beta function for the 4-Fermi coupling can be explicitly derived from the linearized Eliashberg equations, under the assumption that quantum corrections are approximately local across energy scales. We apply our analysis to the test case of phonon-mediated superconductivity and show the consistency of both the Eliashberg and RGmore » treatments. We next study superconductivity near a class of quantum critical points and find a transition between superconductivity and a “naked” metallic quantum critical point with finite, critical BCS couplings. We speculate on the applications of our theory to the phenomenology of unconventional metals.« less

Quantum State Transmission in a Superconducting Charge Qubit-Atom Hybrid

PubMed Central

Yu, Deshui; Valado, María Martínez; Hufnagel, Christoph; Kwek, Leong Chuan; Amico, Luigi; Dumke, Rainer

2016-01-01

Hybrids consisting of macroscopic superconducting circuits and microscopic components, such as atoms and spins, have the potential of transmitting an arbitrary state between different quantum species, leading to the prospective of high-speed operation and long-time storage of quantum information. Here we propose a novel hybrid structure, where a neutral-atom qubit directly interfaces with a superconducting charge qubit, to implement the qubit-state transmission. The highly-excited Rydberg atom located inside the gate capacitor strongly affects the behavior of Cooper pairs in the box while the atom in the ground state hardly interferes with the superconducting device. In addition, the DC Stark shift of the atomic states significantly depends on the charge-qubit states. By means of the standard spectroscopic techniques and sweeping the gate voltage bias, we show how to transfer an arbitrary quantum state from the superconducting device to the atom and vice versa. PMID:27922087

Implementation of adiabatic geometric gates with superconducting phase qubits.

PubMed

Peng, Z H; Chu, H F; Wang, Z D; Zheng, D N

2009-01-28

We present an adiabatic geometric quantum computation strategy based on the non-degenerate energy eigenstates in (but not limited to) superconducting phase qubit systems. The fidelity of the designed quantum gate was evaluated in the presence of simulated thermal fluctuations in a superconducting phase qubits circuit and was found to be quite robust against random errors. In addition, it was elucidated that the Berry phase in the designed adiabatic evolution may be detected directly via the quantum state tomography developed for superconducting qubits. We also analyze the effects of control parameter fluctuations on the experimental detection of the Berry phase.

Coherent quantum dynamics of a superconducting flux qubit.

PubMed

Chiorescu, I; Nakamura, Y; Harmans, C J P M; Mooij, J E

2003-03-21

We have observed coherent time evolution between two quantum states of a superconducting flux qubit comprising three Josephson junctions in a loop. The superposition of the two states carrying opposite macroscopic persistent currents is manipulated by resonant microwave pulses. Readout by means of switching-event measurement with an attached superconducting quantum interference device revealed quantum-state oscillations with high fidelity. Under strong microwave driving, it was possible to induce hundreds of coherent oscillations. Pulsed operations on this first sample yielded a relaxation time of 900 nanoseconds and a free-induction dephasing time of 20 nanoseconds. These results are promising for future solid-state quantum computing.

Error budgeting single and two qubit gates in a superconducting qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Z.; Chiaro, B.; Dunsworth, A.; Foxen, B.; Neill, C.; Quintana, C.; Wenner, J.; Martinis, John. M.; Google Quantum Hardware Team Team

Superconducting qubits have shown promise as a platform for both error corrected quantum information processing and demonstrations of quantum supremacy. High fidelity quantum gates are crucial to achieving both of these goals, and superconducting qubits have demonstrated two qubit gates exceeding 99% fidelity. In order to improve gate fidelity further, we must understand the remaining sources of error. In this talk, I will demonstrate techniques for quantifying the contributions of control, decoherence, and leakage to gate error, for both single and two qubit gates. I will also discuss the near term outlook for achieving quantum supremacy using a gate-based approach in superconducting qubits. This work is supported Google Inc., and by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship under Grant No. DGE 1605114.

Analyse des proprietes electroniques de supraconducteurs a l'aide de la theorie de la fonctionnelle de la densite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blackburn, Simon

In this thesis, the electronic structure of different kinds of superconductors is explored with the density functional theory. A brief explanation of this theory is done in the introduction. The Hubbard model is also presented as it can be used to solve shortcomings of the theory in some materials such as cuprates. The blend of the two theories is the DFT+U which is used to describe materials with strongly correlated electrons. Afterward, a paper describing the electron-phonon coupling in the superconductor NbC1- xNx is presented. Results from this work show the role of the Fermi surface in the electron pairing mechanism leading to superconductivity. Based on these results, a model is developed explaining how the critical temperature is influenced by the change in frequency of the vibration modes. Then, quantum oscillation results based on a detailed analysis of Fermi surfaces, allowing a direct comparison with experimental data, are presented within two papers. The first one is about a material in the iron pnictide family, the LaFe2P2. Our calculations show that the Fermi surface of this material is different from the superconducting doped BaFe2As2 which explains why this material shows no sign of superconductivity. The second paper is about the heavy fermion system YbCoIn5. To do this, a new efficient method to calculate de Haas-van Alphen frequencies is developed. Finally, a paper on superconducting YBa2Cu3O6.5 is presented. Using DFT+U, the role of various magnetic orders on the Fermi surface are studied. The results allow a better understanding of the measured quantum oscillations in this material.

The a.c. Josephson effect without superconductivity

PubMed Central

Gaury, Benoit; Weston, Joseph; Waintal, Xavier

2015-01-01

Superconductivity derives its most salient features from the coherence of the associated macroscopic wave function. The related physical phenomena have now moved from exotic subjects to fundamental building blocks for quantum circuits such as qubits or single photonic modes. Here we predict that the a.c. Josephson effect—which transforms a d.c. voltage Vb into an oscillating signal cos (2eVbt/ħ)—has a mesoscopic counterpart in normal conductors. We show that when a d.c. voltage Vb is applied to an electronic interferometer, there exists a universal transient regime where the current oscillates at frequency eVb/h. This effect is not limited by a superconducting gap and could, in principle, be used to produce tunable a.c. signals in the elusive 0.1–10-THz ‘terahertz gap’. PMID:25765929

Designing Kerr interactions using multiple superconducting qubit types in a single circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elliott, Matthew; Joo, Jaewoo; Ginossar, Eran

2018-02-01

The engineering of Kerr interactions is of great interest for processing quantum information in multipartite quantum systems and for investigating many-body physics in a complex cavity-qubit network. We study how coupling multiple different types of superconducting qubits to the same cavity modes can be used to modify the self- and cross-Kerr effects acting on the cavities and demonstrate that this type of architecture could be of significant benefit for quantum technologies. Using both analytical perturbation theory results and numerical simulations, we first show that coupling two superconducting qubits with opposite anharmonicities to a single cavity enables the effective self-Kerr interaction to be diminished, while retaining the number splitting effect that enables control and measurement of the cavity field. We demonstrate that this reduction of the self-Kerr effect can maintain the fidelity of coherent states and generalised Schrödinger cat states for much longer than typical coherence times in realistic devices. Next, we find that the cross-Kerr interaction between two cavities can be modified by coupling them both to the same pair of qubit devices. When one of the qubits is tunable in frequency, the strength of entangling interactions between the cavities can be varied on demand, forming the basis for logic operations on the two modes. Finally, we discuss the feasibility of producing an array of cavities and qubits where intermediary and on-site qubits can tune the strength of self- and cross-Kerr interactions across the whole system. This architecture could provide a way to engineer interesting many-body Hamiltonians and be a useful platform for quantum simulation in circuit quantum electrodynamics.

Stroboscopic phenomena in superconductors with dynamic pinning landscape

PubMed Central

Jelić, Ž. L.; Milošević, M. V.; Van de Vondel, J.; Silhanek, A. V.

2015-01-01

Introducing artificial pinning centers is a well established strategy to trap quantum vortices and increase the maximal magnetic field and applied electric current that a superconductor can sustain without dissipation. In case of spatially periodic pinning, a clear enhancement of the superconducting critical current arises when commensurability between the vortex configurations and the pinning landscape occurs. With recent achievements in (ultrafast) optics and nanoengineered plasmonics it has become possible to exploit the interaction of light with superconductivity, and create not only spatially periodic imprints on the superconducting condensate, but also temporally periodic ones. Here we show that in the latter case, temporal matching phenomena develop, caused by stroboscopic commensurability between the characteristic frequency of the vortex motion under applied current and the frequency of the dynamic pinning. The matching resonances persist in a broad parameter space, including magnetic field, driving current, or material purity, giving rise to unusual features such as externally variable resistance/impedance and Shapiro steps in current-voltage characteristics. All features are tunable by the frequency of the dynamic pinning landscape. These findings open further exploration avenues for using flashing, spatially engineered, and/or mobile excitations on superconductors, permitting us to achieve advanced functionalities. PMID:26423610

Impurity-generated non-Abelions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simion, G.; Kazakov, A.; Rokhinson, L. P.; Wojtowicz, T.; Lyanda-Geller, Y. B.

2018-06-01

Two classes of topological superconductors and Majorana modes in condensed matter systems are known to date: one in which disorder induced by impurities strongly suppresses topological superconducting gap and is detrimental to Majorana modes, and another where Majorana fermions are protected by a disorder-robust topological superconductor gap. Observation and control of Majorana fermions and other non-Abelions often requires a symmetry of an underlying system leading to a gap in the single-particle or quasiparticle spectra. In semiconductor structures, impurities that provide charge carriers introduce states into the gap and enable conductance and proximity-induced superconductivity via the in-gap states. Thus a third class of topological superconductivity and Majorana modes emerges, in which topological superconductivity and Majorana fermions appear exclusively when impurities generate in-gap states. We show that impurity-enabled topological superconductivity is realized in a quantum Hall ferromagnet, when a helical domain wall is coupled to an s -wave superconductor. As an example of emergence of topological superconductivity in quantum Hall ferromagnets, we consider the integer quantum Hall effect in Mn-doped CdTe quantum wells. Recent experiments on transport through the quantum Hall ferromagnet domain wall in this system indicated a vital role of impurities in the conductance, but left unresolved the question whether impurities preclude generation of Majorana fermions and other non-Abelions in such systems in general. Here, solving a general quantum-mechanical problem of impurity bound states in a system of spin-orbit coupled Landau levels, we demonstrate that impurity-induced Majorana modes emerge at boundaries between topological and conventional superconducting states generated in a domain wall due to proximity to an s superconductor. We consider both short-range disorder and a smooth random potential. The phase diagram of the system is defined by characteristic disorder, gate voltage induced angular momentum splitting of impurity levels, and by a proximity superconducting gap. The phase diagram exhibits two ranges of gate voltage with conventional superconducting order separated by a gate voltage range with topological superconductivity. We show that electrostatic control of domain walls in an integer quantum Hall ferromagnet allows manipulation of Majorana fermions. Ferromagnetic transitions in the fractional quantum Hall regime may lead to the formation and electrostatic control of higher order non-Abelian excitations.

Engineering frequency-dependent superfluidity in Bose-Fermi mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arzamasovs, Maksims; Liu, Bo

2018-04-01

Unconventional superconductivity and superfluidity are among the most exciting and fascinating quantum phenomena in condensed-matter physics. Usually such states are characterized by nontrivial spin or spatial symmetry of the pairing order parameter, such as "spin triplet" or "p wave." However, besides spin and spatial dependence the order parameter may have unconventional frequency dependence which is also permitted by Fermi-Dirac statistics. Odd-frequency fermionic pairing is an exciting paradigm when discussing exotic superfluidity or superconductivity and is yet to be realized in experiments. In this paper we propose a symmetry-based method of controlling frequency dependence of the pairing order parameter via manipulating the inversion symmetry of the system. First, a toy model is introduced to illustrate that frequency dependence of the order parameter can be achieved through our proposed approach. Second, by taking advantage of recent rapid developments in producing spin-orbit-coupled dispersions in ultracold gases, we propose a Bose-Fermi mixture to realize such frequency-dependent superfluid. The key idea is introducing the frequency-dependent attraction between fermions mediated by Bogoliubov phonons with asymmetric dispersion. Our proposal should pave an alternative way for exploring frequency-dependent superfluids with cold atoms.

Exploring quantum thermodynamics in continuous measurement of superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murch, Kater

The extension of thermodynamics into the realm of quantum mechanics, where quantum fluctuations dominate and systems need not occupy definite states, poses unique challenges. Superconducting quantum circuits offer exquisite control over the environment of simple quantum systems allowing the exploration of thermodynamics at the quantum level through measurement and feedback control. We use a superconducting transmon qubit that is resonantly coupled to a waveguide cavity as an effectively one-dimensional quantum emitter. By driving the emitter and detecting the fluorescence with a near-quantum-limited Josephson parametric amplifier, we track the evolution of the quantum state and characterize the work and heat along single quantum trajectories. By using quantum feedback control to compensate for heat exchanged with the emitter's environment we are able to extract the work statistics associated with the quantum evolution and examine fundamental fluctuation theorems in non-equilibrium thermodynamics. This work was supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Naval Research.

Quantum state transfer and controlled-phase gate on one-dimensional superconducting resonators assisted by a quantum bus.

PubMed

Hua, Ming; Tao, Ming-Jie; Deng, Fu-Guo

2016-02-24

We propose a quantum processor for the scalable quantum computation on microwave photons in distant one-dimensional superconducting resonators. It is composed of a common resonator R acting as a quantum bus and some distant resonators rj coupled to the bus in different positions assisted by superconducting quantum interferometer devices (SQUID), different from previous processors. R is coupled to one transmon qutrit, and the coupling strengths between rj and R can be fully tuned by the external flux through the SQUID. To show the processor can be used to achieve universal quantum computation effectively, we present a scheme to complete the high-fidelity quantum state transfer between two distant microwave-photon resonators and another one for the high-fidelity controlled-phase gate on them. By using the technique for catching and releasing the microwave photons from resonators, our processor may play an important role in quantum communication as well.

Emergence of Quantum Phase-Slip Behaviour in Superconducting NbN Nanowires: DC Electrical Transport and Fabrication Technologies.

PubMed

Constantino, Nicolas G N; Anwar, Muhammad Shahbaz; Kennedy, Oscar W; Dang, Manyu; Warburton, Paul A; Fenton, Jonathan C

2018-06-16

Superconducting nanowires undergoing quantum phase-slips have potential for impact in electronic devices, with a high-accuracy quantum current standard among a possible toolbox of novel components. A key element of developing such technologies is to understand the requirements for, and control the production of, superconducting nanowires that undergo coherent quantum phase-slips. We present three fabrication technologies, based on using electron-beam lithography or neon focussed ion-beam lithography, for defining narrow superconducting nanowires, and have used these to create nanowires in niobium nitride with widths in the range of 20⁻250 nm. We present characterisation of the nanowires using DC electrical transport at temperatures down to 300 mK. We demonstrate that a range of different behaviours may be obtained in different nanowires, including bulk-like superconducting properties with critical-current features, the observation of phase-slip centres and the observation of zero conductance below a critical voltage, characteristic of coherent quantum phase-slips. We observe critical voltages up to 5 mV, an order of magnitude larger than other reports to date. The different prominence of quantum phase-slip effects in the various nanowires may be understood as arising from the differing importance of quantum fluctuations. Control of the nanowire properties will pave the way for routine fabrication of coherent quantum phase-slip nanowire devices for technology applications.

Advanced Concepts in Josephson Junction Reflection Amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lähteenmäki, Pasi; Vesterinen, Visa; Hassel, Juha; Paraoanu, G. S.; Seppä, Heikki; Hakonen, Pertti

2014-06-01

Low-noise amplification at microwave frequencies has become increasingly important for the research related to superconducting qubits and nanoelectromechanical systems. The fundamental limit of added noise by a phase-preserving amplifier is the standard quantum limit, often expressed as noise temperature . Towards the goal of the quantum limit, we have developed an amplifier based on intrinsic negative resistance of a selectively damped Josephson junction. Here we present measurement results on previously proposed wide-band microwave amplification and discuss the challenges for improvements on the existing designs. We have also studied flux-pumped metamaterial-based parametric amplifiers, whose operating frequency can be widely tuned by external DC-flux, and demonstrate operation at pumping, in contrast to the typical metamaterial amplifiers pumped via signal lines at.

Superconductivity mediated by quantum critical antiferromagnetic fluctuations: The rise and fall of hot spots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaoyu; Schattner, Yoni; Berg, Erez; Fernandes, Rafael M.

2017-05-01

In several unconventional superconductors, the highest superconducting transition temperature Tc is found in a region of the phase diagram where the antiferromagnetic transition temperature extrapolates to zero, signaling a putative quantum critical point. The elucidation of the interplay between these two phenomena—high-Tc superconductivity and magnetic quantum criticality—remains an important piece of the complex puzzle of unconventional superconductivity. In this paper, we combine sign-problem-free quantum Monte Carlo simulations and field-theoretical analytical calculations to unveil the microscopic mechanism responsible for the superconducting instability of a general low-energy model, called the spin-fermion model. In this approach, low-energy electronic states interact with each other via the exchange of quantum critical magnetic fluctuations. We find that even in the regime of moderately strong interactions, both the superconducting transition temperature and the pairing susceptibility are governed not by the properties of the entire Fermi surface, but instead by the properties of small portions of the Fermi surface called hot spots. Moreover, Tc increases with increasing interaction strength, until it starts to saturate at the crossover from hot-spots-dominated to Fermi-surface-dominated pairing. Our work provides not only invaluable insights into the system parameters that most strongly affect Tc, but also important benchmarks to assess the origin of superconductivity in both microscopic models and actual materials.

Multiple quantum phase transitions and superconductivity in Ce-based heavy fermions.

PubMed

Weng, Z F; Smidman, M; Jiao, L; Lu, Xin; Yuan, H Q

2016-09-01

Heavy fermions have served as prototype examples of strongly-correlated electron systems. The occurrence of unconventional superconductivity in close proximity to the electronic instabilities associated with various degrees of freedom points to an intricate relationship between superconductivity and other electronic states, which is unique but also shares some common features with high temperature superconductivity. The magnetic order in heavy fermion compounds can be continuously suppressed by tuning external parameters to a quantum critical point, and the role of quantum criticality in determining the properties of heavy fermion systems is an important unresolved issue. Here we review the recent progress of studies on Ce based heavy fermion superconductors, with an emphasis on the superconductivity emerging on the edge of magnetic and charge instabilities as well as the quantum phase transitions which occur by tuning different parameters, such as pressure, magnetic field and doping. We discuss systems where multiple quantum critical points occur and whether they can be classified in a unified manner, in particular in terms of the evolution of the Fermi surface topology.

A YBCO RF-squid variable temperature susceptometer and its applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhou, Luwei; Qiu, Jinwu; Zhang, Xianfeng; Tang, Zhimin; Cai, Yimin; Qian, Yongjia

1991-01-01

The Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) susceptibility using a high-temperature radio-frequency (rf) SQUID and a normal metal pick-up coil is employed in testing weak magnetization of the sample. The magnetic moment resolution of the device is 1 x 10(exp -6) emu, and that of the susceptibility is 5 x 10(exp -6) emu/cu cm.

Vacuum Gap Microstrip Microwave Resonators for 2.5-D Integration in Quantum Computing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lewis, Rupert M.; Henry, Michael David; Schroeder, Katlin

We demonstrate vacuum gap λ/2 microwave resonators as a route toward higher integration in superconducting qubit circuits. The resonators are fabricated from pieces on two silicon chips bonded together with an In-Sb bond. Measurements of the devices yield resonant frequencies in good agreement with simulations. Furthermore, we discuss creating low loss circuits in this geometry.

Vacuum Gap Microstrip Microwave Resonators for 2.5-D Integration in Quantum Computing

DOE PAGES

Lewis, Rupert M.; Henry, Michael David; Schroeder, Katlin

2017-02-22

We demonstrate vacuum gap λ/2 microwave resonators as a route toward higher integration in superconducting qubit circuits. The resonators are fabricated from pieces on two silicon chips bonded together with an In-Sb bond. Measurements of the devices yield resonant frequencies in good agreement with simulations. Furthermore, we discuss creating low loss circuits in this geometry.

Unconventional superconductivity and quantum criticality in the heavy fermions CeIrSi3 and CeRhSi3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landaeta, J. F.; Subero, D.; Catalá, D.; Taylor, S. V.; Kimura, N.; Settai, R.; Īnuki, Y.; Sigrist, M.; Bonalde, I.

2018-03-01

In most strongly correlated electron systems superconductivity appears nearby a magnetic quantum critical point (QCP) which is believed to cause unconventional behaviors. In order to explore this physics, we present here a study of the heavy-fermion superconductors CeIrSi3 and CeRhSi3 carried out using a newly developed system for high-resolution magnetic penetration-depth measurements under pressure. Superconductivity in CeIrSi3 shows a change from an excitation spectrum with a line-nodal gap to one which is entirely gapful when pressure is close but not yet at the QCP. In contrast, CeRhSi3 does not possess a T =0 quantum phase transition and the superconducting phase remains for all accessible pressures with a nodal gap. Combining both results suggests that in these compounds unconventional superconducting behaviors are rather connected with the coexisting antiferromagnetic order. This study provides another viewpoint on the interplay of superconductivity, magnetism, and quantum criticality in CeIrSi3 and CeRhSi3 and maybe in other heavy fermions.

Implementing an ancilla-free 1→M economical phase-covariant quantum cloning machine with superconducting quantum-interference devices in cavity QED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Long-Bao; Zhang, Wen-Hai; Ye, Liu

2007-09-01

We propose a simple scheme to realize 1→M economical phase-covariant quantum cloning machine (EPQCM) with superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) qubits. In our scheme, multi-SQUIDs are fixed into a microwave cavity by adiabatic passage for their manipulation. Based on this model, we can realize the EPQCM with high fidelity via adiabatic quantum computation.

Circuit quantum electrodynamics with a spin qubit.

PubMed

Petersson, K D; McFaul, L W; Schroer, M D; Jung, M; Taylor, J M; Houck, A A; Petta, J R

2012-10-18

Electron spins trapped in quantum dots have been proposed as basic building blocks of a future quantum processor. Although fast, 180-picosecond, two-quantum-bit (two-qubit) operations can be realized using nearest-neighbour exchange coupling, a scalable, spin-based quantum computing architecture will almost certainly require long-range qubit interactions. Circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) allows spatially separated superconducting qubits to interact via a superconducting microwave cavity that acts as a 'quantum bus', making possible two-qubit entanglement and the implementation of simple quantum algorithms. Here we combine the cQED architecture with spin qubits by coupling an indium arsenide nanowire double quantum dot to a superconducting cavity. The architecture allows us to achieve a charge-cavity coupling rate of about 30 megahertz, consistent with coupling rates obtained in gallium arsenide quantum dots. Furthermore, the strong spin-orbit interaction of indium arsenide allows us to drive spin rotations electrically with a local gate electrode, and the charge-cavity interaction provides a measurement of the resulting spin dynamics. Our results demonstrate how the cQED architecture can be used as a sensitive probe of single-spin physics and that a spin-cavity coupling rate of about one megahertz is feasible, presenting the possibility of long-range spin coupling via superconducting microwave cavities.

Three-Dimensional Wiring for Extensible Quantum Computing: The Quantum Socket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Béjanin, J. H.; McConkey, T. G.; Rinehart, J. R.; Earnest, C. T.; McRae, C. R. H.; Shiri, D.; Bateman, J. D.; Rohanizadegan, Y.; Penava, B.; Breul, P.; Royak, S.; Zapatka, M.; Fowler, A. G.; Mariantoni, M.

2016-10-01

Quantum computing architectures are on the verge of scalability, a key requirement for the implementation of a universal quantum computer. The next stage in this quest is the realization of quantum error-correction codes, which will mitigate the impact of faulty quantum information on a quantum computer. Architectures with ten or more quantum bits (qubits) have been realized using trapped ions and superconducting circuits. While these implementations are potentially scalable, true scalability will require systems engineering to combine quantum and classical hardware. One technology demanding imminent efforts is the realization of a suitable wiring method for the control and the measurement of a large number of qubits. In this work, we introduce an interconnect solution for solid-state qubits: the quantum socket. The quantum socket fully exploits the third dimension to connect classical electronics to qubits with higher density and better performance than two-dimensional methods based on wire bonding. The quantum socket is based on spring-mounted microwires—the three-dimensional wires—that push directly on a microfabricated chip, making electrical contact. A small wire cross section (approximately 1 mm), nearly nonmagnetic components, and functionality at low temperatures make the quantum socket ideal for operating solid-state qubits. The wires have a coaxial geometry and operate over a frequency range from dc to 8 GHz, with a contact resistance of approximately 150 m Ω , an impedance mismatch of approximately 10 Ω , and minimal cross talk. As a proof of principle, we fabricate and use a quantum socket to measure high-quality superconducting resonators at a temperature of approximately 10 mK. Quantum error-correction codes such as the surface code will largely benefit from the quantum socket, which will make it possible to address qubits located on a two-dimensional lattice. The present implementation of the socket could be readily extended to accommodate a quantum processor with a (10 ×10 )-qubit lattice, which would allow for the realization of a simple quantum memory.

Quantum phase slip phenomenon in ultra-narrow superconducting nanorings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arutyunov, Konstantin Yu.; Hongisto, Terhi T.; Lehtinen, Janne S.; Leino, Leena I.; Vasiliev, Alexander L.

2012-02-01

The smaller the system, typically - the higher is the impact of fluctuations. In narrow superconducting wires sufficiently close to the critical temperature Tc thermal fluctuations are responsible for the experimentally observable finite resistance. Quite recently it became possible to fabricate sub-10 nm superconducting structures, where the finite resistivity was reported within the whole range of experimentally obtainable temperatures. The observation has been associated with quantum fluctuations capable to quench zero resistivity in superconducting nanowires even at temperatures T-->0. Here we demonstrate that in tiny superconducting nanorings the same phenomenon is responsible for suppression of another basic attribute of superconductivity - persistent currents - dramatically affecting their magnitude, the period and the shape of the current-phase relation. The effect is of fundamental importance demonstrating the impact of quantum fluctuations on the ground state of a macroscopically coherent system, and should be taken into consideration in various nanoelectronic applications.

A nanocryotron comparator can connect single-flux-quantum circuits to conventional electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Qing-Yuan; McCaughan, Adam N.; Dane, Andrew E.; Berggren, Karl K.; Ortlepp, Thomas

2017-04-01

Integration with conventional electronics offers a straightforward and economical approach to upgrading existing superconducting technologies, such as scaling up superconducting detectors into large arrays and combining single flux quantum (SFQ) digital circuits with semiconductor logic gates and memories. However, direct output signals from superconducting devices (e.g., Josephson junctions) are usually not compatible with the input requirements of conventional devices (e.g., transistors). Here, we demonstrate the use of a single three-terminal superconducting-nanowire device, called the nanocryotron (nTron), as a digital comparator to combine SFQ circuits with mature semiconductor circuits such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuits. Since SFQ circuits can digitize output signals from general superconducting devices and CMOS circuits can interface existing CMOS-compatible electronics, our results demonstrate the feasibility of a general architecture that uses an nTron as an interface to realize a ‘super-hybrid’ system consisting of superconducting detectors, superconducting quantum electronics, CMOS logic gates and memories, and other conventional electronics.

Qubit Architecture with High Coherence and Fast Tunable Coupling.

PubMed

Chen, Yu; Neill, C; Roushan, P; Leung, N; Fang, M; Barends, R; Kelly, J; Campbell, B; Chen, Z; Chiaro, B; Dunsworth, A; Jeffrey, E; Megrant, A; Mutus, J Y; O'Malley, P J J; Quintana, C M; Sank, D; Vainsencher, A; Wenner, J; White, T C; Geller, Michael R; Cleland, A N; Martinis, John M

2014-11-28

We introduce a superconducting qubit architecture that combines high-coherence qubits and tunable qubit-qubit coupling. With the ability to set the coupling to zero, we demonstrate that this architecture is protected from the frequency crowding problems that arise from fixed coupling. More importantly, the coupling can be tuned dynamically with nanosecond resolution, making this architecture a versatile platform with applications ranging from quantum logic gates to quantum simulation. We illustrate the advantages of dynamical coupling by implementing a novel adiabatic controlled-z gate, with a speed approaching that of single-qubit gates. Integrating coherence and scalable control, the introduced qubit architecture provides a promising path towards large-scale quantum computation and simulation.

Coherent coupling of a superconducting flux qubit to an electron spin ensemble in diamond.

PubMed

Zhu, Xiaobo; Saito, Shiro; Kemp, Alexander; Kakuyanagi, Kosuke; Karimoto, Shin-ichi; Nakano, Hayato; Munro, William J; Tokura, Yasuhiro; Everitt, Mark S; Nemoto, Kae; Kasu, Makoto; Mizuochi, Norikazu; Semba, Kouichi

2011-10-12

During the past decade, research into superconducting quantum bits (qubits) based on Josephson junctions has made rapid progress. Many foundational experiments have been performed, and superconducting qubits are now considered one of the most promising systems for quantum information processing. However, the experimentally reported coherence times are likely to be insufficient for future large-scale quantum computation. A natural solution to this problem is a dedicated engineered quantum memory based on atomic and molecular systems. The question of whether coherent quantum coupling is possible between such natural systems and a single macroscopic artificial atom has attracted considerable attention since the first demonstration of macroscopic quantum coherence in Josephson junction circuits. Here we report evidence of coherent strong coupling between a single macroscopic superconducting artificial atom (a flux qubit) and an ensemble of electron spins in the form of nitrogen-vacancy colour centres in diamond. Furthermore, we have observed coherent exchange of a single quantum of energy between a flux qubit and a macroscopic ensemble consisting of about 3 × 10(7) such colour centres. This provides a foundation for future quantum memories and hybrid devices coupling microwave and optical systems.

Transferring arbitrary d-dimensional quantum states of a superconducting transmon qudit in circuit QED.

PubMed

Liu, Tong; Su, Qi-Ping; Yang, Jin-Hu; Zhang, Yu; Xiong, Shao-Jie; Liu, Jin-Ming; Yang, Chui-Ping

2017-08-01

A qudit (d-level quantum system) has a large Hilbert space and thus can be used to achieve many quantum information and communication tasks. Here, we propose a method to transfer arbitrary d-dimensional quantum states (known or unknown) between two superconducting transmon qudits coupled to a single cavity. The state transfer can be performed by employing resonant interactions only. In addition, quantum states can be deterministically transferred without measurement. Numerical simulations show that high-fidelity transfer of quantum states between two superconducting transmon qudits (d ≤ 5) is feasible with current circuit QED technology. This proposal is quite general and can be applied to accomplish the same task with natural or artificial atoms of a ladder-type level structure coupled to a cavity or resonator.

Strongly correlated superconductivity and quantum criticality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tremblay, A.-M. S.

Doped Mott insulators and doped charge-transfer insulators describe classes of materials that can exhibit unconventional superconducting ground states. Examples include the cuprates and the layered organic superconductors of the BEDT family. I present results obtained from plaquette cellular dynamical mean-field theory. Continuous-time quantum Monte Carlo evaluation of the hybridization expansion allows one to study the models in the large interaction limit where quasiparticles can disappear. The normal state which is unstable to the superconducting state exhibits a first-order transition between a pseudogap and a correlated metal phase. That transition is the finite-doping extension of the metal-insulator transition obtained at half-filling. This transition serves as an organizing principle for the normal and superconducting states of both cuprates and doped organic superconductors. In the less strongly correlated limit, these methods also describe the more conventional case where the superconducting dome surrounds an antiferromagnetic quantum critical point. Sponsored by NSERC RGPIN-2014-04584, CIFAR, Research Chair in the Theory of Quantum Materials.

Coherent quantum phase slip.

PubMed

Astafiev, O V; Ioffe, L B; Kafanov, S; Pashkin, Yu A; Arutyunov, K Yu; Shahar, D; Cohen, O; Tsai, J S

2012-04-18

A hundred years after the discovery of superconductivity, one fundamental prediction of the theory, coherent quantum phase slip (CQPS), has not been observed. CQPS is a phenomenon exactly dual to the Josephson effect; whereas the latter is a coherent transfer of charges between superconducting leads, the former is a coherent transfer of vortices or fluxes across a superconducting wire. In contrast to previously reported observations of incoherent phase slip, CQPS has been only a subject of theoretical study. Its experimental demonstration is made difficult by quasiparticle dissipation due to gapless excitations in nanowires or in vortex cores. This difficulty might be overcome by using certain strongly disordered superconductors near the superconductor-insulator transition. Here we report direct observation of CQPS in a narrow segment of a superconducting loop made of strongly disordered indium oxide; the effect is made manifest through the superposition of quantum states with different numbers of flux quanta. As with the Josephson effect, our observation should lead to new applications in superconducting electronics and quantum metrology.

Superconducting Magnetometry for Cardiovascular Studies and AN Application of Adaptive Filtering.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leifer, Mark Curtis

Sensitive magnetic detectors utilizing Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUID's) have been developed and used for studying the cardiovascular system. The theory of magnetic detection of cardiac currents is discussed, and new experimental data supporting the validity of the theory is presented. Measurements on both humans and dogs, in both healthy and diseased states, are presented using the new technique, which is termed vector magnetocardiography. In the next section, a new type of superconducting magnetometer with a room temperature pickup is analyzed, and techniques for optimizing its sensitivity to low-frequency sub-microamp currents are presented. Performance of the actual device displays significantly improved sensitivity in this frequency range, and the ability to measure currents in intact, in vivo biological fibers. The final section reviews the theoretical operation of a digital self-optimizing filter, and presents a four-channel software implementation of the system. The application of the adaptive filter to enhancement of geomagnetic signals for earthquake forecasting is discussed, and the adaptive filter is shown to outperform existing techniques in suppressing noise from geomagnetic records.

Performance of an on-chip superconducting circulator for quantum microwave systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chapman, Benjamin; Rosenthal, Eric; Moores, Bradley; Kerckhoff, Joseph; Mates, J. A. B.; Hilton, G. C.; Vale, L. R.; Ullom, J. N.; LalumíEre, Kevin; Blais, Alexandre; Lehnert, K. W.

Microwave circulators enforce a single propagation direction for signals in an electrical network. Unfortunately, commercial circulators are bulky, lossy, and cannot be integrated close to superconducting circuits because they require strong ( kOe) magnetic fields produced by permanent magnets. Here we report on the performance of an on-chip, active circulator for superconducting microwave circuits, which uses no permanent magnets. Non-reciprocity is achieved by actively modulating reactive elements around 100 MHz, giving roughly a factor of 50 in the separation between signal and control frequencies, which facilitates filtering. The circulator's active components are dynamically tunable inductors constructed with arrays of dc-SQUIDs in series. Array inductance is tuned by varying the magnetic flux through the SQUIDs with fields weaker than 1 Oe. Although the instantaneous bandwidth of the device is narrow, the operation frequency is tunable between 4 and 8 GHz. This presentation will describe the device's theory of operation and compare its measured performance to design goals. This work is supported by the ARO under contract W911NF-14-1-0079 and the National Science Foundation under Grant Number 1125844.

Broken selection rule in the quantum Rabi model

PubMed Central

Forn-Díaz, P.; Romero, G.; Harmans, C. J. P. M.; Solano, E.; Mooij, J. E.

2016-01-01

Understanding the interaction between light and matter is very relevant for fundamental studies of quantum electrodynamics and for the development of quantum technologies. The quantum Rabi model captures the physics of a single atom interacting with a single photon at all regimes of coupling strength. We report the spectroscopic observation of a resonant transition that breaks a selection rule in the quantum Rabi model, implemented using an LC resonator and an artificial atom, a superconducting qubit. The eigenstates of the system consist of a superposition of bare qubit-resonator states with a relative sign. When the qubit-resonator coupling strength is negligible compared to their own frequencies, the matrix element between excited eigenstates of different sign is very small in presence of a resonator drive, establishing a sign-preserving selection rule. Here, our qubit-resonator system operates in the ultrastrong coupling regime, where the coupling strength is 10% of the resonator frequency, allowing sign-changing transitions to be activated and, therefore, detected. This work shows that sign-changing transitions are an unambiguous, distinctive signature of systems operating in the ultrastrong coupling regime of the quantum Rabi model. These results pave the way to further studies of sign-preserving selection rules in multiqubit and multiphoton models. PMID:27273346

Nanofabrication for On-Chip Optical Levitation, Atom-Trapping, and Superconducting Quantum Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norte, Richard Alexander

Researchers have spent decades refining and improving their methods for fabricating smaller, finer-tuned, higher-quality nanoscale optical elements with the goal of making more sensitive and accurate measurements of the world around them using optics. Quantum optics has been a well-established tool of choice in making these increasingly sensitive measurements which have repeatedly pushed the limits on the accuracy of measurement set forth by quantum mechanics. A recent development in quantum optics has been a creative integration of robust, high-quality, and well-established macroscopic experimental systems with highly-engineerable on-chip nanoscale oscillators fabricated in cleanrooms. However, merging large systems with nanoscale oscillators often require them to have extremely high aspect-ratios, which make them extremely delicate and difficult to fabricate with an experimentally reasonable repeatability, yield and high quality. In this work we give an overview of our research, which focused on microscopic oscillators which are coupled with macroscopic optical cavities towards the goal of cooling them to their motional ground state in room temperature environments. The quality factor of a mechanical resonator is an important figure of merit for various sensing applications and observing quantum behavior. We demonstrated a technique for pushing the quality factor of a micromechanical resonator beyond conventional material and fabrication limits by using an optical field to stiffen and trap a particular motional mode of a nanoscale oscillator. Optical forces increase the oscillation frequency by storing most of the mechanical energy in a nearly loss-less optical potential, thereby strongly diluting the effects of material dissipation. By placing a 130 nm thick SiO2 pendulum in an optical standing wave, we achieve an increase in the pendulum center-of-mass frequency from 6.2 to 145 kHz. The corresponding quality factor increases 50-fold from its intrinsic value to a final value of Qm = 5.8(1.1) x 105, representing more than an order of magnitude improvement over the conventional limits of SiO2 for a pendulum geometry. Our technique may enable new opportunities for mechanical sensing and facilitate observations of quantum behavior in this class of mechanical systems. We then give a detailed overview of the techniques used to produce high-aspect-ratio nanostructures with applications in a wide range of quantum optics experiments. The ability to fabricate such nanodevices with high precision opens the door to a vast array of experiments which integrate macroscopic optical setups with lithographically engineered nanodevices. Coupled with atom-trapping experiments in the Kimble Lab, we use these techniques to realize a new waveguide chip designed to address ultra-cold atoms along lithographically patterned nanobeams which have large atom-photon coupling and near 4pi Steradian optical access for cooling and trapping atoms. We describe a fully integrated and scalable design where cold atoms are spatially overlapped with the nanostring cavities in order to observe a resonant optical depth of d0 ≈ 0.15. The nanodevice illuminates new possibilities for integrating atoms into photonic circuits and engineering quantum states of atoms and light on a microscopic scale. We then describe our work with superconducting microwave resonators coupled to a phononic cavity towards the goal of building an integrated device for quantum-limited microwave-to-optical wavelength conversion. We give an overview of our characterizations of several types of substrates for fabricating a low-loss high-frequency electromechanical system. We describe our electromechanical system fabricated on a SiN membrane which consists of a 12 GHz superconducting LC resonator coupled capacitively to the high frequency localized modes of a phononic nanobeam. Using our suspended membrane geometry we isolate our system from substrates with significant loss tangents, drastically reducing the parasitic capacitance of our superconducting circuit to ≈ 2.5 fF. This opens up a number of possibilities in making a new class of low-loss high-frequency electromechanics with relatively large electromechanical coupling. We present our substrate studies, fabrication methods, and device characterization.

Toward a superconducting quantum computer. Harnessing macroscopic quantum coherence.

PubMed

Tsai, Jaw-Shen

2010-01-01

Intensive research on the construction of superconducting quantum computers has produced numerous important achievements. The quantum bit (qubit), based on the Josephson junction, is at the heart of this research. This macroscopic system has the ability to control quantum coherence. This article reviews the current state of quantum computing as well as its history, and discusses its future. Although progress has been rapid, the field remains beset with unsolved issues, and there are still many new research opportunities open to physicists and engineers.

Noise of a superconducting magnetic flux sensor based on a proximity Josephson junction.

PubMed

Jabdaraghi, R N; Golubev, D S; Pekola, J P; Peltonen, J T

2017-08-14

We demonstrate simultaneous measurements of DC transport properties and flux noise of a hybrid superconducting magnetometer based on the proximity effect (superconducting quantum interference proximity transistor, SQUIPT). The noise is probed by a cryogenic amplifier operating in the frequency range of a few MHz. In our non-optimized device, we achieve minimum flux noise ~4 μΦ 0 /Hz 1/2 , set by the shot noise of the probe tunnel junction. The flux noise performance can be improved by further optimization of the SQUIPT parameters, primarily minimization of the proximity junction length and cross section. Furthermore, the experiment demonstrates that the setup can be used to investigate shot noise in other nonlinear devices with high impedance. This technique opens the opportunity to measure sensitive magnetometers including SQUIPT devices with very low dissipation.

Sensitive Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer Constructed with Levitated Test Masses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griggs, C. E.; Moody, M. V.; Norton, R. S.; Paik, H. J.; Venkateswara, K.

2017-12-01

We demonstrate basic operations of a two-component superconducting gravity gradiometer (SGG) that is constructed with a pair of magnetically levitated test masses coupled to superconducting quantum-interference devices. A design that gives a potential sensitivity of 1.4 ×10-4 E Hz-1 /2 (1 E ≡10-9 s-2 ) in the frequency band of 1 to 50 mHz and better than 2 ×10-5 E Hz-1 /2 between 0.1 and 1 mHz for a compact tensor SGG that fits within a 22-cm-diameter sphere. The SGG has the capability of rejecting the platform acceleration and jitter in all 6 degrees of freedom to one part in 109 . Such an instrument has applications in precision tests of fundamental laws of physics, earthquake early warning, and gravity mapping of Earth and the planets.

Superconducting quantum circuits at the surface code threshold for fault tolerance.

PubMed

Barends, R; Kelly, J; Megrant, A; Veitia, A; Sank, D; Jeffrey, E; White, T C; Mutus, J; Fowler, A G; Campbell, B; Chen, Y; Chen, Z; Chiaro, B; Dunsworth, A; Neill, C; O'Malley, P; Roushan, P; Vainsencher, A; Wenner, J; Korotkov, A N; Cleland, A N; Martinis, John M

2014-04-24

A quantum computer can solve hard problems, such as prime factoring, database searching and quantum simulation, at the cost of needing to protect fragile quantum states from error. Quantum error correction provides this protection by distributing a logical state among many physical quantum bits (qubits) by means of quantum entanglement. Superconductivity is a useful phenomenon in this regard, because it allows the construction of large quantum circuits and is compatible with microfabrication. For superconducting qubits, the surface code approach to quantum computing is a natural choice for error correction, because it uses only nearest-neighbour coupling and rapidly cycled entangling gates. The gate fidelity requirements are modest: the per-step fidelity threshold is only about 99 per cent. Here we demonstrate a universal set of logic gates in a superconducting multi-qubit processor, achieving an average single-qubit gate fidelity of 99.92 per cent and a two-qubit gate fidelity of up to 99.4 per cent. This places Josephson quantum computing at the fault-tolerance threshold for surface code error correction. Our quantum processor is a first step towards the surface code, using five qubits arranged in a linear array with nearest-neighbour coupling. As a further demonstration, we construct a five-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state using the complete circuit and full set of gates. The results demonstrate that Josephson quantum computing is a high-fidelity technology, with a clear path to scaling up to large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum circuits.

Quantum interference in heterogeneous superconducting-photonic circuits on a silicon chip.

PubMed

Schuck, C; Guo, X; Fan, L; Ma, X; Poot, M; Tang, H X

2016-01-21

Quantum information processing holds great promise for communicating and computing data efficiently. However, scaling current photonic implementation approaches to larger system size remains an outstanding challenge for realizing disruptive quantum technology. Two main ingredients of quantum information processors are quantum interference and single-photon detectors. Here we develop a hybrid superconducting-photonic circuit system to show how these elements can be combined in a scalable fashion on a silicon chip. We demonstrate the suitability of this approach for integrated quantum optics by interfering and detecting photon pairs directly on the chip with waveguide-coupled single-photon detectors. Using a directional coupler implemented with silicon nitride nanophotonic waveguides, we observe 97% interference visibility when measuring photon statistics with two monolithically integrated superconducting single-photon detectors. The photonic circuit and detector fabrication processes are compatible with standard semiconductor thin-film technology, making it possible to implement more complex and larger scale quantum photonic circuits on silicon chips.

Quantum-circuit refrigerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Kuan Yen; Partanen, Matti; Lake, Russell E.; Govenius, Joonas; Masuda, Shumpei; Möttönen, Mikko

2017-05-01

Quantum technology promises revolutionizing applications in information processing, communications, sensing and modelling. However, efficient on-demand cooling of the functional quantum degrees of freedom remains challenging in many solid-state implementations, such as superconducting circuits. Here we demonstrate direct cooling of a superconducting resonator mode using voltage-controllable electron tunnelling in a nanoscale refrigerator. This result is revealed by a decreased electron temperature at a resonator-coupled probe resistor, even for an elevated electron temperature at the refrigerator. Our conclusions are verified by control experiments and by a good quantitative agreement between theory and experimental observations at various operation voltages and bath temperatures. In the future, we aim to remove spurious dissipation introduced by our refrigerator and to decrease the operational temperature. Such an ideal quantum-circuit refrigerator has potential applications in the initialization of quantum electric devices. In the superconducting quantum computer, for example, fast and accurate reset of the quantum memory is needed.

Hybrid Quantum Information Processing with Superconductors and Neutral Atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDermott, Robert

Hybrid approaches to quantum information processing (QIP) aim to capitalize on the strengths of disparate quantum technologies to realize a system whose capabilities exceed those of any single experimental platform. At the University of Wisconsin, we are working toward integration of a fast superconducting quantum processor with a stable, long-lived quantum memory based on trapped neutral atoms. Here we describe the development of a quantum interface between superconducting thin-film cavity circuits and trapped Rydberg atoms, the key technological obstacle to realization of superconductor-atom hybrid QIP. Specific accomplishments to date include development of a theoretical protocol for high-fidelity state transfer between the atom and the cavity; fabrication and characterization of high- Q superconducting cavities with integrated trapping electrodes to enhance zero-point microwave fields at a location remote from the chip surface; and trapping and Rydberg excitation of single atoms within 1 mm of the cavity. We discuss the status of experiments to probe the strong coherent coupling of single Rydberg atoms and the superconducting cavity. Supported by ARO under contract W911NF-16-1-0133.

Fabrication of Circuit QED Quantum Processors, Part 1: Extensible Footprint for a Superconducting Surface Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruno, A.; Michalak, D. J.; Poletto, S.; Clarke, J. S.; Dicarlo, L.

Large-scale quantum computation hinges on the ability to preserve and process quantum information with higher fidelity by increasing redundancy in a quantum error correction code. We present the realization of a scalable footprint for superconducting surface code based on planar circuit QED. We developed a tileable unit cell for surface code with all I/O routed vertically by means of superconducting through-silicon vias (TSVs). We address some of the challenges encountered during the fabrication and assembly of these chips, such as the quality of etch of the TSV, the uniformity of the ALD TiN coating conformal to the TSV, and the reliability of superconducting indium contact between the chips and PCB. We compare measured performance to a detailed list of specifications required for the realization of quantum fault tolerance. Our demonstration using centimeter-scale chips can accommodate the 50 qubits needed to target the experimental demonstration of small-distance logical qubits. Research funded by Intel Corporation and IARPA.

Realizing a partial general quantum cloning machine with superconducting quantum-interference devices in a cavity QED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Bao-Long; Yang, Zhen; Ye, Liu

2009-05-01

We propose a scheme for implementing a partial general quantum cloning machine with superconducting quantum-interference devices coupled to a nonresonant cavity. By regulating the time parameters, our system can perform optimal symmetric (asymmetric) universal quantum cloning, optimal symmetric (asymmetric) phase-covariant cloning, and optimal symmetric economical phase-covariant cloning. In the scheme the cavity is only virtually excited, thus, the cavity decay is suppressed during the cloning operations.

Proximity-Induced Superconductivity and Quantum Interference in Topological Crystalline Insulator SnTe Thin-Film Devices.

PubMed

Klett, Robin; Schönle, Joachim; Becker, Andreas; Dyck, Denis; Borisov, Kiril; Rott, Karsten; Ramermann, Daniela; Büker, Björn; Haskenhoff, Jan; Krieft, Jan; Hübner, Torsten; Reimer, Oliver; Shekhar, Chandra; Schmalhorst, Jan-Michael; Hütten, Andreas; Felser, Claudia; Wernsdorfer, Wolfgang; Reiss, Günter

2018-02-14

Topological crystalline insulators represent a new state of matter, in which the electronic transport is governed by mirror-symmetry protected Dirac surface states. Due to the helical spin-polarization of these surface states, the proximity of topological crystalline matter to a nearby superconductor is predicted to induce unconventional superconductivity and, thus, to host Majorana physics. We report on the preparation and characterization of Nb-based superconducting quantum interference devices patterned on top of topological crystalline insulator SnTe thin films. The SnTe films show weak anti-localization, and the weak links of the superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) exhibit fully gapped proximity-induced superconductivity. Both properties give a coinciding coherence length of 120 nm. The SQUID oscillations induced by a magnetic field show 2π periodicity, possibly dominated by the bulk conductivity.

Metal-insulator quantum critical point beneath the high Tc superconducting dome.

PubMed

Sebastian, Suchitra E; Harrison, N; Altarawneh, M M; Mielke, C H; Liang, Ruixing; Bonn, D A; Hardy, W N; Lonzarich, G G

2010-04-06

An enduring question in correlated systems concerns whether superconductivity is favored at a quantum critical point (QCP) characterized by a divergent quasiparticle effective mass. Despite such a scenario being widely postulated in high T(c) cuprates and invoked to explain non-Fermi liquid transport signatures, experimental evidence is lacking for a critical divergence under the superconducting dome. We use ultrastrong magnetic fields to measure quantum oscillations in underdoped YBa(2)Cu(3)O(6+x), revealing a dramatic doping-dependent upturn in quasiparticle effective mass at a critical metal-insulator transition beneath the superconducting dome. Given the location of this QCP under a plateau in T(c) in addition to a postulated QCP at optimal doping, we discuss the intriguing possibility of two intersecting superconducting subdomes, each centered at a critical Fermi surface instability.

Coherence-enhanced phase-dependent dissipation in long SNS Josephson junctions: Revealing Andreev bound state dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dassonneville, B.; Murani, A.; Ferrier, M.; Guéron, S.; Bouchiat, H.

2018-05-01

One of the best known causes of dissipation in ac-driven quantum systems stems from photon absorption causing transitions between levels. Dissipation can also be caused by the retarded response to the time-dependent excitation, and in general gives insight into the system's relaxation times and mechanisms. Here we address the dissipation in a mesoscopic normal wire with superconducting contacts, that sustains a dissipationless supercurrent at zero frequency and that may therefore naively be expected to remain dissipationless at a frequency lower than the superconducting gap. We probe the high-frequency linear response of such a normal metal/superconductor (NS) ring to a time-dependent flux by coupling it to a highly sensitive multimode microwave resonator. Far from being the simple, dissipationless derivative of the supercurrent-versus-phase relation, the ring's ac susceptibility also displays a dissipative component whose phase dependence is a signature of the dynamical processes occurring within the Andreev spectrum. We show how dissipation is driven by the competition between two mechanisms. The first is the relaxation of the Andreev level distribution function, while the second corresponds to microwave-induced transitions within the spectrum. Depending on the relative strength of those contributions, dissipation can be maximal at π , a phase at which the proximity-induced minigap closes, or can be maximal near π /2 , a phase at which the dc supercurrent is maximal. We also find that the dissipative response paradoxically increases at low temperature and can even exceed the normal-state conductance. The results are successfully confronted with theoretical predictions of the Kubo linear response and time-dependent Usadel equations, derived from the Bogoliubov-de Gennes Hamiltonian describing the SNS junction. These experiments thus demonstrate the power of the ac susceptibility measurement of individual hybrid mesoscopic systems in probing in a controlled way the quantum dynamics of Andreev bound states. By spanning different physical regimes, our experiments provide unique access to inelastic scattering and spectroscopy of an isolated quantum coherent system, and reveal the associated relaxation times. This technique should be a tool of choice to investigate topological superconductivity and detect the topological protection of edge states.

Quantum fluctuations of the superconducting cosmic string

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Shoucheng

1987-01-01

Quantum fluctuations of the proposed superconducting string with Bose charge carriers are studied in terms of the vortices on the string world sheet. In the thermodynamical limit, it is found that they appear in the form of free vortices rather than as bound pairs. This fluctuation mode violates the topological conservation law on which superconductivity is based. However, this limit may not be reached. The critical size of the superconducting string is estimated as a function of the coupling constants involved.

Correlation effects in superconducting quantum dot systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pokorný, Vladislav; Žonda, Martin

2018-05-01

We study the effect of electron correlations on a system consisting of a single-level quantum dot with local Coulomb interaction attached to two superconducting leads. We use the single-impurity Anderson model with BCS superconducting baths to study the interplay between the proximity induced electron pairing and the local Coulomb interaction. We show how to solve the model using the continuous-time hybridization-expansion quantum Monte Carlo method. The results obtained for experimentally relevant parameters are compared with results of self-consistent second order perturbation theory as well as with the numerical renormalization group method.

Multilevel Effects in a Driven Generalized Rabi Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietikäinen, I.; Danilin, S.; Kumar, K. S.; Tuorila, J.; Paraoanu, G. S.

2018-01-01

We study numerically the onset of higher-level excitations and resonance frequency shifts in the generalized multilevel Rabi model with dispersive coupling under strong driving. The response to a weak probe is calculated using the Floquet method, which allows us to calculate the probe spectrum and extract the resonance frequency. We test our predictions using a superconducting circuit consisting of a transmon coupled capacitively to a coplanar waveguide resonator. This system is monitored by a weak probe field and at the same time driven at various powers by a stronger microwave tone. We show that the transition from the quantum to the classical regime is accompanied by a rapid increase of the transmon occupation and consequently that the qubit approximation is valid only in the extreme quantum limit.

Multilevel Effects in a Driven Generalized Rabi Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietikäinen, I.; Danilin, S.; Kumar, K. S.; Tuorila, J.; Paraoanu, G. S.

2018-06-01

We study numerically the onset of higher-level excitations and resonance frequency shifts in the generalized multilevel Rabi model with dispersive coupling under strong driving. The response to a weak probe is calculated using the Floquet method, which allows us to calculate the probe spectrum and extract the resonance frequency. We test our predictions using a superconducting circuit consisting of a transmon coupled capacitively to a coplanar waveguide resonator. This system is monitored by a weak probe field and at the same time driven at various powers by a stronger microwave tone. We show that the transition from the quantum to the classical regime is accompanied by a rapid increase of the transmon occupation and consequently that the qubit approximation is valid only in the extreme quantum limit.

Lasing in circuit quantum electrodynamics with strong noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marthaler, M.; Utsumi, Y.; Golubev, D. S.

2015-05-01

We study a model which can describe a superconducting single-electron transistor or a double quantum dot coupled to a transmission-line oscillator. In both cases the degree of freedom is given by a charged particle, which couples strongly to the electromagnetic environment or phonons. We consider the case where a lasing condition is established and study the dependence of the average photon number in the resonator on the spectral function of the electromagnetic environment. We focus on three important cases: a strongly coupled environment with a small cutoff frequency, a structured environment peaked at a specific frequency, and 1 /f noise. We find that the electromagnetic environment can have a substantial impact on the photon creation. Resonance peaks are in general broadened and additional resonances can appear.

Feedback control of persistent-current oscillation based on the atomic-clock technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Deshui; Dumke, Rainer

2018-05-01

We propose a scheme of stabilizing the persistent-current Rabi oscillation based on the flux qubit-resonator-atom hybrid structure. The low-Q L C resonator weakly interacts with the flux qubit and maps the persistent-current Rabi oscillation of the flux qubit onto the intraresonator electric field. This oscillating electric field is further coupled to a Rydberg-Rydberg transition of the 87Rb atoms. The Rabi-frequency fluctuation of the flux qubit is deduced from measuring the atomic population via the fluorescence detection and stabilized by feedback controlling the external flux bias. Our numerical simulation indicates that the feedback-control method can efficiently suppress the background fluctuations in the flux qubit, especially in the low-frequency limit. This technique may be extensively applicable to different types of superconducting circuits, paving a way to long-term-coherence superconducting quantum information processing.

Brijuni Conference (10th), Imaging in Space and Time. Held in Brijuni, Croatia on 28 August-1 September 2006

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

Solitons in Photonic Lattices 9.40-10.00 discussion 10.00-10.40 S. Tsai: Imaging the quantum coherence: Readout for superconducting multi-qubit system...dynamics in the few-cycle pulse limit 11.40-11.50 discussion 11.50-12.10 T. Ban: Manipulations of the atom velocity with femtosecond laser frequency comb...Conference X, Brijuni, Croatia, 28.08.-01.09.2006. MANIPULATION OF THE ATOM VELOCITY WITH FEMTOSECOND LASER FREQUENCY COMB Ticijana Ban, D. Aumiler, H

Langmuir vacuum and superconductivity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Veklenko, B. A.

It is shown that, in the 'jelly' model of cold electron-ion plasma, the interaction between electrons and the quantum electromagnetic vacuum of Langmuir waves involves plasma superconductivity with an energy gap proportional to the energy of the Langmuir quantum.

Equal-Spin Andreev Reflection on Junctions of Spin-Resolved Quantum Hall Bulk State and Spin-Singlet Superconductor.

PubMed

Matsuo, Sadashige; Ueda, Kento; Baba, Shoji; Kamata, Hiroshi; Tateno, Mizuki; Shabani, Javad; Palmstrøm, Christopher J; Tarucha, Seigo

2018-02-22

The recent development of superconducting spintronics has revealed the spin-triplet superconducting proximity effect from a spin-singlet superconductor into a spin-polarized normal metal. In addition recently superconducting junctions using semiconductors are in demand for highly controlled experiments to engineer topological superconductivity. Here we report experimental observation of Andreev reflection in junctions of spin-resolved quantum Hall (QH) states in an InAs quantum well and the spin-singlet superconductor NbTi. The measured conductance indicates a sub-gap feature and two peaks on the outer side of the sub-gap feature in the QH plateau-transition regime increases. The observed structures can be explained by considering transport with Andreev reflection from two channels, one originating from equal-spin Andreev reflection intermediated by spin-flip processes and second arising from normal Andreev reflection. This result indicates the possibility to induce the superconducting proximity gap in the the QH bulk state, and the possibility for the development of superconducting spintronics in semiconductor devices.

Andreev molecules in semiconductor nanowire double quantum dots.

PubMed

Su, Zhaoen; Tacla, Alexandre B; Hocevar, Moïra; Car, Diana; Plissard, Sébastien R; Bakkers, Erik P A M; Daley, Andrew J; Pekker, David; Frolov, Sergey M

2017-09-19

Chains of quantum dots coupled to superconductors are promising for the realization of the Kitaev model of a topological superconductor. While individual superconducting quantum dots have been explored, control of longer chains requires understanding of interdot coupling. Here, double quantum dots are defined by gate voltages in indium antimonide nanowires. High transparency superconducting niobium titanium nitride contacts are made to each of the dots in order to induce superconductivity, as well as probe electron transport. Andreev bound states induced on each of dots hybridize to define Andreev molecular states. The evolution of these states is studied as a function of charge parity on the dots, and in magnetic field. The experiments are found in agreement with a numerical model.Quantum dots in a nanowire are one possible approach to creating a solid-state quantum simulator. Here, the authors demonstrate the coupling of electronic states in a double quantum dot to form Andreev molecule states; a potential building block for longer chains suitable for quantum simulation.

Toward a superconducting quantum computer

PubMed Central

Tsai, Jaw-Shen

2010-01-01

Intensive research on the construction of superconducting quantum computers has produced numerous important achievements. The quantum bit (qubit), based on the Josephson junction, is at the heart of this research. This macroscopic system has the ability to control quantum coherence. This article reviews the current state of quantum computing as well as its history, and discusses its future. Although progress has been rapid, the field remains beset with unsolved issues, and there are still many new research opportunities open to physicists and engineers. PMID:20431256

Implementing two optimal economical quantum cloning with superconducting quantum interference devices in a cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Liu; Hu, GuiYu; Li, AiXia

2011-01-01

We propose a unified scheme to implement the optimal 1 → 3 economical phase-covariant quantum cloning and optimal 1 → 3 economical real state cloning with superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) in a cavity. During this process, no transfer of quantum information between the SQUIDs and cavity is required. The cavity field is only virtually excited. The scheme is insensitive to cavity decay. Therefore, the scheme can be experimentally realized in the range of current cavity QED techniques.

Eddy-Current-Based Nondestructive Inspection System Using Superconducting Quantum Interference Device for Thin Copper Tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatsukade, Yoshimi; Kosugi, Akifumi; Mori, Kazuaki; Tanaka, Saburo

2004-11-01

An eddy-current-based nondestructive inspection (NDI) system using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) cooled using a coaxial pulse tube cryocooler was constructed for the inspection of microflaws on copper tubes employing a high-Tc SQUID gradiometer and a Helmholtz-like coil inducer. The detection of artificial flaws several tens of μm in depth on copper tubes 6.35 mm in outer diameter and 0.825 mm in thickness was demonstrated using the SQUID-NDI system. With an excitation field of 1.6 μT at 5 kHz, a 30-μm-depth flaw was successfully detected by the system at an SN ratio of at least 20. The magnetic signal amplitude due to the flaw was proportional to both excitation frequency and the square of flaw depth. With consideration of the system’s sensitivity, the results indicate that sub-10-μm-depth flaws are detectable by the SQUID-NDI system.

Quantum simulation of the spin-boson model with a microwave circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leppäkangas, Juha; Braumüller, Jochen; Hauck, Melanie; Reiner, Jan-Michael; Schwenk, Iris; Zanker, Sebastian; Fritz, Lukas; Ustinov, Alexey V.; Weides, Martin; Marthaler, Michael

2018-05-01

We consider superconducting circuits for the purpose of simulating the spin-boson model. The spin-boson model consists of a single two-level system coupled to bosonic modes. In most cases, the model is considered in a limit where the bosonic modes are sufficiently dense to form a continuous spectral bath. A very well known case is the Ohmic bath, where the density of states grows linearly with the frequency. In the limit of weak coupling or large temperature, this problem can be solved numerically. If the coupling is strong, the bosonic modes can become sufficiently excited to make a classical simulation impossible. Here we discuss how a quantum simulation of this problem can be performed by coupling a superconducting qubit to a set of microwave resonators. We demonstrate a possible implementation of a continuous spectral bath with individual bath resonators coupling strongly to the qubit. Applying a microwave drive scheme potentially allows us to access the strong-coupling regime of the spin-boson model. We discuss how the resulting spin relaxation dynamics with different initialization conditions can be probed by standard qubit-readout techniques from circuit quantum electrodynamics.

NMR and MRI apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Clarke, John; Kelso, Nathan; Lee, SeungKyun; Moessle, Michael; Myers, Whittier; McDermott, Robert; ten Haken, Bernard; Pines, Alexander; Trabesinger, Andreas

2007-03-06

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. Additional signal to noise benefits are obtained by use of a low noise polarization coil, comprising litz wire or superconducting materials. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Edge-mode superconductivity in a two-dimensional topological insulator.

PubMed

Pribiag, Vlad S; Beukman, Arjan J A; Qu, Fanming; Cassidy, Maja C; Charpentier, Christophe; Wegscheider, Werner; Kouwenhoven, Leo P

2015-07-01

Topological superconductivity is an exotic state of matter that supports Majorana zero-modes, which have been predicted to occur in the surface states of three-dimensional systems, in the edge states of two-dimensional systems, and in one-dimensional wires. Localized Majorana zero-modes obey non-Abelian exchange statistics, making them interesting building blocks for topological quantum computing. Here, we report superconductivity induced in the edge modes of semiconducting InAs/GaSb quantum wells, a two-dimensional topological insulator. Using superconducting quantum interference we demonstrate gate-tuning between edge-dominated and bulk-dominated regimes of superconducting transport. The edge-dominated regime arises only under conditions of high-bulk resistivity, which we associate with the two-dimensional topological phase. These experiments establish InAs/GaSb as a promising platform for the confinement of Majoranas into localized states, enabling future investigations of non-Abelian statistics.

On-chip quantum interference of a superconducting microsphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pino, H.; Prat-Camps, J.; Sinha, K.; Prasanna Venkatesh, B.; Romero-Isart, O.

2018-04-01

We propose and analyze an all-magnetic scheme to perform a Young’s double slit experiment with a micron-sized superconducting sphere of mass ≳ {10}13 amu. We show that its center of mass could be prepared in a spatial quantum superposition state with an extent of the order of half a micrometer. The scheme is based on magnetically levitating the sphere above a superconducting chip and letting it skate through a static magnetic potential landscape where it interacts for short intervals with quantum circuits. In this way, a protocol for fast quantum interferometry using quantum magnetomechanics is passively implemented. Such a table-top earth-based quantum experiment would operate in a parameter regime where gravitational energy scales become relevant. In particular, we show that the faint parameter-free gravitationally-induced decoherence collapse model, proposed by Diósi and Penrose, could be unambiguously falsified.

Piezoelectric tunable microwave superconducting cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, N. C.; Fan, Y.; Tobar, M. E.

2016-09-01

In the context of engineered quantum systems, there is a demand for superconducting tunable devices, able to operate with high-quality factors at power levels equivalent to only a few photons. In this work, we developed a 3D microwave re-entrant cavity with such characteristics ready to provide a very fine-tuning of a high-Q resonant mode over a large dynamic range. This system has an electronic tuning mechanism based on a mechanically amplified piezoelectric actuator, which controls the resonator dominant mode frequency by changing the cavity narrow gap by very small displacements. Experiments were conducted at room and dilution refrigerator temperatures showing a large dynamic range up to 4 GHz and 1 GHz, respectively, and were compared to a finite element method model simulated data. At elevated microwave power input, nonlinear thermal effects were observed to destroy the superconductivity of the cavity due to the large electric fields generated in the small gap of the re-entrant cavity.

High sensitive THz superconducting hot electron bolometer mixers and transition edge sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, W.; Miao, W.; Zhou, K. M.; Guo, X. H.; Zhong, J. Q.; Shi, S. C.

2016-11-01

Terahertz band, which is roughly defined as 0.1 THz to 10 THz, is an interesting frequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum to be fully explored in astronomy. THz observations play key roles in astrophysics and cosmology. High sensitive heterodyne and direct detectors are the main tools for the detection of molecular spectral lines and fine atomic structure spectral lines, which are very important tracers for probing the physical and chemical properties and dynamic processes of objects such as star and planetary systems. China is planning to build an THz telescope at Dome A, Antarctica, a unique site for ground-based THz observations. We are developing THz superconducting hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixers and transition edge sensors (TES), which are quantum limited and back-ground limited detectors, respectively. Here we first introduce the working principles of superconducting HEB and TES, and then mainly present the results achieved at Purple mountain Observatory.

Josephson Thermal Memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guarcello, Claudio; Solinas, Paolo; Braggio, Alessandro; Di Ventra, Massimiliano; Giazotto, Francesco

2018-01-01

We propose a superconducting thermal memory device that exploits the thermal hysteresis in a flux-controlled temperature-biased superconducting quantum-interference device (SQUID). This system reveals a flux-controllable temperature bistability, which can be used to define two well-distinguishable thermal logic states. We discuss a suitable writing-reading procedure for these memory states. The time of the memory writing operation is expected to be on the order of approximately 0.2 ns for a Nb-based SQUID in thermal contact with a phonon bath at 4.2 K. We suggest a noninvasive readout scheme for the memory states based on the measurement of the effective resonance frequency of a tank circuit inductively coupled to the SQUID. The proposed device paves the way for a practical implementation of thermal logic and computation. The advantage of this proposal is that it represents also an example of harvesting thermal energy in superconducting circuits.

Superconducting inductive displacement detection of a microcantilever

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinante, A.

2014-07-01

We demonstrate a superconducting inductive technique to measure the displacement of a micromechanical resonator. In our scheme, a type I superconducting microsphere is attached to the free end of a microcantilever and approached to the loop of a dc Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) microsusceptometer. A local magnetic field as low as 100 μT, generated by a field coil concentric to the SQUID, enables detection of the cantilever thermomechanical noise at 4.2 K. The magnetomechanical coupling and the magnetic spring are in good agreement with image method calculations assuming pure Meissner effect. These measurements are relevant to recent proposals of quantum magnetomechanics experiments based on levitating superconducting microparticles.

Proceedings of the Annual Conference on Magnetism and Magnetic Materials (38th) Held at Minneapolis, Minnesota on 15-18 November 1993. (Journal of Applied Physics. Volume 75, Number 10, Part 28

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-15

Nogues superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry and small-angle neutron-scattering techniques 5829 Thermodynamical properties of a...sa’nple magnetometer (VSM) and superconducting Coey et al.1 have been extensively studied during the past quantum interference device (SQUID) were used to...were measured in a superconducting quantum- interference 30 device magnetometer at 273 K. 20 e 10 U1 Y3 U RESULTS - C0 20 40 60 80 100 Phase relations

Quantum memory operations in a flux qubit - spin ensemble hybrid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, S.; Zhu, X.; Amsuss, R.; Matsuzaki, Y.; Kakuyanagi, K.; Shimo-Oka, T.; Mizuochi, N.; Nemoto, K.; Munro, W. J.; Semba, K.

2014-03-01

Superconducting quantum bits (qubits) are one of the most promising candidates for a future large-scale quantum processor. However for larger scale realizations the currently reported coherence times of these macroscopic objects (superconducting qubits) has not yet reached those of microscopic systems (electron spins, nuclear spins, etc). In this context, a superconductor-spin ensemble hybrid system has attracted considerable attention. The spin ensemble could operate as a quantum memory for superconducting qubits. We have experimentally demonstrated quantum memory operations in a superconductor-diamond hybrid system. An excited state and a superposition state prepared in the flux qubit can be transferred to, stored in and retrieved from the NV spin ensemble in diamond. From these experiments, we have found the coherence time of the spin ensemble is limited by the inhomogeneous broadening of the electron spin (4.4 MHz) and by the hyperfine coupling to nitrogen nuclear spins (2.3 MHz). In the future, spin echo techniques could eliminate these effects and elongate the coherence time. Our results are a significant first step in utilizing the spin ensemble as long-lived quantum memory for superconducting flux qubits. This work was supported by the FIRST program and NICT.

A near-field scanning microwave microscope based on a superconducting resonator for low power measurements.

PubMed

de Graaf, S E; Danilov, A V; Adamyan, A; Kubatkin, S E

2013-02-01

We report on the design and performance of a cryogenic (300 mK) near-field scanning microwave microscope. It uses a microwave resonator as the near-field sensor, operating at a frequency of 6 GHz and microwave probing amplitudes down to 100 μV, approaching low enough photon population (N ∼ 1000) of the resonator such that coherent quantum manipulation becomes feasible. The resonator is made out of a miniaturized distributed fractal superconducting circuit that is integrated with the probing tip, micromachined to be compact enough such that it can be mounted directly on a quartz tuning-fork, and used for parallel operation as an atomic force microscope (AFM). The resonator is magnetically coupled to a transmission line for readout, and to achieve enhanced sensitivity we employ a Pound-Drever-Hall measurement scheme to lock to the resonance frequency. We achieve a well localized near-field around the tip such that the microwave resolution is comparable to the AFM resolution, and a capacitive sensitivity down to 6.4 × 10(-20) F/Hz, limited by mechanical noise. We believe that the results presented here are a significant step towards probing quantum systems at the nanoscale using near-field scanning microwave microscopy.

Quantum interference in heterogeneous superconducting-photonic circuits on a silicon chip

PubMed Central

Schuck, C.; Guo, X.; Fan, L.; Ma, X.; Poot, M.; Tang, H. X.

2016-01-01

Quantum information processing holds great promise for communicating and computing data efficiently. However, scaling current photonic implementation approaches to larger system size remains an outstanding challenge for realizing disruptive quantum technology. Two main ingredients of quantum information processors are quantum interference and single-photon detectors. Here we develop a hybrid superconducting-photonic circuit system to show how these elements can be combined in a scalable fashion on a silicon chip. We demonstrate the suitability of this approach for integrated quantum optics by interfering and detecting photon pairs directly on the chip with waveguide-coupled single-photon detectors. Using a directional coupler implemented with silicon nitride nanophotonic waveguides, we observe 97% interference visibility when measuring photon statistics with two monolithically integrated superconducting single-photon detectors. The photonic circuit and detector fabrication processes are compatible with standard semiconductor thin-film technology, making it possible to implement more complex and larger scale quantum photonic circuits on silicon chips. PMID:26792424

Inverse correlation between quasiparticle mass and T c in a cuprate high-T c superconductor.

PubMed

Putzke, Carsten; Malone, Liam; Badoux, Sven; Vignolle, Baptiste; Vignolles, David; Tabis, Wojciech; Walmsley, Philip; Bird, Matthew; Hussey, Nigel E; Proust, Cyril; Carrington, Antony

2016-03-01

Close to a zero-temperature transition between ordered and disordered electronic phases, quantum fluctuations can lead to a strong enhancement of electron mass and to the emergence of competing phases such as superconductivity. A correlation between the existence of such a quantum phase transition and superconductivity is quite well established in some heavy fermion and iron-based superconductors, and there have been suggestions that high-temperature superconductivity in copper-oxide materials (cuprates) may also be driven by the same mechanism. Close to optimal doping, where the superconducting transition temperature T c is maximal in cuprates, two different phases are known to compete with superconductivity: a poorly understood pseudogap phase and a charge-ordered phase. Recent experiments have shown a strong increase in quasiparticle mass m* in the cuprate YBa2Cu3O7-δ as optimal doping is approached, suggesting that quantum fluctuations of the charge-ordered phase may be responsible for the high-T c superconductivity. We have tested the robustness of this correlation between m* and T c by performing quantum oscillation studies on the stoichiometric compound YBa2Cu4O8 under hydrostatic pressure. In contrast to the results for YBa2Cu3O7-δ, we find that in YBa2Cu4O8, the mass decreases as T c increases under pressure. This inverse correlation between m* and T c suggests that quantum fluctuations of the charge order enhance m* but do not enhance T c.

Inverse correlation between quasiparticle mass and Tc in a cuprate high-Tc superconductor

PubMed Central

Putzke, Carsten; Malone, Liam; Badoux, Sven; Vignolle, Baptiste; Vignolles, David; Tabis, Wojciech; Walmsley, Philip; Bird, Matthew; Hussey, Nigel E.; Proust, Cyril; Carrington, Antony

2016-01-01

Close to a zero-temperature transition between ordered and disordered electronic phases, quantum fluctuations can lead to a strong enhancement of electron mass and to the emergence of competing phases such as superconductivity. A correlation between the existence of such a quantum phase transition and superconductivity is quite well established in some heavy fermion and iron-based superconductors, and there have been suggestions that high-temperature superconductivity in copper-oxide materials (cuprates) may also be driven by the same mechanism. Close to optimal doping, where the superconducting transition temperature Tc is maximal in cuprates, two different phases are known to compete with superconductivity: a poorly understood pseudogap phase and a charge-ordered phase. Recent experiments have shown a strong increase in quasiparticle mass m* in the cuprate YBa2Cu3O7-δ as optimal doping is approached, suggesting that quantum fluctuations of the charge-ordered phase may be responsible for the high-Tc superconductivity. We have tested the robustness of this correlation between m* and Tc by performing quantum oscillation studies on the stoichiometric compound YBa2Cu4O8 under hydrostatic pressure. In contrast to the results for YBa2Cu3O7-δ, we find that in YBa2Cu4O8, the mass decreases as Tc increases under pressure. This inverse correlation between m* and Tc suggests that quantum fluctuations of the charge order enhance m* but do not enhance Tc. PMID:27034989

Source conductance scaling for high frequency superconducting quasiparticle receivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ke, Qing; Feldman, M. J.

1992-01-01

It has been suggested that the optimum source conductance G(sub s) for the superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) quasiparticle mixer should have a l/f dependence. This would imply that the critical current density of SIS junctions used for mixing should increase as frequency squared, a stringent constraint on the design of submillimeter SIS mixers, rather than in simple proportion to frequency as previously believed. We have used Tucker's quantum theory of mixing for extensive numerical calculations to determine G(sub s) for an optimized SIS receiver. We find that G(sub s) is very roughly independent of frequency (except for the best junctions at low frequency), and discuss the implications of our results for the design of submillimeter SIS mixers.

Digital-analog quantum simulation of generalized Dicke models with superconducting circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamata, Lucas

2017-03-01

We propose a digital-analog quantum simulation of generalized Dicke models with superconducting circuits, including Fermi- Bose condensates, biased and pulsed Dicke models, for all regimes of light-matter coupling. We encode these classes of problems in a set of superconducting qubits coupled with a bosonic mode implemented by a transmission line resonator. Via digital-analog techniques, an efficient quantum simulation can be performed in state-of-the-art circuit quantum electrodynamics platforms, by suitable decomposition into analog qubit-bosonic blocks and collective single-qubit pulses through digital steps. Moreover, just a single global analog block would be needed during the whole protocol in most of the cases, superimposed with fast periodic pulses to rotate and detune the qubits. Therefore, a large number of digital steps may be attained with this approach, providing a reduced digital error. Additionally, the number of gates per digital step does not grow with the number of qubits, rendering the simulation efficient. This strategy paves the way for the scalable digital-analog quantum simulation of many-body dynamics involving bosonic modes and spin degrees of freedom with superconducting circuits.

Digital-analog quantum simulation of generalized Dicke models with superconducting circuits

PubMed Central

Lamata, Lucas

2017-01-01

We propose a digital-analog quantum simulation of generalized Dicke models with superconducting circuits, including Fermi- Bose condensates, biased and pulsed Dicke models, for all regimes of light-matter coupling. We encode these classes of problems in a set of superconducting qubits coupled with a bosonic mode implemented by a transmission line resonator. Via digital-analog techniques, an efficient quantum simulation can be performed in state-of-the-art circuit quantum electrodynamics platforms, by suitable decomposition into analog qubit-bosonic blocks and collective single-qubit pulses through digital steps. Moreover, just a single global analog block would be needed during the whole protocol in most of the cases, superimposed with fast periodic pulses to rotate and detune the qubits. Therefore, a large number of digital steps may be attained with this approach, providing a reduced digital error. Additionally, the number of gates per digital step does not grow with the number of qubits, rendering the simulation efficient. This strategy paves the way for the scalable digital-analog quantum simulation of many-body dynamics involving bosonic modes and spin degrees of freedom with superconducting circuits. PMID:28256559

Theory of nonclassical photonic states in driven-dissipative circuit quantum electrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elliott, Matthew

Superconducting circuits provide an architecture upon which cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) can be implemented at microwave frequencies in a highly tunable environment. Known as circuit QED, these systems can achieve larger nonlinearities, stronger coupling and greater controllability than can be achieved in cavity QED, all in a customisable, solid state device, making this technology an exciting test bed for both quantum optics and quantum information processing. These new parameter regimes open up new avenues for quantum technology, while also allowing older quantum optics results to finally be tested. In particular is is now possible to experimentally produce nonclassical states, such as squeezed and Schrodinger cat states, relatively simply in these devices. Using open quantum systems methods, in this thesis we investigate four problems which involve the use of nonclassical states in circuit QED. First we investigate the effects of a Kerr nonlinearity on the ability to preserve transported squeezed states in a superconducting cavity, and whether this setup permits us to generate, and perform tomography, of a highly squeezed field using a qubit, with possible applications in the characterisation of sources of squeezed microwaves. Second, we present a novel scheme for the amplification of cat states using a coupled qubit and external microwave drives, inspired by the stimulated Raman adiabatic passage. This scheme differs from similar techniques in circuit QED in that it is deterministic and therefore compatible with a protocol for stabilising cat states without the need for complex dissipation engineering. Next we use solutions of Fokker-Planck equations to study the exact steady-state response of two nonlinear systems: a transmon qubit coupled to a readout resonator, where we find good agreement with experiments and see simultaneous bistability of the cavity and transmon; and a parametrically driven nonlinear resonator, where we compare the classical and quantum phases of the system and discuss applications in the generation of squeezed states and stabilisation of cat states. Finally, we investigate the use of two different types of superconducting qubits in a single experiment, seeing that this enables engineering of the self- and cross-Kerr effects in a line of cavities. This could provide a valuable means of entangling cavity states, in addition to a resource for quantum simulation.

On-chip integration of a superconducting microwave circulator and a Josephson parametric amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenthal, Eric I.; Chapman, Benjamin J.; Moores, Bradley A.; Kerckhoff, Joseph; Malnou, Maxime; Palken, D. A.; Mates, J. A. B.; Hilton, G. C.; Vale, L. R.; Ullom, J. N.; Lehnert, K. W.

Recent progress in microwave amplification based on parametric processes in superconducting circuits has revolutionized the measurement of feeble microwave signals. These devices, which operate near the quantum limit, are routinely used in ultralow temperature cryostats to: readout superconducting qubits, search for axionic dark matter, and characterize astrophysical sensors. However, these amplifiers often require ferrite circulators to separate incoming and outgoing traveling waves. For this reason, measurement efficiency and scalability are limited. In order to facilitate the routing of quantum signals we have created a superconducting, on-chip microwave circulator without permanent magnets. We integrate our circulator on-chip with a Josephson parametric amplifier for the purpose of near quantum-limited directional amplification. In this talk I will present a design overview and preliminary measurements.

Radio-frequency Bloch-transistor electrometer.

PubMed

Zorin, A B

2001-04-09

A quantum electrometer is proposed which is based on charge modulation of the Josephson supercurrent in the Bloch transistor inserted in a superconducting ring. As this ring is inductively coupled to a high- Q resonance tank circuit, the variations of the charge on the transistor island are converted into variations of amplitude and phase of oscillations in the tank. These variations are amplified and then detected. At sufficiently low temperature of the tank the device sensitivity is determined by the energy resolution of the amplifier, that can be reduced down to the standard quantum limit of 1 / 2Planck's over 2pi. A "back-action-evading" scheme of subquantum limit measurements is proposed.

Concentric transmon qubit featuring fast tunability and site-selective Z coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weides, Martin; Braumueller, Jochen; Sandberg, Martin; Vissers, Michael; Schneider, Andre; Schloer, Steffen; Gruenhaupt, Lukas; Rotzinger, Hannes; Marthaler, Michael; Lukashenko, Alexander; Dieter, Amadeus; Ustinov, Alexey; Pappas, David

We present a planar qubit design based on a superconducting circuit that we call concentric transmon. While employing a simple fabrication process using Al evaporation and lift-off lithography, we observe qubit lifetimes and coherence times in the order of 10 μs. We systematically characterize loss channels such as incoherent dielectric loss, Purcell decay and radiative losses. The implementation of a gradiometric SQUID loop allows for a fast tuning of the qubit transition frequency and therefore for full tomographic control of the quantum circuit. The presented qubit design features a passive direct Z coupling between neighboring qubits, being a pending quest in the field of quantum simulation.

Signatures of Induced Superconductivity in NbTi Contacted InAs Quantum Wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McFadden, Anthony; Shabani, Javad; Shojaei, Borzoyeh; Lee, Joon Sue; Palmstrøm, Chris

We have studied electrical transport through InAs quantum wells grown by MBE with unannealed superconducting NbTi contacts deposited ex-situ and patterned by optical photolithography. Characterization of the InAs 2DEG's without superconducting contacts yields typical mobilities greater than 100,000 cm2/Vs at a density of 4e11 cm-2. NbTi-InAs-NbTi (SNS) and NbTi-InAs (SN) devices with dimensions greater than 1 µm are fabricated using optical lithography. Although the dimensions of the fabricated SNS devices are too large to observe a supercurrent, signatures of superconductivity induced in the InAs are present. We observe two superconducting critical temperatures: one of the NbTi leads (Tc~8K), and a second (Tc <4.5K) attributed to superconductivity induced in the InAs channel. dI/dV vs V spectroscopy on SNS junctions below the second critical temperature shows a conductance maximum at zero applied voltage while conductance minima appear at finite bias voltage which is attributed to the presence of an induced superconducting gap in the InAs quantum well. This work has been supported by Microsoft research.

Discrete-time quantum walk with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond coupled to a superconducting flux qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardal, Ali Ü. C.; Xue, Peng; Shikano, Yutaka; Müstecaplıoğlu, Özgür E.; Sanders, Barry C.

2013-08-01

We propose a quantum-electrodynamics scheme for implementing the discrete-time, coined quantum walk with the walker corresponding to the phase degree of freedom for a quasimagnon field realized in an ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. The coin is realized as a superconducting flux qubit. Our scheme improves on an existing proposal for implementing quantum walks in cavity quantum electrodynamics by removing the cumbersome requirement of varying drive-pulse durations according to mean quasiparticle number. Our improvement is relevant to all indirect-coin-flip cavity quantum-electrodynamics realizations of quantum walks. Our numerical analysis shows that this scheme can realize a discrete quantum walk under realistic conditions.

Superconductivity bordering Rashba type topological transition

DOE PAGES

Jin, M. L.; Sun, F.; Xing, L. Y.; ...

2017-01-04

Strong spin orbital interaction (SOI) can induce unique quantum phenomena such as topological insulators, the Rashba effect, or p-wave superconductivity. Combining these three quantum phenomena into a single compound has important scientific implications. Here we report experimental observations of consecutive quantum phase transitions from a Rashba type topological trivial phase to topological insulator state then further proceeding to superconductivity in a SOI compound BiTeI tuned via pressures. The electrical resistivity measurement with V shape change signals the transition from a Rashba type topological trivial to a topological insulator phase at 2 GPa, which is caused by an energy gap closemore » then reopen with band inverse. Superconducting transition appears at 8 GPa with a critical temperature T C of 5.3 K. Structure refinements indicate that the consecutive phase transitions are correlated to the changes in the Bi–Te bond and bond angle as function of pressures. As a result, the Hall Effect measurements reveal an intimate relationship between superconductivity and the unusual change in carrier density that points to possible unconventional superconductivity.« less

Quantum-Circuit Refrigerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MöTtöNen, Mikko; Tan, Kuan Y.; Masuda, Shumpei; Partanen, Matti; Lake, Russell E.; Govenius, Joonas; Silveri, Matti; Grabert, Hermann

Quantum technology holds great potential in providing revolutionizing practical applications. However, fast and precise cooling of the functional quantum degrees of freedom on demand remains a major challenge in many solid-state implementations, such as superconducting circuits. We demonstrate direct cooling of a superconducting resonator mode using voltage-controllable quantum tunneling of electrons in a nanoscale refrigerator. In our first experiments on this type of a quantum-circuit refrigerator, we measure the drop in the mode temperature by electron thermometry at a resistor which is coupled to the resonator mode through ohmic losses. To eliminate unwanted dissipation, we remove the probe resistor and directly observe the power spectrum of the resonator output in agreement with the so-called P(E) theory. We also demonstrate in microwave reflection experiments that the internal quality factor of the resonator can be tuned by orders of magnitude. In the future, our refrigerator can be integrated with different quantum electric devices, potentially enhancing their performance. For example, it may prove useful in the initialization of superconducting quantum bits and in dissipation-assisted quantum annealing. We acknowledge European Research Council Grant SINGLEOUT (278117) and QUESS (681311) for funding.

0 - π Quantum transition in a carbon nanotube Josephson junction: Universal phase dependence and orbital degeneracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delagrange, R.; Weil, R.; Kasumov, A.; Ferrier, M.; Bouchiat, H.; Deblock, R.

2018-05-01

In a quantum dot hybrid superconducting junction, the behavior of the supercurrent is dominated by Coulomb blockade physics, which determines the magnetic state of the dot. In particular, in a single level quantum dot singly occupied, the sign of the supercurrent can be reversed, giving rise to a π-junction. This 0 - π transition, corresponding to a singlet-doublet transition, is then driven by the gate voltage or by the superconducting phase in the case of strong competition between the superconducting proximity effect and Kondo correlations. In a two-level quantum dot, such as a clean carbon nanotube, 0- π transitions exist as well but, because more cotunneling processes are allowed, are not necessarily associated to a magnetic state transition of the dot. In this proceeding, after a review of 0- π transitions in Josephson junctions, we present measurements of current-phase relation in a clean carbon nanotube quantum dot, in the single and two-level regimes. In the single level regime, close to orbital degeneracy and in a regime of strong competition between local electronic correlations and superconducting proximity effect, we find that the phase diagram of the phase-dependent transition is a universal characteristic of a discontinuous level-crossing quantum transition at zero temperature. In the case where the two levels are involved, the nanotube Josephson current exhibits a continuous 0 - π transition, independent of the superconducting phase, revealing a different physical mechanism of the transition.

Experimental demonstration of conflicting interest nonlocal games using superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Situ, Haozhen; Li, Lvzhou; Huang, Zhiming; He, Zhimin; Zhang, Cai

2018-06-01

Conflicting interest nonlocal games are special Bayesian games played by noncooperative players without communication. In recent years, some conflicting interest nonlocal games have been proposed where quantum advice can help players to obtain higher payoffs. In this work we perform an experiment of six conflicting interest nonlocal games using the IBM quantum computer made up of five superconducting qubits. The experimental results demonstrate quantum advantage in four of these games, whereas the other two games fail to showcase quantum advantage in the experiment.

Analog cosmological particle generation in a superconducting circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Zehua; Jing, Jiliang; Dragan, Andrzej

2017-06-01

We propose the use of a waveguidelike transmission line based on direct-current superconducting quantum interference devices (dc-SQUID) and demonstrate that the node flux in this transmission line behaves in the same way as quantum fields in an expanding (or contracting) universe. We show how to detect the analog cosmological particle generation and analyze its feasibility with current circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) technology. Our setup in principle paves a new way for the exploration of analog quantum gravitational effects.

One-way quantum computing in superconducting circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albarrán-Arriagada, F.; Alvarado Barrios, G.; Sanz, M.; Romero, G.; Lamata, L.; Retamal, J. C.; Solano, E.

2018-03-01

We propose a method for the implementation of one-way quantum computing in superconducting circuits. Measurement-based quantum computing is a universal quantum computation paradigm in which an initial cluster state provides the quantum resource, while the iteration of sequential measurements and local rotations encodes the quantum algorithm. Up to now, technical constraints have limited a scalable approach to this quantum computing alternative. The initial cluster state can be generated with available controlled-phase gates, while the quantum algorithm makes use of high-fidelity readout and coherent feedforward. With current technology, we estimate that quantum algorithms with above 20 qubits may be implemented in the path toward quantum supremacy. Moreover, we propose an alternative initial state with properties of maximal persistence and maximal connectedness, reducing the required resources of one-way quantum computing protocols.

A graph-theoretical representation of multiphoton resonance processes in superconducting quantum circuits

DOE PAGES

Jooya, Hossein Z.; Reihani, Kamran; Chu, Shih-I

2016-11-21

We propose a graph-theoretical formalism to study generic circuit quantum electrodynamics systems consisting of a two level qubit coupled with a single-mode resonator in arbitrary coupling strength regimes beyond rotating-wave approximation. We define colored-weighted graphs, and introduce different products between them to investigate the dynamics of superconducting qubits in transverse, longitudinal, and bidirectional coupling schemes. In conclusion, the intuitive and predictive picture provided by this method, and the simplicity of the mathematical construction, are demonstrated with some numerical studies of the multiphoton resonance processes and quantum interference phenomena for the superconducting qubit systems driven by intense ac fields.

Bell-state generation on remote superconducting qubits with dark photons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Ming; Tao, Ming-Jie; Alsaedi, Ahmed; Hayat, Tasawar; Wei, Hai-Rui; Deng, Fu-Guo

2018-06-01

We present a scheme to generate the Bell state deterministically on remote transmon qubits coupled to different 1D superconducting resonators connected by a long superconducting transmission line. Using the coherent evolution of the entire system in the all-resonance regime, the transmission line need not to be populated with microwave photons which can robust against the long transmission line loss. This lets the scheme more applicable to the distributed quantum computing on superconducting quantum circuit. Besides, the influence from the small anharmonicity of the energy levels of the transmon qubits can be ignored safely.

Fate of superconductivity in three-dimensional disordered Luttinger semimetals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandal, Ipsita

2018-05-01

Superconducting instability can occur in three-dimensional quadratic band crossing semimetals only at a finite coupling strength due to the vanishing of density of states at the quadratic band touching point. Since realistic materials are always disordered to some extent, we study the effect of short-ranged-correlated disorder on this superconducting quantum critical point using a controlled loop-expansion applying dimensional regularization. The renormalization group (RG) scheme allows us to determine the RG flows of the various interaction strengths and shows that disorder destroys the superconducting quantum critical point. In fact, the system exhibits a runaway flow to strong disorder.

Complete Bell-state analysis for superconducting-quantum-interference-device qubits with a transitionless tracking algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Yi-Hao; Chen, Ye-Hong; Shi, Zhi-Cheng; Huang, Bi-Hua; Song, Jie; Xia, Yan

2017-08-01

We propose a protocol for complete Bell-state analysis for two superconducting-quantum-interference-device qubits. The Bell-state analysis could be completed by using a sequence of microwave pulses designed by the transitionless tracking algorithm, which is a useful method in the technique of shortcut to adiabaticity. After the whole process, the information for distinguishing four Bell states will be encoded on two auxiliary qubits, while the Bell states remain unchanged. One can read out the information by detecting the auxiliary qubits. Thus the Bell-state analysis is nondestructive. The numerical simulations show that the protocol possesses a high success probability of distinguishing each Bell state with current experimental technology even when decoherence is taken into account. Thus, the protocol may have potential applications for the information readout in quantum communications and quantum computations in superconducting quantum networks.

Tunable resonant and non-resonant interactions between a phase qubit and LC resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allman, Michael Shane; Whittaker, Jed D.; Castellanos-Beltran, Manuel; Cicak, Katarina; da Silva, Fabio; Defeo, Michael; Lecocq, Florent; Sirois, Adam; Teufel, John; Aumentado, Jose; Simmonds, Raymond W.

2014-03-01

We use a flux-biased radio frequency superconducting quantum interference device (rf SQUID) with an embedded flux-biased direct current (dc) SQUID to generate strong resonant and non-resonant tunable interactions between a phase qubit and a lumped-element resonator. The rf-SQUID creates a tunable magnetic susceptibility between the qubit and resonator providing resonant coupling rates from zero to near the ultra-strong coupling regime. By modulating the magnetic susceptibility, non-resonant parametric coupling achieves rates > 100 MHz . Nonlinearity of the magnetic susceptibility also leads to parametric coupling at subharmonics of the qubit-resonator detuning. Controllable coupling is generically important for constructing coupled-mode systems ubiquitous in physics, useful for both, quantum information architectures and quantum simulators. This work supported by NIST and NSA grant EAO140639.

Magnetic Quantum Oscillations in YBa2Cu3O6.61 and YBa2Cu3O6.69 in Fields of Up to 85 T: Patching the Hole in the Roof of the Superconducting Dome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singleton, John; de La Cruz, Clarina; McDonald, R. D.; Li, Shiliang; Altarawneh, Moaz; Goddard, Paul; Franke, Isabel; Rickel, Dwight; Mielke, C. H.; Yao, Xin; Dai, Pengcheng

2010-02-01

We measure magnetic quantum oscillations in the underdoped cuprates YBa2Cu3O6+x with x=0.61, 0.69, using fields of up to 85 T. The quantum-oscillation frequencies and effective masses obtained suggest that the Fermi energy in the cuprates has a maximum at hole doping p≈0.11-0.12. On either side, the effective mass may diverge, possibly due to phase transitions associated with the T=0 limit of the metal-insulator crossover (low-p side), and the postulated topological transition from small to large Fermi surface close to optimal doping (high p side).

Quantum information processing with trapped electrons and superconducting electronics (Open Access, Publisher’s Version)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-05

This content has been downloaded from IOPscience. Please scroll down to see the full text. Download details: IP Address: 198.81.129.186 This content...structures with a quadratic nonlinearity, i.e. electrodes with a quadrupolar potential. The pump for this parametric coupling process is a classical...approximation. The system operates as a parametric frequency converter, with the classical drive providing pump photons which allow coherent coupling between

Inversion of Qubit Energy Levels in Qubit-Oscillator Circuits in the Deep-Strong-Coupling Regime.

PubMed

Yoshihara, F; Fuse, T; Ao, Z; Ashhab, S; Kakuyanagi, K; Saito, S; Aoki, T; Koshino, K; Semba, K

2018-05-04

We report on experimentally measured light shifts of superconducting flux qubits deep-strongly coupled to LC oscillators, where the coupling constants are comparable to the qubit and oscillator resonance frequencies. By using two-tone spectroscopy, the energies of the six lowest levels of each circuit are determined. We find huge Lamb shifts that exceed 90% of the bare qubit frequencies and inversions of the qubits' ground and excited states when there are a finite number of photons in the oscillator. Our experimental results agree with theoretical predictions based on the quantum Rabi model.

Inversion of Qubit Energy Levels in Qubit-Oscillator Circuits in the Deep-Strong-Coupling Regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshihara, F.; Fuse, T.; Ao, Z.; Ashhab, S.; Kakuyanagi, K.; Saito, S.; Aoki, T.; Koshino, K.; Semba, K.

2018-05-01

We report on experimentally measured light shifts of superconducting flux qubits deep-strongly coupled to L C oscillators, where the coupling constants are comparable to the qubit and oscillator resonance frequencies. By using two-tone spectroscopy, the energies of the six lowest levels of each circuit are determined. We find huge Lamb shifts that exceed 90% of the bare qubit frequencies and inversions of the qubits' ground and excited states when there are a finite number of photons in the oscillator. Our experimental results agree with theoretical predictions based on the quantum Rabi model.

Practical SQUID Instrument for Nondestructive Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tralshawala, N.; Claycomb, J. R.; Miller, John H., Jr.

1997-01-01

We report on the development of a scanning eddy-current imaging system designed to detect deep subsurface flaws in conducting materials. A high transition temperature (high-T c) superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer is employed to provide the required sensitivity at low frequencies, while a combination of small cylindrical high-Tc superconducting and A-metal shields enable the instrument to be scanned in a magnetically noisy environment, rather than the object under test. The shields are arranged to prevent unwanted excitation and ambient noise fields from reaching the SQUID, and to enhance spatial resolution and minimize undesirable edge effects. Thus far, the instrument has successfully detected cracks and pits through 10 layers of aluminum, with a combined thickness of 5 cm at room temperature.

Note: Increasing dynamic range of digital-to-analog converter using a superconducting quantum interference device

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nakanishi, Masakazu, E-mail: m.nakanishi@aist.go.jp

Responses of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) are periodically dependent on magnetic flux coupling to its superconducting ring and the period is a flux quantum (Φ{sub o} = h/2e, where h and e, respectively, express Planck's constant and elementary charge). Using this periodicity, we had proposed a digital to analog converter using a SQUID (SQUID DAC) of first generation with linear current output, interval of which corresponded to Φ{sub o}. Modification for increasing dynamic range by interpolating within each interval is reported. Linearity of the interpolation was also based on the quantum periodicity. A SQUID DAC with dynamic rangemore » of about 1.4 × 10{sup 7} was created as a demonstration.« less

Scalable designs for quasiparticle-poisoning-protected topological quantum computation with Majorana zero modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karzig, Torsten; Knapp, Christina; Lutchyn, Roman M.; Bonderson, Parsa; Hastings, Matthew B.; Nayak, Chetan; Alicea, Jason; Flensberg, Karsten; Plugge, Stephan; Oreg, Yuval; Marcus, Charles M.; Freedman, Michael H.

2017-06-01

We present designs for scalable quantum computers composed of qubits encoded in aggregates of four or more Majorana zero modes, realized at the ends of topological superconducting wire segments that are assembled into superconducting islands with significant charging energy. Quantum information can be manipulated according to a measurement-only protocol, which is facilitated by tunable couplings between Majorana zero modes and nearby semiconductor quantum dots. Our proposed architecture designs have the following principal virtues: (1) the magnetic field can be aligned in the direction of all of the topological superconducting wires since they are all parallel; (2) topological T junctions are not used, obviating possible difficulties in their fabrication and utilization; (3) quasiparticle poisoning is abated by the charging energy; (4) Clifford operations are executed by a relatively standard measurement: detection of corrections to quantum dot energy, charge, or differential capacitance induced by quantum fluctuations; (5) it is compatible with strategies for producing good approximate magic states.

Faithful conversion of propagating quantum information to mechanical motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, A. P.; Mayer, K. H.; Teufel, J. D.; Burkhart, L. D.; Pfaff, W.; Reagor, M.; Sletten, L.; Ma, X.; Schoelkopf, R. J.; Knill, E.; Lehnert, K. W.

2017-12-01

The motion of micrometre-sized mechanical resonators can now be controlled and measured at the fundamental limits imposed by quantum mechanics. These resonators have been prepared in their motional ground state or in squeezed states, measured with quantum-limited precision, and even entangled with microwave fields. Such advances make it possible to process quantum information using the motion of a macroscopic object. In particular, recent experiments have combined mechanical resonators with superconducting quantum circuits to frequency-convert, store and amplify propagating microwave fields. But these systems have not been used to manipulate states that encode quantum bits (qubits), which are required for quantum communication and modular quantum computation. Here we demonstrate the conversion of propagating qubits encoded as superpositions of zero and one photons to the motion of a micromechanical resonator with a fidelity in excess of the classical bound. This ability is necessary for mechanical resonators to convert quantum information between the microwave and optical domains or to act as storage elements in a modular quantum information processor. Additionally, these results are an important step towards testing speculative notions that quantum theory may not be valid for sufficiently massive systems.

Building logical qubits in a superconducting quantum computing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gambetta, Jay M.; Chow, Jerry M.; Steffen, Matthias

2017-01-01

The technological world is in the midst of a quantum computing and quantum information revolution. Since Richard Feynman's famous `plenty of room at the bottom' lecture (Feynman, Engineering and Science23, 22 (1960)), hinting at the notion of novel devices employing quantum mechanics, the quantum information community has taken gigantic strides in understanding the potential applications of a quantum computer and laid the foundational requirements for building one. We believe that the next significant step will be to demonstrate a quantum memory, in which a system of interacting qubits stores an encoded logical qubit state longer than the incorporated parts. Here, we describe the important route towards a logical memory with superconducting qubits, employing a rotated version of the surface code. The current status of technology with regards to interconnected superconducting-qubit networks will be described and near-term areas of focus to improve devices will be identified. Overall, the progress in this exciting field has been astounding, but we are at an important turning point, where it will be critical to incorporate engineering solutions with quantum architectural considerations, laying the foundation towards scalable fault-tolerant quantum computers in the near future.

Quantum-limited detection of millimeter waves using superconducting tunnel junctions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mears, Carl Atherton

1991-09-01

The quasiparticle tunneling current in a superconductor-insulator- superconductor (SIS) tunnel junction is highly nonlinear. Such a nonlinearity can be used to mix two millimeter wave signals to produce a signal at a much lower intermediate frequency. We have constructed several millimeter and sub-millimeter wave SIS mixers in order to study high frequency response of the quasiparticle tunneling current and the physics of high frequency mixing. We have made the first measurement of the out-of-phase tunneling currents in an SIS tunnel junction. We have developed a method that allows us to determine the parameters of the high frequency embedding circuit bymore » studying the details of the pumped I-V curve. We have constructed a 80--110 GHz waveguide-based mixer test apparatus that allows us to accurately measure the gain and added noise of the SIS mixer under test. Using extremely high quality tunnel junctions, we have measured an added mixer noise of 0.61 ± 0.36 quanta, which is within 25 percent of the quantum limit imposed by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This measured performance is in excellent agreement with that predicted by Tucker`s theory of quantum mixing. We have also studied quasioptically coupled millimeter- and submillimeter-wave mixers using several types of integrated tuning elements. 83 refs.« less

Quantum-limited detection of millimeter waves using superconducting tunnel junctions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mears, C.A.

1991-09-01

The quasiparticle tunneling current in a superconductor-insulator- superconductor (SIS) tunnel junction is highly nonlinear. Such a nonlinearity can be used to mix two millimeter wave signals to produce a signal at a much lower intermediate frequency. We have constructed several millimeter and sub-millimeter wave SIS mixers in order to study high frequency response of the quasiparticle tunneling current and the physics of high frequency mixing. We have made the first measurement of the out-of-phase tunneling currents in an SIS tunnel junction. We have developed a method that allows us to determine the parameters of the high frequency embedding circuit bymore » studying the details of the pumped I-V curve. We have constructed a 80--110 GHz waveguide-based mixer test apparatus that allows us to accurately measure the gain and added noise of the SIS mixer under test. Using extremely high quality tunnel junctions, we have measured an added mixer noise of 0.61 {plus minus} 0.36 quanta, which is within 25 percent of the quantum limit imposed by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This measured performance is in excellent agreement with that predicted by Tucker's theory of quantum mixing. We have also studied quasioptically coupled millimeter- and submillimeter-wave mixers using several types of integrated tuning elements. 83 refs.« less

Continuous measurement of two spatially separated superconducting qubits: quantum trajectories and statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roch, Nicolas

2015-03-01

Measurement can be harnessed to probabilistically generate entanglement in the absence of local interactions, for example between spatially separated quantum objects. Continuous weak measurement allows us to observe the dynamics associated with this process. In particular, we perform joint dispersive readout of two superconducting transmon qubits separated by one meter of coaxial cable. We track the evolution of a joint quantum state under the influence of measurement, both as an ensemble and as a set of individual quantum trajectories. Analyzing the statistics of such quantum trajectories can shed new light on the underlying entangling mechanism.

Superconducting quantum spin-Hall systems with giant orbital g-factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hankiewicz, Ewelina; Reinthaler, Rolf; Tkachov, Grigory

Topological aspects of superconductivity in quantum spin-Hall systems (QSHSs) such as thin layers of three-dimensional topological insulators (3D Tis) or two-dimensional Tis are in the focus of current research. Here, we describe a novel superconducting quantum spin-Hall effect (quantum spin Hall system in the proximity to the s-wave superconductor and in the orbital in-plane magnetic field), which is protected against elastic backscattering by combined time-reversal and particle-hole symmetry. This effect is characterized by spin-polarized edge states, which can be manipulated in weak magnetic fields due to a giant effective orbital g-factor, allowing the generation of spin currents. The phenomenon provides a novel solution to the outstanding challenge of detecting the spin-polarization of the edge states. Here we propose the detection of the edge polarization in the three-terminal junction using unusual transport properties of superconducting quantum Hall-effect: a non-monotonic excess current and a zero-bias conductance splitting. We thank for the financial support the German Science Foundation (DFG), Grants No HA 5893/4-1 within SPP 1666, HA5893/5-2 within FOR1162 and TK60/1-1 (G.T.), as well the ENB graduate school ``Topological insulators''.

Experimental Quantum Randomness Processing Using Superconducting Qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Xiao; Liu, Ke; Xu, Yuan; Wang, Weiting; Ma, Yuwei; Zhang, Fang; Yan, Zhaopeng; Vijay, R.; Sun, Luyan; Ma, Xiongfeng

2016-07-01

Coherently manipulating multipartite quantum correlations leads to remarkable advantages in quantum information processing. A fundamental question is whether such quantum advantages persist only by exploiting multipartite correlations, such as entanglement. Recently, Dale, Jennings, and Rudolph negated the question by showing that a randomness processing, quantum Bernoulli factory, using quantum coherence, is strictly more powerful than the one with classical mechanics. In this Letter, focusing on the same scenario, we propose a theoretical protocol that is classically impossible but can be implemented solely using quantum coherence without entanglement. We demonstrate the protocol by exploiting the high-fidelity quantum state preparation and measurement with a superconducting qubit in the circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture and a nearly quantum-limited parametric amplifier. Our experiment shows the advantage of using quantum coherence of a single qubit for information processing even when multipartite correlation is not present.

Quantum Device Applications of Mesoscopic Superconductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hakonen, P. J.

2006-08-01

A brief account is given on the possibilities of mesoscopic superconductivity in low-noise amplifier and detector applications. In particular, three devices will be described: 1) Bloch oscillating transistor (BOT), 2) Inductively-read superconducting Cooper pair transistor (L-SET), and 3) Quantum capacitive phase detector (C-SET). The BOT is a low-noise current amplifier while the L-SET and C-SET act as ultra-sensitive charge and phase detectors, respectively. The basic operating principles and the main characteristics of these devices will be reviewed and discussed.

Continuous generation and stabilization of Schrödinger cat states in a quantum circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, A.; Leghtas, Z.; Stone, A. D.; Devoret, M. H.; Mirrahimi, M.

2015-03-01

While dissipation is widely considered as being harmful for quantum coherence, it can, when properly engineered, lead to the stabilization of non-trivial pure quantum states. Deterministic generation of non-classical states like Schrödinger cat states is one of the key ingredients in performing universal quantum computation. We theoretically propose a scheme, adapted to superconducting quantum circuits, for continuous generation and stabilization of these states in a cavity using dissipation engineering. We first generate these states inside a high-Q cavity by engineering its dissipation with a bath that only exchanges photons in pairs. We then stabilize these transient states against single-photon decay using a second engineered bath. The single-photon stabilization is autonomous, and exploits the photon-number-dependent frequency-splitting due to Kerr interactions in the strongly dispersive regime of circuit QED. We present analytical and numerical results demonstrating the robustness of the scheme and its amenability to immediate experimental implementation. Work supported by ARO.

A SiGe Quadrature Pulse Modulator for Superconducting Qubit State Manipulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwende, Randy; Bardin, Joseph

Manipulation of the quantum states of microwave superconducting qubits typically requires the generation of coherent modulated microwave pulses. While many off-the-shelf instruments are capable of generating such pulses, a more integrated approach is likely required if fault-tolerant quantum computing architectures are to be implemented. In this work, we present progress towards a pulse generator specifically designed to drive superconducing qubits. The device is implemented in a commercial silicon process and has been designed with energy-efficiency and scalability in mind. Pulse generation is carried out using a unique approach in which modulation is applied directly to the in-phase and quadrature components of a carrier signal in the 1-10 GHz frequency range through a unique digital-analog conversion process designed specifically for this application. The prototype pulse generator can be digitally programmed and supports sequencing of pulses with independent amplitude and phase waveforms. These amplitude and phase waveforms can be digitally programmed through a serial programming interface. Detailed performance of the pulse generator at room temperature and 4 K will be presented.

Parasitic effects in superconducting quantum interference device-based radiation comb generators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bosisio, R., E-mail: riccardo.bosisio@nano.cnr.it; NEST, Instituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, I-56127 Pisa; Giazotto, F., E-mail: giazotto@sns.it

2015-12-07

We study several parasitic effects on the implementation of a Josephson radiation comb generator based on a dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) driven by an external magnetic field. This system can be used as a radiation generator similarly to what is done in optics and metrology, and allows one to generate up to several hundreds of harmonics of the driving frequency. First we take into account how the assumption of a finite loop geometrical inductance and junction capacitance in each SQUID may alter the operation of the devices. Then, we estimate the effect of imperfections in the fabrication ofmore » an array of SQUIDs, which is an unavoidable source of errors in practical situations. We show that the role of the junction capacitance is, in general, negligible, whereas the geometrical inductance has a beneficial effect on the performance of the device. The errors on the areas and junction resistance asymmetries may deteriorate the performance, but their effect can be limited to a large extent by a suitable choice of fabrication parameters.« less

A Josephson radiation comb generator.

PubMed

Solinas, P; Gasparinetti, S; Golubev, D; Giazotto, F

2015-07-20

We propose the implementation of a Josephson Radiation Comb Generator (JRCG) based on a dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) driven by an external magnetic field. When the magnetic flux crosses a diffraction node of the critical current interference pattern, the superconducting phase undergoes a jump of π and a voltage pulse is generated at the extremes of the SQUID. Under periodic drive this allows one to generate a sequence of sharp, evenly spaced voltage pulses. In the frequency domain, this corresponds to a comb-like structure similar to the one exploited in optics and metrology. With this device it is possible to generate up to several hundreds of harmonics of the driving frequency. For example, a chain of 50 identical high-critical-temperature SQUIDs driven at 1 GHz can deliver up to a 0.5 nW at 200 GHz. The availability of a fully solid-state radiation comb generator such as the JRCG, easily integrable on chip, may pave the way to a number of technological applications, from metrology to sub-millimeter wave generation.

Quantum criticality and nodal superconductivity in the FeAs-based superconductor KFe2As2.

PubMed

Dong, J K; Zhou, S Y; Guan, T Y; Zhang, H; Dai, Y F; Qiu, X; Wang, X F; He, Y; Chen, X H; Li, S Y

2010-02-26

The in-plane resistivity rho and thermal conductivity kappa of the FeAs-based superconductor KFe2As2 single crystal were measured down to 50 mK. We observe non-Fermi-liquid behavior rho(T) approximately T{1.5} at H{c{2}}=5 T, and the development of a Fermi liquid state with rho(T) approximately T{2} when further increasing the field. This suggests a field-induced quantum critical point, occurring at the superconducting upper critical field H{c{2}}. In zero field, there is a large residual linear term kappa{0}/T, and the field dependence of kappa_{0}/T mimics that in d-wave cuprate superconductors. This indicates that the superconducting gaps in KFe2As2 have nodes, likely d-wave symmetry. Such a nodal superconductivity is attributed to the antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations near the quantum critical point.

Innovative quantum technologies for microgravity fundamental physics and biological research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kierk, I. K.

2002-01-01

This paper presents a new technology program, within the fundamental physics, focusing on four quantum technology areas: quantum atomics, quantum optics, space superconductivity and quantum sensor technology, and quantum field based sensor and modeling technology.

Quantum Optics with Superconducting Circuits: From Single Photons to Schrodinger Cats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schoelkopf, Rob

Over the last decade and a half, superconducting circuits have advanced to the point where we can generate and detect highly-entangled states, and perform universal quantum gates. Meanwhile, the coherence properties of these systems have improved more than 10,000-fold. I will describe recent experiments, such as the latest advance in coherence using a three-dimensional implementation of qubits interacting with microwave cavities, called “3D circuit QED.” The control and strong interactions possible in superconducting circuits make it possible to generate non-classical states of light, including large superpositions known as “Schrodinger cat” states. This field has many interesting prospects both for applicationsmore » in quantum information processing, and fundamental investigations of the boundary between the macroscopic classical world and the microscopic world of the quantum.« less

Superconducting Qubits as Mechanical Quantum Engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sachtleben, Kewin; Mazon, Kahio T.; Rego, Luis G. C.

2017-09-01

We propose the equivalence of superconducting qubits with a pistonlike mechanical quantum engine. The work reports a study on the nature of the nonequilibrium work exchanged with the quantum-nonadiabatic working medium, which is modeled as a multilevel coupled quantum well system subject to an external control parameter. The quantum dynamics is solved for arbitrary control protocols. It is shown that the work output has two components: one that depends instantaneously on the level populations and another that is due to the quantum coherences built in the system. The nonadiabatic coherent dynamics of the quantum engine gives rise to a resistance (friction) force that decreases the work output. We consider the functional equivalence of such a device and a rf-SQUID flux qubit.

Characterization and Modeling of Superconducting Josephson Junction Arrays at Low Voltage and Liquid Helium Temperatures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

to the characteristics and extract the non-ideality. These capabilities and calibration results will assist in the characterization of advanced...superconductor-ionic quantum memory and computation devices. iv CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...Josephson effect makes these measurements useful for characterization and calibration of superconducting quantum memory and computational devices

Strong Coupling Superconductivity in the Vicinity of the Structural Quantum Critical Point in (CaxSr1-x)3Rh4Sn13

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Wing Chi; Cheung, Yiu Wing; Saines, Paul J.; Imai, Masaki; Matsumoto, Takuya; Michioka, Chishiro; Yoshimura, Kazuyoshi; Goh, Swee K.

The family of the superconducting quasiskutterudites (CaxSr1-x)3Rh4Sn13 features a structural quantum critical point at xc = 0 . 9 , around which a dome-shaped variation of the superconducting transition temperature Tc is found. In this talk, we present the specific heat data for the normal and the superconducting states of the entire series straddling the quantum critical point. Our analysis indicates a significant lowering of the effective Debye temperature on approaching xc, which we interpret as a result of phonon softening accompanying the structural instability. Furthermore, a remarkably large enhancement of 2 Δ /kBTc and ΔC / γTc beyond the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer values is found in the vicinity of the structural quantum critical point. Reference: Wing Chi Yu et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. (in press, 2015) This work was supported by the CUHK (Startup Grant, Direct Grant No. 4053071), UGC Hong Kong (ECS/24300214), Grants-in-Aid from MEXT (22350029 and 23550152), and Glasstone Bequest, Oxford.

The upside of noise: engineered dissipation as a resource in superconducting circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapit, Eliot

2017-09-01

Historically, noise in superconducting circuits has been considered an obstacle to be removed. A large fraction of the research effort in designing superconducting circuits has focused on noise reduction, with great success, as coherence times have increased by four orders of magnitude in the past two decades. However, noise and dissipation can never be fully eliminated, and further, a rapidly growing body of theoretical and experimental work has shown that carefully tuned noise, in the form of engineered dissipation, can be a profoundly useful tool in designing and operating quantum circuits. In this article, I review important applications of engineered dissipation, including state generation, state stabilization, and autonomous quantum error correction, where engineered dissipation can mitigate the effect of intrinsic noise, reducing logical error rates in quantum information processing. Further, I provide a pedagogical review of the basic noise processes in superconducting qubits (photon loss and phase noise), and argue that any dissipative mechanism which can correct photon loss errors is very likely to automatically suppress dephasing. I also discuss applications for quantum simulation, and possible future research directions.

Coherent optical excitations in superconducting qubit chain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ian, Hou; Liu, Yu-Xi

2012-06-01

In the recent years, the theories of quantum optics have been borrowed to study the flows of electron pairs and their interactions with the circuit photon in the superconducting qubit circuits. These studies bring about new theories of quantum optics, such as the tunable electromagnetically induced transparency effect, peculiar to the Cooper pairs in circuits. In this talk, we focus on a special type of superconducting qubit circuits: superconducting qubit chain (SQC), which comprises dozens of qubits linearly placed along a stripline resonator. Since the dimensions of the qubits and the stripline have made their interactions inhomogeneous, the SQC cannot be diagonalized using the usual Dicke model. We present a new theoretical method, the deformation-projection method, for the exact diagonalization of the collective excitations of the qubits. This method allows us to predict that these excitations emulate the behaviors of Wannier and Frenckel excitons in the solid-state systems. The spontaneous emissions from the individual qubits in SQC are relayed to their neighbors, eventually arriving at a coherent emission, known as superradiance. We present a quantum relay model, which is crucial to quantum information processing, based on this finding.

Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices for the Detection of Magnetic Flux and Application to Airborne High Frequency Direction Finding

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

junction [29]. • The Resistively-Shunted- Junction (RSJ) Model • The Tunnel - Junction -Microscopic (TJM) Model • The Nonlinear...Resistive (RSJN) Model These circuit representations describe the junction using a parallel configuration of a resistor, noise current source, and a...solution for the Josephson junction IVP model equation for the noise -free case, in = 0. The thermal noise current is set to zero to exclude noise

Quantum metrology with a transmon qutrit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shlyakhov, A. R.; Zemlyanov, V. V.; Suslov, M. V.; Lebedev, A. V.; Paraoanu, G. S.; Lesovik, G. B.; Blatter, G.

2018-02-01

Making use of coherence and entanglement as metrological quantum resources allows us to improve the measurement precision from the shot-noise or quantum limit to the Heisenberg limit. Quantum metrology then relies on the availability of quantum engineered systems that involve controllable quantum degrees of freedom which are sensitive to the measured quantity. Sensors operating in the qubit mode and exploiting their coherence in a phase-sensitive measurement have been shown to approach the Heisenberg scaling in precision. Here, we show that this result can be further improved by operating the quantum sensor in the qudit mode, i.e., by exploiting d rather than two levels. Specifically, we describe the metrological algorithm for using a superconducting transmon device operating in a qutrit mode as a magnetometer. The algorithm is based on the base-3 semiquantum Fourier transformation and enhances the quantum theoretical performance of the sensor by a factor of 2. Even more, the practical gain of our qutrit implementation is found in a reduction of the number of iteration steps of the quantum Fourier transformation by the factor ln(2 )/ln(3 )≈0.63 compared to the qubit mode. We show that a two-tone capacitively coupled radio-frequency signal is sufficient for implementation of the algorithm.

Innovative quantum technologies for microgravity fundamental physics and biological research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kierk, I.; Israelsson, U.; Lee, M.

2001-01-01

This paper presents a new technology program, within the fundamental physics research program, focusing on four quantum technology areas: quantum atomics, quantum optics, space superconductivity and quantum sensor technology, and quantum fluid based sensor and modeling technology.

A Blueprint for Demonstrating Quantum Supremacy with Superconducting Qubits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kechedzhi, Kostyantyn

2018-01-01

Long coherence times and high fidelity control recently achieved in scalable superconducting circuits paved the way for the growing number of experimental studies of many-qubit quantum coherent phenomena in these devices. Albeit full implementation of quantum error correction and fault tolerant quantum computation remains a challenge the near term pre-error correction devices could allow new fundamental experiments despite inevitable accumulation of errors. One such open question foundational for quantum computing is achieving the so called quantum supremacy, an experimental demonstration of a computational task that takes polynomial time on the quantum computer whereas the best classical algorithm would require exponential time and/or resources. It is possible to formulate such a task for a quantum computer consisting of less than a 100 qubits. The computational task we consider is to provide approximate samples from a non-trivial quantum distribution. This is a generalization for the case of superconducting circuits of ideas behind boson sampling protocol for quantum optics introduced by Arkhipov and Aaronson. In this presentation we discuss a proof-of-principle demonstration of such a sampling task on a 9-qubit chain of superconducting gmon qubits developed by Google. We discuss theoretical analysis of the driven evolution of the device resulting in output approximating samples from a uniform distribution in the Hilbert space, a quantum chaotic state. We analyze quantum chaotic characteristics of the output of the circuit and the time required to generate a sufficiently complex quantum distribution. We demonstrate that the classical simulation of the sampling output requires exponential resources by connecting the task of calculating the output amplitudes to the sign problem of the Quantum Monte Carlo method. We also discuss the detailed theoretical modeling required to achieve high fidelity control and calibration of the multi-qubit unitary evolution in the device. We use a novel cross-entropy statistical metric as a figure of merit to verify the output and calibrate the device controls. Finally, we demonstrate the statistics of the wave function amplitudes generated on the 9-gmon chain and verify the quantum chaotic nature of the generated quantum distribution. This verifies the implementation of the quantum supremacy protocol.

Analogue Hawking radiation in a dc-SQUID array transmission line.

PubMed

Nation, P D; Blencowe, M P; Rimberg, A J; Buks, E

2009-08-21

We propose the use of a superconducting transmission line formed from an array of direct-current superconducting quantum interference devices for investigating analogue Hawking radiation. Biasing the array with a space-time varying flux modifies the propagation velocity of the transmission line, leading to an effective metric with a horizon. Being a fundamentally quantum mechanical device, this setup allows for investigations of quantum effects such as backreaction and analogue space-time fluctuations on the Hawking process.

Non-resonant interactions between superconducting circuits coupled through a dc-SQUID

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, X. Y.; Lecocq, F.; Cicak, K.; Kotler, S. S.; Peterson, G. A.; Teufel, J. D.; Aumentado, J.; Simmonds, R. W.

We use a flux-biased direct current superconducting quantum interference device (dc-SQUID) to generate non-resonant tunable interactions between transmon qubits and resonators modes. By modulating the flux to the dc-SQUID, we can create an interaction with variable coupling rates from zero to greater than 100 MHz. We explore this system experimentally and describe its operation. Parametric coupling is important for constructing larger coupled systems, useful for both quantum information architectures and quantum simulators.

Proton in SRF Niobium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallace, John Paul

2011-03-01

Hydrogen is a difficult impurity to physically deal with in superconducting radio frequency (SRF) niobium, therefore, its properties in the metals should be well understood to allow the metal's superconducting properties to be optimized for minimum loss in the construction of resonant accelerator cavities. It is known that hydrogen is a paramagnetic impurity in niobium from NMR studies. This paramagnetism and its effect on superconducting properties are important to understand. To that end analytical induction measurements aimed at isolating the magnetic properties of hydrogen in SRF niobium are introduced along with optical reflection spectroscopy which is also sensitive to the presence of hydrogen. From the variety, magnitude and rapid kinetics found in the optical and magnetic properties of niobium contaminated with hydrogen forced a search for an atomic model. This yielded quantum mechanical description that correctly generates the activation energy for diffusion of the proton and its isotopes not only in niobium but the remaining metals for which data is available. This interpretation provides a frame work for understanding the individual and collective behavior of protons in metals.

Superconducting transition temperature of a boron nitride layer with a high niobium coverage.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vazquez, Gerardo; Magana, Fernando

We explore the possibility of inducing superconductivity in a Boron Nitride (BN) sheet, by doping its surface with Nb atoms sitting on the center of the hexagons. We used first-principles density functional theory in the general gradient approximation. The Quantum-Espresso package was used with norm conserving pseudo potentials. The structure considered was relaxed to their minimum energy configuration. Phonon frequencies were calculated using the linear-response technique on several phonon wave-vector meshes. The electron-phonon coupling parameter was calculated for a number of k meshes. The superconducting critical temperature was estimated using the Allen-Dynes formula with μ* = 0.1 - 0.15. We note that Nb is a good candidate material to show a superconductor transition for the BN-metal system. We thank Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, partial financial support by Grant IN-106514 and we also thank Miztli Super-Computing center the technical assistance.

Proximity coupling in superconductor-graphene heterostructures.

PubMed

Lee, Gil-Ho; Lee, Hu-Jong

2018-05-01

This review discusses the electronic properties and the prospective research directions of superconductor-graphene heterostructures. The basic electronic properties of graphene are introduced to highlight the unique possibility of combining two seemingly unrelated physics, superconductivity and relativity. We then focus on graphene-based Josephson junctions, one of the most versatile superconducting quantum devices. The various theoretical methods that have been developed to describe graphene Josephson junctions are examined, together with their advantages and limitations, followed by a discussion on the advances in device fabrication and the relevant length scales. The phase-sensitive properties and phase-particle dynamics of graphene Josephson junctions are examined to provide an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Josephson coupling via graphene. Thereafter, microscopic transport of correlated quasiparticles produced by Andreev reflections at superconducting interfaces and their phase-coherent behaviors are discussed. Quantum phase transitions studied with graphene as an electrostatically tunable 2D platform are reviewed. The interplay between proximity-induced superconductivity and the quantum-Hall phase is discussed as a possible route to study topological superconductivity and non-Abelian physics. Finally, a brief summary on the prospective future research directions is given.

Proximity coupling in superconductor-graphene heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Gil-Ho; Lee, Hu-Jong

2018-05-01

This review discusses the electronic properties and the prospective research directions of superconductor-graphene heterostructures. The basic electronic properties of graphene are introduced to highlight the unique possibility of combining two seemingly unrelated physics, superconductivity and relativity. We then focus on graphene-based Josephson junctions, one of the most versatile superconducting quantum devices. The various theoretical methods that have been developed to describe graphene Josephson junctions are examined, together with their advantages and limitations, followed by a discussion on the advances in device fabrication and the relevant length scales. The phase-sensitive properties and phase-particle dynamics of graphene Josephson junctions are examined to provide an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Josephson coupling via graphene. Thereafter, microscopic transport of correlated quasiparticles produced by Andreev reflections at superconducting interfaces and their phase-coherent behaviors are discussed. Quantum phase transitions studied with graphene as an electrostatically tunable 2D platform are reviewed. The interplay between proximity-induced superconductivity and the quantum-Hall phase is discussed as a possible route to study topological superconductivity and non-Abelian physics. Finally, a brief summary on the prospective future research directions is given.

Hardware-efficient Bell state preparation using Quantum Zeno Dynamics in superconducting circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flurin, Emmanuel; Blok, Machiel; Hacohen-Gourgy, Shay; Martin, Leigh S.; Livingston, William P.; Dove, Allison; Siddiqi, Irfan

By preforming a continuous joint measurement on a two qubit system, we restrict the qubit evolution to a chosen subspace of the total Hilbert space. This extension of the quantum Zeno effect, called Quantum Zeno Dynamics, has already been explored in various physical systems such as superconducting cavities, single rydberg atoms, atomic ensembles and Bose Einstein condensates. In this experiment, two superconducting qubits are strongly dispersively coupled to a high-Q cavity (χ >> κ) allowing for the doubly excited state | 11 〉 to be selectively monitored. The Quantum Zeno Dynamics in the complementary subspace enables us to coherently prepare a Bell state. As opposed to dissipation engineering schemes, we emphasize that our protocol is deterministic, does not rely direct coupling between qubits and functions only using single qubit controls and cavity readout. Such Quantum Zeno Dynamics can be generalized to larger Hilbert space enabling deterministic generation of many-body entangled states, and thus realizes a decoherence-free subspace allowing alternative noise-protection schemes.

Multiband nodeless superconductivity near the charge-density-wave quantum critical point in ZrTe 3–xSe x

DOE PAGES

Cui, Shan; He, Lan -Po; Hong, Xiao -Chen; ...

2016-06-09

It was found that selenium doping can suppress the charge-density-wave (CDW) order and induce bulk superconductivity in ZrTe 3. The observed superconducting dome suggests the existence of a CDW quantum critical point (QCP) in ZrTe 3–x Se x near x ≈ 0.04. To elucidate the superconducting state near the CDW QCP, we measure the thermal conductivity of two ZrTe 3–x Se x single crystals (x = 0.044 and 0.051) down to 80 mK. For both samples, the residual linear term κ 0/T at zero field is negligible, which is a clear evidence for nodeless superconducting gap. Furthermore, the field dependencemore » of κ 0/T manifests a multigap behavior. Lastly, these results demonstrate multiple nodeless superconducting gaps in ZrTe 3–x Se x, which indicates conventional superconductivity despite of the existence of a CDW QCP.« less

On-wafer, cryogenic characterization of ultra-low noise HEMT devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bautista, J. J.; Laskar, J.; Szydlik, P.

1995-01-01

Significant advances in the development of high electron-mobility field-effect transistors (HEMT's) have resulted in cryogenic, low-noise amplifiers (LNA's) whose noise temperatures are within an order of magnitude of the quantum noise limit (hf/k). Further advances in HEMT technology at cryogenic temperatures may eventually lead to the replacement of maser and superconducting insulator superconducting front ends in the 1- to 100-GHz frequency band. Key to identification of the best HEMT's and optimization of cryogenic LNA's are accurate and repeatable device measurements at cryogenic temperatures. This article describes the design and operation of a cryogenic coplanar waveguide probe system for the characterization and modeling of advanced semiconductor transistors at cryogenic temperatures. Results on advanced HEMT devices are presented to illustrate the utility of the measurement system.

Vacuum-induced Autler-Townes splitting in a superconducting artificial atom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Z. H.; Ding, J. H.; Zhou, Y.; Ying, L. L.; Wang, Z.; Zhou, L.; Kuang, L. M.; Liu, Yu-xi; Astafiev, O. V.; Tsai, J. S.

2018-06-01

We experimentally study a vacuum-induced Autler-Townes doublet in a superconducting three-level artificial atom strongly coupled to a coplanar waveguide resonator and simultaneously to a transmission line. The Autler-Townes splitting is observed in the reflection spectrum from the three-level atom in a transition between the ground state and the second excited state when the transition between the two excited states is resonant with a resonator. By applying a driving field to the resonator, we observe a change in the regime of the Autler-Townes splitting from quantum (vacuum-induced) to classical (with many resonator photons). Furthermore, we show that the reflection of propagating microwaves in a transmission line could be controlled by different frequency microwave fields at the single-photon level in a resonator.

Large Dispersive Shift of Cavity Resonance Induced by a Superconducting Flux Qubit in the Straddling Regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inomata, Kunihiro; Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi; Billangeon, Pierre-M.; Lin, Zhirong; Nakamura, Yasunobu; Tsai, Jaw-Shen; Koshino, Kazuki

2013-03-01

We demonstrate enhancement of the dispersive frequency shift in a coplanar waveguide resonator induced by a capacitively coupled superconducting flux qubit in the straddling regime. The magnitude of the observed shift, 80 MHz for the qubit-resonator detuning of 5 GHz, is quantitatively explained by the generalized Rabi model which takes into account the contribution of the qubit higher energy levels. By applying the enhanced dispersive shift to the qubit readout, we achieved 90 % contrast of the Rabi oscillations which is mainly limited by the energy relaxation of the qubit. We also discuss the qubit readout using a Josephson parametric amplifier. This work was supported by the MEXT Kakenhi ``Quantum Cybernetics'', the JSPS through its FIRST Program, and the NICT Commissioned Research.

Frequency-domain cascading microwave superconducting quantum interference device multiplexers; beyond limitations originating from room-temperature electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohjiro, Satoshi; Hirayama, Fuminori

2018-07-01

A novel approach, frequency-domain cascading microwave multiplexers (MW-Mux), has been proposed and its basic operation has been demonstrated to increase the number of pixels multiplexed in a readout line U of MW-Mux for superconducting detector arrays. This method is an alternative to the challenging development of wideband, large power, and spurious-free room-temperature (300 K) electronics. The readout system for U pixels consists of four main parts: (1) multiplexer chips connected in series those contain U superconducting resonators in total. (2) A cryogenic high-electron-mobility transistor amplifier (HEMT). (3) A 300 K microwave frequency comb generator based on N(≡U/M) parallel units of digital-to-analog converters (DAC). (4) N parallel units of 300 K analog-to-digital converters (ADC). Here, M is the number of tones each DAC produces and each ADC handles. The output signal of U detectors multiplexed at the cryogenic stage is transmitted through a cable to the room temperature and divided into N processors where each handles M pixels. Due to the reduction factor of 1/N, U is not anymore dominated by the 300 K electronics but can be increased up to the potential value determined by either the bandwidth or the spurious-free power of the HEMT. Based on experimental results on the prototype system with N = 2 and M = 3, neither excess inter-pixel crosstalk nor excess noise has been observed in comparison with conventional MW-Mux. This indicates that the frequency-domain cascading MW-Mux provides the full (100%) usage of the HEMT band by assigning N 300 K bands on the frequency axis without inter-band gaps.

Demonstration of a quantum error detection code using a square lattice of four superconducting qubits

PubMed Central

Córcoles, A.D.; Magesan, Easwar; Srinivasan, Srikanth J.; Cross, Andrew W.; Steffen, M.; Gambetta, Jay M.; Chow, Jerry M.

2015-01-01

The ability to detect and deal with errors when manipulating quantum systems is a fundamental requirement for fault-tolerant quantum computing. Unlike classical bits that are subject to only digital bit-flip errors, quantum bits are susceptible to a much larger spectrum of errors, for which any complete quantum error-correcting code must account. Whilst classical bit-flip detection can be realized via a linear array of qubits, a general fault-tolerant quantum error-correcting code requires extending into a higher-dimensional lattice. Here we present a quantum error detection protocol on a two-by-two planar lattice of superconducting qubits. The protocol detects an arbitrary quantum error on an encoded two-qubit entangled state via quantum non-demolition parity measurements on another pair of error syndrome qubits. This result represents a building block towards larger lattices amenable to fault-tolerant quantum error correction architectures such as the surface code. PMID:25923200

Demonstration of a quantum error detection code using a square lattice of four superconducting qubits.

PubMed

Córcoles, A D; Magesan, Easwar; Srinivasan, Srikanth J; Cross, Andrew W; Steffen, M; Gambetta, Jay M; Chow, Jerry M

2015-04-29

The ability to detect and deal with errors when manipulating quantum systems is a fundamental requirement for fault-tolerant quantum computing. Unlike classical bits that are subject to only digital bit-flip errors, quantum bits are susceptible to a much larger spectrum of errors, for which any complete quantum error-correcting code must account. Whilst classical bit-flip detection can be realized via a linear array of qubits, a general fault-tolerant quantum error-correcting code requires extending into a higher-dimensional lattice. Here we present a quantum error detection protocol on a two-by-two planar lattice of superconducting qubits. The protocol detects an arbitrary quantum error on an encoded two-qubit entangled state via quantum non-demolition parity measurements on another pair of error syndrome qubits. This result represents a building block towards larger lattices amenable to fault-tolerant quantum error correction architectures such as the surface code.

Prototype Parts of a Digital Beam-Forming Wide-Band Receiver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaplan, Steven B.; Pylov, Sergey V.; Pambianchi, Michael

2003-01-01

Some prototype parts of a digital beamforming (DBF) receiver that would operate at multigigahertz carrier frequencies have been developed. The beam-forming algorithm in a DBF receiver processes signals from multiple antenna elements with appropriate time delays and weighting factors chosen to enhance the reception of signals from a specific direction while suppressing signals from other directions. Such a receiver would be used in the directional reception of weak wideband signals -- for example, spread-spectrum signals from a low-power transmitter on an Earth-orbiting spacecraft or other distant source. The prototype parts include superconducting components on integrated-circuit chips, and a multichip module (MCM), within which the chips are to be packaged and connected via special inter-chip-communication circuits. The design and the underlying principle of operation are based on the use of the rapid single-flux quantum (RSFQ) family of logic circuits to obtain the required processing speed and signal-to-noise ratio. RSFQ circuits are superconducting circuits that exploit the Josephson effect. They are well suited for this application, having been proven to perform well in some circuits at frequencies above 100 GHz. In order to maintain the superconductivity needed for proper functioning of the RSFQ circuits, the MCM must be kept in a cryogenic environment during operation.

Semiconductor-inspired design principles for superconducting quantum computing.

PubMed

Shim, Yun-Pil; Tahan, Charles

2016-03-17

Superconducting circuits offer tremendous design flexibility in the quantum regime culminating most recently in the demonstration of few qubit systems supposedly approaching the threshold for fault-tolerant quantum information processing. Competition in the solid-state comes from semiconductor qubits, where nature has bestowed some very useful properties which can be utilized for spin qubit-based quantum computing. Here we begin to explore how selective design principles deduced from spin-based systems could be used to advance superconducting qubit science. We take an initial step along this path proposing an encoded qubit approach realizable with state-of-the-art tunable Josephson junction qubits. Our results show that this design philosophy holds promise, enables microwave-free control, and offers a pathway to future qubit designs with new capabilities such as with higher fidelity or, perhaps, operation at higher temperature. The approach is also especially suited to qubits on the basis of variable super-semi junctions.

Nuclear magnetic resonance in high magnetic field: Application to condensed matter physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berthier, Claude; Horvatić, Mladen; Julien, Marc-Henri; Mayaffre, Hadrien; Krämer, Steffen

2017-05-01

In this review, we describe the potentialities offered by the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique to explore at a microscopic level new quantum states of condensed matter induced by high magnetic fields. We focus on experiments realised in resistive (up to 34 T) or hybrid (up to 45 T) magnets, which open a large access to these quantum phase transitions. After an introduction on NMR observables, we consider several topics: quantum spin systems (spin-Peierls transition, spin ladders, spin nematic phases, magnetisation plateaus, and Bose-Einstein condensation of triplet excitations), the field-induced charge density wave (CDW) in high-Tc superconductors, and exotic superconductivity including the Fulde-Ferrel-Larkin-Ovchinnikov superconducting state and the field-induced superconductivity due to the Jaccarino-Peter mechanism.

Observation of measurement-induced entanglement and quantum trajectories of remote superconducting qubits.

PubMed

Roch, N; Schwartz, M E; Motzoi, F; Macklin, C; Vijay, R; Eddins, A W; Korotkov, A N; Whaley, K B; Sarovar, M; Siddiqi, I

2014-05-02

The creation of a quantum network requires the distribution of coherent information across macroscopic distances. We demonstrate the entanglement of two superconducting qubits, separated by more than a meter of coaxial cable, by designing a joint measurement that probabilistically projects onto an entangled state. By using a continuous measurement scheme, we are further able to observe single quantum trajectories of the joint two-qubit state, confirming the validity of the quantum Bayesian formalism for a cascaded system. Our results allow us to resolve the dynamics of continuous projection onto the entangled manifold, in quantitative agreement with theory.

Nonlinear heat transport in ferromagnetic-quantum dot-superconducting systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Sun-Yong; Sánchez, David

2018-03-01

We analyze the heat current traversing a quantum dot sandwiched between a ferromagnetic and a superconducting electrode. The heat flow generated in response to a voltage bias presents rectification as a function of the gate potential applied to the quantum dot. Remarkably, in the thermally driven case the heat shows a strong diode effect with large asymmetry ratios that can be externally tuned with magnetic fields or spin-polarized tunneling. Our results thus demonstrate the importance of hybrid systems as promising candidates for thermal applications.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shao Xiaoqiang; Wang Hongfu; Zhang Shou

We present an approach for implementation of a 1->3 orbital state quantum cloning machine based on the quantum Zeno dynamics via manipulating three rf superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) qubits to resonantly interact with a superconducting cavity assisted by classical fields. Through appropriate modulation of the coupling constants between rf SQUIDs and classical fields, the quantum cloning machine can be realized within one step. We also discuss the effects of decoherence such as spontaneous emission and the loss of cavity in virtue of master equation. The numerical simulation result reveals that the quantum cloning machine is especially robust against themore » cavity decay, since all qubits evolve in the decoherence-free subspace with respect to cavity decay due to the quantum Zeno dynamics.« less

Emulation of complex open quantum systems using superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mostame, Sarah; Huh, Joonsuk; Kreisbeck, Christoph; Kerman, Andrew J.; Fujita, Takatoshi; Eisfeld, Alexander; Aspuru-Guzik, Alán

2017-02-01

With quantum computers being out of reach for now, quantum simulators are alternative devices for efficient and accurate simulation of problems that are challenging to tackle using conventional computers. Quantum simulators are classified into analog and digital, with the possibility of constructing "hybrid" simulators by combining both techniques. Here we focus on analog quantum simulators of open quantum systems and address the limit that they can beat classical computers. In particular, as an example, we discuss simulation of the chlorosome light-harvesting antenna from green sulfur bacteria with over 250 phonon modes coupled to each electronic state. Furthermore, we propose physical setups that can be used to reproduce the quantum dynamics of a standard and multiple-mode Holstein model. The proposed scheme is based on currently available technology of superconducting circuits consist of flux qubits and quantum oscillators.

Superconducting quantum simulator for topological order and the toric code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sameti, Mahdi; Potočnik, Anton; Browne, Dan E.; Wallraff, Andreas; Hartmann, Michael J.

2017-04-01

Topological order is now being established as a central criterion for characterizing and classifying ground states of condensed matter systems and complements categorizations based on symmetries. Fractional quantum Hall systems and quantum spin liquids are receiving substantial interest because of their intriguing quantum correlations, their exotic excitations, and prospects for protecting stored quantum information against errors. Here, we show that the Hamiltonian of the central model of this class of systems, the toric code, can be directly implemented as an analog quantum simulator in lattices of superconducting circuits. The four-body interactions, which lie at its heart, are in our concept realized via superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) that are driven by a suitably oscillating flux bias. All physical qubits and coupling SQUIDs can be individually controlled with high precision. Topologically ordered states can be prepared via an adiabatic ramp of the stabilizer interactions. Strings of qubit operators, including the stabilizers and correlations along noncontractible loops, can be read out via a capacitive coupling to read-out resonators. Moreover, the available single-qubit operations allow to create and propagate elementary excitations of the toric code and to verify their fractional statistics. The architecture we propose allows to implement a large variety of many-body interactions and thus provides a versatile analog quantum simulator for topological order and lattice gauge theories.

Ferromagnetic-Insulator-Based Superconducting Junctions as Sensitive Electron Thermometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giazotto, F.; Solinas, P.; Braggio, A.; Bergeret, F. S.

2015-10-01

We present an exhaustive theoretical analysis of charge and thermoelectric transport in a normal-metal-ferromagnetic-insulator-superconductor junction and explore the possibility of its use as a sensitive thermometer. We investigate the transfer functions and the intrinsic noise performance for different measurement configurations. A common feature of all configurations is that the best temperature-noise performance is obtained in the nonlinear temperature regime for a structure based on an Europium chalcogenide ferromagnetic insulator in contact with a superconducting Al film structure. For an open-circuit configuration, although the maximal intrinsic temperature sensitivity can achieve 10 nK Hz-1 /2 , a realistic amplifying chain will reduce the sensitivity up to 10 μ K Hz-1 /2 . To overcome this limitation, we propose a measurement scheme in a closed-circuit configuration based on state-of-the-art superconducting-quantum-interference-device detection technology in an inductive setup. In such a case, we show that temperature-noise can be as low as 35 nK Hz-1 /2 . We also discuss a temperature-to-frequency converter where the obtained thermovoltage developed over a Josephson junction operated in the dissipative regime is converted into a high-frequency signal. We predict that the structure can generate frequencies up to approximately 120 GHz and transfer functions up to 200 GHz /K at around 1 K. If operated as an electron thermometer, the device may provide temperature-noise lower than 35 nK Hz-1 /2 thereby being potentially attractive for radiation-sensing applications.

Temperature dependence of alkali-antimonide photocathodes: Evaluation at cryogenic temperatures

DOE PAGES

Mamun, M. A.; Hernandez-Flores, M. R.; Morales, E.; ...

2017-10-24

Cs xK ySb photocathodes were manufactured on a niobium substrate and evaluated over a range of temperatures from 300 to 77 K. Vacuum conditions were identified that minimize surface contamination due to gas adsorption when samples were cooled below room temperature. Here, measurements of photocathode spectral response provided a means to evaluate the photocathode bandgap dependence on temperature and to predict photocathode quantum efficiency at 4 K, a typical temperature at which superconducting radio frequency photoguns operate.

Benchmarking a quantum teleportation protocol in superconducting circuits using tomography and an entanglement witness.

PubMed

Baur, M; Fedorov, A; Steffen, L; Filipp, S; da Silva, M P; Wallraff, A

2012-01-27

Teleportation of a quantum state may be used for distributing entanglement between distant qubits in quantum communication and for quantum computation. Here we demonstrate the implementation of a teleportation protocol, up to the single-shot measurement step, with superconducting qubits coupled to a microwave resonator. Using full quantum state tomography and evaluating an entanglement witness, we show that the protocol generates a genuine tripartite entangled state of all three qubits. Calculating the projection of the measured density matrix onto the basis states of two qubits allows us to reconstruct the teleported state. Repeating this procedure for a complete set of input states we find an average output state fidelity of 86%.

0-π phase-controllable thermal Josephson junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fornieri, Antonio; Timossi, Giuliano; Virtanen, Pauli; Solinas, Paolo; Giazotto, Francesco

2017-05-01

Two superconductors coupled by a weak link support an equilibrium Josephson electrical current that depends on the phase difference ϕ between the superconducting condensates. Yet, when a temperature gradient is imposed across the junction, the Josephson effect manifests itself through a coherent component of the heat current that flows opposite to the thermal gradient for |ϕ| < π/2 (refs 2-4). The direction of both the Josephson charge and heat currents can be inverted by adding a π shift to ϕ. In the static electrical case, this effect has been obtained in a few systems, for example via a ferromagnetic coupling or a non-equilibrium distribution in the weak link. These structures opened new possibilities for superconducting quantum logic and ultralow-power superconducting computers. Here, we report the first experimental realization of a thermal Josephson junction whose phase bias can be controlled from 0 to π. This is obtained thanks to a superconducting quantum interferometer that allows full control of the direction of the coherent energy transfer through the junction. This possibility, in conjunction with the completely superconducting nature of our system, provides temperature modulations with an unprecedented amplitude of ∼100 mK and transfer coefficients exceeding 1 K per flux quantum at 25 mK. Then, this quantum structure represents a fundamental step towards the realization of caloritronic logic components such as thermal transistors, switches and memory devices. These elements, combined with heat interferometers and diodes, would complete the thermal conversion of the most important phase-coherent electronic devices and benefit cryogenic microcircuits requiring energy management, such as quantum computing architectures and radiation sensors.

Superconducting Switch for Fast On-Chip Routing of Quantum Microwave Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pechal, M.; Besse, J.-C.; Mondal, M.; Oppliger, M.; Gasparinetti, S.; Wallraff, A.

2016-08-01

A switch capable of routing microwave signals at cryogenic temperatures is a desirable component for state-of-the-art experiments in many fields of applied physics, including but not limited to quantum-information processing, communication, and basic research in engineered quantum systems. Conventional mechanical switches provide low insertion loss but disturb operation of dilution cryostats and the associated experiments by heat dissipation. Switches based on semiconductors or microelectromechanical systems have a lower thermal budget but are not readily integrated with current superconducting circuits. Here we design and test an on-chip switch built by combining tunable transmission-line resonators with microwave beam splitters. The device is superconducting and as such dissipates a negligible amount of heat. It is compatible with current superconducting circuit fabrication techniques, operates with a bandwidth exceeding 100 MHz, is capable of handling photon fluxes on the order of 1 05 μ s-1 , equivalent to powers exceeding -90 dBm , and can be switched within approximately 6-8 ns. We successfully demonstrate operation of the device in the quantum regime by integrating it on a chip with a single-photon source and using it to route nonclassical itinerant microwave fields at the single-photon level.

Measurement-induced long-distance entanglement of superconducting qubits using optomechanical transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Černotík, Ondřej; Hammerer, Klemens

2016-07-01

Although superconducting systems provide a promising platform for quantum computing, their networking poses a challenge because they cannot be interfaced to light, the medium used to send quantum signals through channels at room temperature. We show that mechanical oscillators can mediate such coupling and light can be used to measure the joint state of two distant qubits. The measurement provides information on the total spin of the two qubits such that entangled qubit states can be postselected. Entanglement generation is possible without ground-state cooling of the mechanical oscillators for systems with optomechanical cooperativity moderately larger than unity; in addition, our setup tolerates a substantial transmission loss. The approach is scalable to the generation of multipartite entanglement and represents a crucial step towards quantum networks with superconducting circuits.

Spin-sensitive interference due to Majorana state on the interface between normal and superconducting leads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barański, J.; Kobiałka, A.; Domański, T.

2017-02-01

We investigate the subgap spectrum and transport properties of the quantum dot on the interface between the metallic and superconducting leads and additionally side-coupled to the edge of the topological superconducting (TS) chain, hosting the Majorana quasiparticle. Due to the chiral nature of the Majorana states only one spin component of the quantum dot electrons (say \\uparrow ) is directly affected, however the proximity induced on-dot pairing transmits its influence on the opposite spin as well. We investigate the unique interferometric patterns driven by the Majorana quasiparticle that are different for each spin component. We also address the spin-sensitive interplay with the Kondo effect manifested at the same zero-energy and we come to the conclusion that quantum interferometry can unambiguously identify the Majorana quasiparticle.

Chiral sp-orbital paired superfluid of fermionic atoms in a 2D spin-dependent optical lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Bo; Li, Xiaopeng; Wu, Biao; Liu, W. Vincent

2014-03-01

Recent progress in realizing synthetic quantum orbital materials in chequerboard and hexagonal optical lattices opens an avenue towards exploiting unconventional quantum states, advancing our understanding of correlated quantum matter. Here, we unveil a chiral sp -orbital paired superfluid state for an interacting two-component Fermi gas in a 2D spin-dependent optical lattice. Surprisingly, this novel state is found to exist in a wide regime of experimentally tunable interaction strengths. The coexistence of this chiral superfluid and the ferro-orbital order is reminiscent of that of magnetism and superconductivity which is a long-standing issue in condensed matter physics. The topological properties are demonstrated by the existence of gapless chiral fermions in the presence of domain wall defects, reminiscent of quantum Hall edge states. Such properties can be measured by radio frequency spectroscopy in cold atomic experiments. Work supported in part by U.S. ARO, AFOSR, and DARPA-OLE-ARO, Kaufman Foundation, and NSF of China.

A cryogen-free ultralow-field superconducting quantum interference device magnetic resonance imaging system.

PubMed

Eom, Byeong Ho; Penanen, Konstantin; Hahn, Inseob

2014-09-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at microtesla fields using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) detection has previously been demonstrated, and advantages have been noted. Although the ultralow-field SQUID MRI technique would not need the heavy superconducting magnet of conventional MRI systems, liquid helium required to cool the low-temperature detector still places a significant burden on its operation. We have built a prototype cryocooler-based SQUID MRI system that does not require a cryogen. The SQUID detector and the superconducting gradiometer were cooled down to 3.7 K and 4.3 K, respectively. We describe the prototype design, characterization, a phantom image, and areas of further improvements needed to bring the imaging performance to parity with conventional MRI systems.

Experimental Demonstration of Fault-Tolerant State Preparation with Superconducting Qubits.

PubMed

Takita, Maika; Cross, Andrew W; Córcoles, A D; Chow, Jerry M; Gambetta, Jay M

2017-11-03

Robust quantum computation requires encoding delicate quantum information into degrees of freedom that are hard for the environment to change. Quantum encodings have been demonstrated in many physical systems by observing and correcting storage errors, but applications require not just storing information; we must accurately compute even with faulty operations. The theory of fault-tolerant quantum computing illuminates a way forward by providing a foundation and collection of techniques for limiting the spread of errors. Here we implement one of the smallest quantum codes in a five-qubit superconducting transmon device and demonstrate fault-tolerant state preparation. We characterize the resulting code words through quantum process tomography and study the free evolution of the logical observables. Our results are consistent with fault-tolerant state preparation in a protected qubit subspace.

High-Q photonic resonators and electro-optic coupling using silicon-on-lithium-niobate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witmer, Jeremy D.; Valery, Joseph A.; Arrangoiz-Arriola, Patricio; Sarabalis, Christopher J.; Hill, Jeff T.; Safavi-Naeini, Amir H.

2017-04-01

Future quantum networks, in which superconducting quantum processors are connected via optical links, will require microwave-to-optical photon converters that preserve entanglement. A doubly-resonant electro-optic modulator (EOM) is a promising platform to realize this conversion. Here, we present our progress towards building such a modulator by demonstrating the optically-resonant half of the device. We demonstrate high quality (Q) factor ring, disk and photonic crystal resonators using a hybrid silicon-on-lithium-niobate material system. Optical Q factors up to 730,000 are achieved, corresponding to propagation loss of 0.8 dB/cm. We also use the electro-optic effect to modulate the resonance frequency of a photonic crystal cavity, achieving a electro-optic modulation coefficient between 1 and 2 pm/V. In addition to quantum technology, we expect that our results will be useful both in traditional silicon photonics applications and in high-sensitivity acousto-optic devices.

Quantum Memristors with Superconducting Circuits

PubMed Central

Salmilehto, J.; Deppe, F.; Di Ventra, M.; Sanz, M.; Solano, E.

2017-01-01

Memristors are resistive elements retaining information of their past dynamics. They have garnered substantial interest due to their potential for representing a paradigm change in electronics, information processing and unconventional computing. Given the advent of quantum technologies, a design for a quantum memristor with superconducting circuits may be envisaged. Along these lines, we introduce such a quantum device whose memristive behavior arises from quasiparticle-induced tunneling when supercurrents are cancelled. For realistic parameters, we find that the relevant hysteretic behavior may be observed using current state-of-the-art measurements of the phase-driven tunneling current. Finally, we develop suitable methods to quantify memory retention in the system. PMID:28195193

Emulating Many-Body Localization with a Superconducting Quantum Processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Kai; Chen, Jin-Jun; Zeng, Yu; Zhang, Yu-Ran; Song, Chao; Liu, Wuxin; Guo, Qiujiang; Zhang, Pengfei; Xu, Da; Deng, Hui; Huang, Keqiang; Wang, H.; Zhu, Xiaobo; Zheng, Dongning; Fan, Heng

2018-02-01

The law of statistical physics dictates that generic closed quantum many-body systems initialized in nonequilibrium will thermalize under their own dynamics. However, the emergence of many-body localization (MBL) owing to the interplay between interaction and disorder, which is in stark contrast to Anderson localization, which only addresses noninteracting particles in the presence of disorder, greatly challenges this concept, because it prevents the systems from evolving to the ergodic thermalized state. One critical evidence of MBL is the long-time logarithmic growth of entanglement entropy, and a direct observation of it is still elusive due to the experimental challenges in multiqubit single-shot measurement and quantum state tomography. Here we present an experiment fully emulating the MBL dynamics with a 10-qubit superconducting quantum processor, which represents a spin-1 /2 X Y model featuring programmable disorder and long-range spin-spin interactions. We provide essential signatures of MBL, such as the imbalance due to the initial nonequilibrium, the violation of eigenstate thermalization hypothesis, and, more importantly, the direct evidence of the long-time logarithmic growth of entanglement entropy. Our results lay solid foundations for precisely simulating the intriguing physics of quantum many-body systems on the platform of large-scale multiqubit superconducting quantum processors.

Impact of Disorder on the Superconducting Phase Diagram in BaFe2(As1-xPx)2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizukami, Yuta; Konczykowski, Marcin; Matsuura, Kohei; Watashige, Tatsuya; Kasahara, Shigeru; Matsuda, Yuji; Shibauchi, Takasada

2017-08-01

In many classes of unconventional superconductors, the question of whether the superconductivity is enhanced by the quantum-critical fluctuations on the verge of an ordered phase remains elusive. One of the most direct ways of addressing this issue is to investigate how the superconducting dome traces a shift of the ordered phase. Here, we study how the phase diagram of the iron-based superconductor BaFe2(As1-xPx)2 changes with disorder via electron irradiation, which keeps the carrier concentrations intact. With increasing disorder, we find that the magneto-structural transition is suppressed, indicating that the critical concentration is shifted to the lower side. Although the superconducting transition temperature Tc is depressed at high concentrations (x ≳ 0.28), it shows an initial increase at lower x. This implies that the superconducting dome tracks the shift of the antiferromagnetic phase, supporting the view of the crucial role played by quantum-critical fluctuations in enhancing superconductivity in this iron-based high-Tc family.

Superconductivity mediated by quantum critical antiferromagnetic fluctuations: the rise and fall of hot spots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaoyu; Schattner, Yoni; Berg, Erez; Fernandes, Rafael

The maximum transition temperature Tc observed in the phase diagrams of several unconventional superconductors takes place in the vicinity of a putative antiferromagnetic quantum critical point. This observation motivated the theoretical proposal that superconductivity in these systems may be driven by quantum critical fluctuations, which in turn can also promote non-Fermi liquid behavior. In this talk, we present a combined analytical and sign-problem-free Quantum Monte Carlo investigation of the spin-fermion model - a widely studied low-energy model for the interplay between superconductivity and magnetic fluctuations. By engineering a series of band dispersions that interpolate between near-nested and open Fermi surfaces, and by also varying the strength of the spin-fermion interaction, we find that the hot spots of the Fermi surface provide the dominant contribution to the pairing instability in this model. We show that the analytical expressions for Tc and for the pairing susceptibility, obtained within a large-N Eliashberg approximation to the spin-fermion model, agree well with the Quantum Monte Carlo data, even in the regime of interactions comparable to the electronic bandwidth. DE-SC0012336.

Digital-analog quantum simulation of generalized Dicke models with superconducting circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamata, Lucas

We propose a digital-analog quantum simulation of generalized Dicke models with superconducting circuits, including Fermi-Bose condensates, biased and pulsed Dicke models, for all regimes of light-matter coupling. We encode these classes of problems in a set of superconducting qubits coupled with a bosonic mode implemented by a transmission line resonator. Via digital-analog techniques, an efficient quantum simulation can be performed in state-of-the-art circuit quantum electrodynamics platforms, by suitable decomposition into analog qubit-bosonic blocks and collective single-qubit pulses through digital steps. Moreover, just a single global analog block would be needed during the whole protocol in most of the cases, superimposed with fast periodic pulses to rotate and detune the qubits. Therefore, a large number of digital steps may be attained with this approach, providing a reduced digital error. Additionally, the number of gates per digital step does not grow with the number of qubits, rendering the simulation efficient. This strategy paves the way for the scalable digital-analog quantum simulation of many-body dynamics involving bosonic modes and spin degrees of freedom with superconducting circuits. The author wishes to acknowledge discussions with I. Arrazola, A. Mezzacapo, J. S. Pedernales, and E. Solano, and support from Ramon y Cajal Grant RYC-2012-11391, Spanish MINECO/FEDER FIS2015-69983-P, UPV/EHU UFI 11/55 and Project EHUA14/04.

Epitaxy of advanced nanowire quantum devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gazibegovic, Sasa; Car, Diana; Zhang, Hao; Balk, Stijn C.; Logan, John A.; de Moor, Michiel W. A.; Cassidy, Maja C.; Schmits, Rudi; Xu, Di; Wang, Guanzhong; Krogstrup, Peter; Op Het Veld, Roy L. M.; Zuo, Kun; Vos, Yoram; Shen, Jie; Bouman, Daniël; Shojaei, Borzoyeh; Pennachio, Daniel; Lee, Joon Sue; van Veldhoven, Petrus J.; Koelling, Sebastian; Verheijen, Marcel A.; Kouwenhoven, Leo P.; Palmstrøm, Chris J.; Bakkers, Erik P. A. M.

2017-08-01

Semiconductor nanowires are ideal for realizing various low-dimensional quantum devices. In particular, topological phases of matter hosting non-Abelian quasiparticles (such as anyons) can emerge when a semiconductor nanowire with strong spin-orbit coupling is brought into contact with a superconductor. To exploit the potential of non-Abelian anyons—which are key elements of topological quantum computing—fully, they need to be exchanged in a well-controlled braiding operation. Essential hardware for braiding is a network of crystalline nanowires coupled to superconducting islands. Here we demonstrate a technique for generic bottom-up synthesis of complex quantum devices with a special focus on nanowire networks with a predefined number of superconducting islands. Structural analysis confirms the high crystalline quality of the nanowire junctions, as well as an epitaxial superconductor-semiconductor interface. Quantum transport measurements of nanowire ‘hashtags’ reveal Aharonov-Bohm and weak-antilocalization effects, indicating a phase-coherent system with strong spin-orbit coupling. In addition, a proximity-induced hard superconducting gap (with vanishing sub-gap conductance) is demonstrated in these hybrid superconductor-semiconductor nanowires, highlighting the successful materials development necessary for a first braiding experiment. Our approach opens up new avenues for the realization of epitaxial three-dimensional quantum architectures which have the potential to become key components of various quantum devices.

Deterministic entanglement of superconducting qubits by parity measurement and feedback.

PubMed

Ristè, D; Dukalski, M; Watson, C A; de Lange, G; Tiggelman, M J; Blanter, Ya M; Lehnert, K W; Schouten, R N; DiCarlo, L

2013-10-17

The stochastic evolution of quantum systems during measurement is arguably the most enigmatic feature of quantum mechanics. Measuring a quantum system typically steers it towards a classical state, destroying the coherence of an initial quantum superposition and the entanglement with other quantum systems. Remarkably, the measurement of a shared property between non-interacting quantum systems can generate entanglement, starting from an uncorrelated state. Of special interest in quantum computing is the parity measurement, which projects the state of multiple qubits (quantum bits) to a state with an even or odd number of excited qubits. A parity meter must discern the two qubit-excitation parities with high fidelity while preserving coherence between same-parity states. Despite numerous proposals for atomic, semiconducting and superconducting qubits, realizing a parity meter that creates entanglement for both even and odd measurement results has remained an outstanding challenge. Here we perform a time-resolved, continuous parity measurement of two superconducting qubits using the cavity in a three-dimensional circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture and phase-sensitive parametric amplification. Using postselection, we produce entanglement by parity measurement reaching 88 per cent fidelity to the closest Bell state. Incorporating the parity meter in a feedback-control loop, we transform the entanglement generation from probabilistic to fully deterministic, achieving 66 per cent fidelity to a target Bell state on demand. These realizations of a parity meter and a feedback-enabled deterministic measurement protocol provide key ingredients for active quantum error correction in the solid state.

Protecting quantum information in superconducting circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devoret, Michel

Can we prolong the coherence of a two-state manifold in a complex quantum system beyond the coherence of its longest-lived component? This question is the starting point in the construction of a scalable quantum computer. It translates in the search for processes that operate as some sort of Maxwell's demon and reliably correct the errors resulting from the coupling between qubits and their environment. The presentation will review recent experiments that test the dynamical protection by Josephson circuits of a logical qubit memory based on superpositions of particular coherent states of a superconducting resonator.

Superconducting Quantum Arrays for Wideband Antennas and Low Noise Amplifiers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mukhanov, O.; Prokopemko, G.; Romanofsky, Robert R.

2014-01-01

Superconducting Quantum Iinetference Filters (SQIF) consist of a two-dimensional array of niobium Josephson Junctions formed into N loops of incommensurate area. This structure forms a magnetic field (B) to voltage transducer with an impulse like response at B0. In principle, the signal-to-noise ratio scales as the square root of N and the noise can be made arbitrarily small (i.e. The SQIF chips are expected to exhibit quantum limited noise performance). A gain of about 20 dB was recently demonstrated at 10 GHz.

Emerging superconductivity hidden beneath charge-transfer insulators

PubMed Central

Krockenberger, Yoshiharu; Irie, Hiroshi; Matsumoto, Osamu; Yamagami, Keitaro; Mitsuhashi, Masaya; Tsukada, Akio; Naito, Michio; Yamamoto, Hideki

2013-01-01

In many of today's most interesting materials, strong interactions prevail upon the magnetic moments, the electrons, and the crystal lattice, forming strong links between these different aspects of the system. Particularly, in two-dimensional cuprates, where copper is either five- or six-fold coordinated, superconductivity is commonly induced by chemical doping which is deemed to be mandatory by destruction of long-range antiferromagnetic order of 3d9 Cu2+ moments. Here we show that superconductivity can be induced in Pr2CuO4, where copper is four-fold coordinated. We induced this novel quantum state of Pr2CuO4 by realizing pristine square-planar coordinated copper in the copper-oxygen planes, thus, resulting in critical superconducting temperatures even higher than by chemical doping. Our results demonstrate new degrees of freedom, i.e., coordination of copper, for the manipulation of magnetic and superconducting order parameters in quantum materials. PMID:23887134

Low-Loss Superconducting Nanowire Circuits Using a Neon Focused Ion Beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burnett, J.; Sagar, J.; Kennedy, O. W.; Warburton, P. A.; Fenton, J. C.

2017-07-01

We present low-temperature measurements of low-loss superconducting nanowire-embedded resonators in the low-power limit relevant for quantum circuits. The superconducting resonators are embedded with superconducting nanowires with widths down to 20 nm using a neon focused ion beam. In the low-power limit, we demonstrate an internal quality factor up to 3.9 ×105 at 300 mK [implying a two-level-system-limited quality factor up to 2 ×105 at 10 mK], not only significantly higher than in similar devices but also matching the state of the art of conventional Josephson-junction-embedded resonators. We also show a high sensitivity of the nanowire to stray infrared photons, which is controllable by suitable precautions to minimize stray photons in the sample environment. Our results suggest that there are excellent prospects for superconducting-nanowire-based quantum circuits.

Squeezing of magnetic flux in nanorings.

PubMed

Dajka, J; Ptok, A; Luczka, J

2012-12-12

We study superconducting and non-superconducting nanorings and look for non-classical features of magnetic flux passing through nanorings. We show that the magnetic flux can exhibit purely quantum properties in some peculiar states with quadrature squeezing. We identify a subset of Gazeau-Klauder states in which the magnetic flux can be squeezed and, within tailored parameter regimes, quantum fluctuations of the magnetic flux can be maximally reduced.

Superconductivity from a non-Fermi-liquid metal: Kondo fluctuation mechanism in slave-fermion theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ki-Seok

2010-03-01

We propose Kondo fluctuation mechanism of superconductivity, differentiated from the spin-fluctuation theory as the standard model for unconventional superconductivity in the weak-coupling approach. Based on the U(1) slave-fermion representation of an effective Anderson lattice model, where localized spins are described by the Schwinger boson theory and hybridization or Kondo fluctuations weaken antiferromagnetic correlations of localized spins, we found an antiferromagnetic quantum critical point from an antiferromagnetic metal to a heavy-fermion metal in our recent study. The Kondo-induced antiferromagnetic quantum critical point was shown to be described by both conduction electrons and fermionic holons interacting with critical spin fluctuations given by deconfined bosonic spinons with a spin quantum number 1/2. Surprisingly, such critical modes turned out to be described by the dynamical exponent z=3 , giving rise to the well-known non-Fermi-liquid physics such as the divergent Grüneisen ratio with an exponent 2/3 and temperature-linear resistivity in three dimensions. We find that the z=3 antiferromagnetic quantum critical point becomes unstable against superconductivity, where critical spinon excitations give rise to pairing correlations between conduction electrons and between fermionic holons, respectively, via hybridization fluctuations. Such two kinds of pairing correlations result in multigap unconventional superconductivity around the antiferromagnetic quantum critical point of the slave-fermion theory, where s -wave pairing is not favored generically due to strong correlations. We show that the ratio between each superconducting gap for conduction electrons Δc and holons Δf and the transition temperature Tc is 2Δc/Tc˜9 and 2Δf/Tc˜O(10-1) , remarkably consistent with CeCoIn5 . A fingerprint of the Kondo mechanism is emergence of two kinds of resonance modes in not only spin but also charge fluctuations, where the charge resonance mode at an antiferromagnetic wave vector originates from d -wave pairing of spinless holons. We discuss how the Kondo fluctuation theory differs from the spin-fluctuation approach.

Josephson Photodetectors via Temperature-to-Phase Conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Virtanen, P.; Ronzani, A.; Giazotto, F.

2018-05-01

We theoretically investigate the temperature-to-phase conversion (TPC) process occurring in dc superconducting quantum interferometers based on superconductor-normal-metal-superconductor (S -N -S ) mesoscopic Josephson junctions. In particular, we predict the temperature-driven rearrangement of the phase gradients in the interferometer under the fixed constraints of fluxoid quantization and supercurrent conservation. This mechanism allows sizeable phase variations across the junctions for suitable structure parameters and temperatures. We show that the TPC can be a basis for sensitive single-photon sensors or bolometers. We propose a radiation detector realizable with conventional materials and state-of-the-art nanofabrication techniques. Integrated with a superconducting quantum-interference proximity transistor as a readout setup, an aluminum-based TPC calorimeter can provide a large signal-to-noise ratio >100 in the 10-GHz-10-THz frequency range and a resolving power larger than 1 02 below 50 mK for terahertz photons. In the bolometric operation, electrical noise equivalent power of approximately 10-22 W /√{Hz } is predicted at 50 mK. This device can be attractive as a cryogenic single-photon sensor operating in the giga- and terahertz regime with applications in dark-matter searches.

A 3D printed superconducting aluminium microwave cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Creedon, Daniel L.; Goryachev, Maxim; Kostylev, Nikita; Sercombe, Timothy B.; Tobar, Michael E.

2016-07-01

3D printing of plastics, ceramics, and metals has existed for several decades and has revolutionized many areas of manufacturing and science. Printing of metals, in particular, has found a number of applications in fields as diverse as customized medical implants, jet engine bearings, and rapid prototyping in the automotive industry. Although many techniques are used for 3D printing metals, they commonly rely on computer controlled melting or sintering of a metal alloy powder using a laser or electron beam. The mechanical properties of parts produced in such a way have been well studied, but little attention has been paid to their electrical properties. Here we show that a microwave cavity (resonant frequencies 9.9 and 11.2 GHz) 3D printed using an Al-12Si alloy exhibits superconductivity when cooled below the critical temperature of aluminium (1.2 K), with a performance comparable with the common 6061 alloy of aluminium. Superconducting cavities find application in numerous areas of physics, from particle accelerators to cavity quantum electrodynamics experiments. The result is achieved even with a very large concentration of non-superconducting silicon in the alloy of 12.18%, compared with Al-6061, which has between 0.4% and 0.8%. Our results may pave the way for the possibility of 3D printing superconducting cavity configurations that are otherwise impossible to machine.

A 3D printed superconducting aluminium microwave cavity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Creedon, Daniel L.; Goryachev, Maxim; Kostylev, Nikita

3D printing of plastics, ceramics, and metals has existed for several decades and has revolutionized many areas of manufacturing and science. Printing of metals, in particular, has found a number of applications in fields as diverse as customized medical implants, jet engine bearings, and rapid prototyping in the automotive industry. Although many techniques are used for 3D printing metals, they commonly rely on computer controlled melting or sintering of a metal alloy powder using a laser or electron beam. The mechanical properties of parts produced in such a way have been well studied, but little attention has been paid tomore » their electrical properties. Here we show that a microwave cavity (resonant frequencies 9.9 and 11.2 GHz) 3D printed using an Al-12Si alloy exhibits superconductivity when cooled below the critical temperature of aluminium (1.2 K), with a performance comparable with the common 6061 alloy of aluminium. Superconducting cavities find application in numerous areas of physics, from particle accelerators to cavity quantum electrodynamics experiments. The result is achieved even with a very large concentration of non-superconducting silicon in the alloy of 12.18%, compared with Al-6061, which has between 0.4% and 0.8%. Our results may pave the way for the possibility of 3D printing superconducting cavity configurations that are otherwise impossible to machine.« less

Emulating weak localization using a solid-state quantum circuit.

PubMed

Chen, Yu; Roushan, P; Sank, D; Neill, C; Lucero, Erik; Mariantoni, Matteo; Barends, R; Chiaro, B; Kelly, J; Megrant, A; Mutus, J Y; O'Malley, P J J; Vainsencher, A; Wenner, J; White, T C; Yin, Yi; Cleland, A N; Martinis, John M

2014-10-14

Quantum interference is one of the most fundamental physical effects found in nature. Recent advances in quantum computing now employ interference as a fundamental resource for computation and control. Quantum interference also lies at the heart of sophisticated condensed matter phenomena such as Anderson localization, phenomena that are difficult to reproduce in numerical simulations. Here, employing a multiple-element superconducting quantum circuit, with which we manipulate a single microwave photon, we demonstrate that we can emulate the basic effects of weak localization. By engineering the control sequence, we are able to reproduce the well-known negative magnetoresistance of weak localization as well as its temperature dependence. Furthermore, we can use our circuit to continuously tune the level of disorder, a parameter that is not readily accessible in mesoscopic systems. Demonstrating a high level of control, our experiment shows the potential for employing superconducting quantum circuits as emulators for complex quantum phenomena.

Continuous-variable geometric phase and its manipulation for quantum computation in a superconducting circuit.

PubMed

Song, Chao; Zheng, Shi-Biao; Zhang, Pengfei; Xu, Kai; Zhang, Libo; Guo, Qiujiang; Liu, Wuxin; Xu, Da; Deng, Hui; Huang, Keqiang; Zheng, Dongning; Zhu, Xiaobo; Wang, H

2017-10-20

Geometric phase, associated with holonomy transformation in quantum state space, is an important quantum-mechanical effect. Besides fundamental interest, this effect has practical applications, among which geometric quantum computation is a paradigm, where quantum logic operations are realized through geometric phase manipulation that has some intrinsic noise-resilient advantages and may enable simplified implementation of multi-qubit gates compared to the dynamical approach. Here we report observation of a continuous-variable geometric phase and demonstrate a quantum gate protocol based on this phase in a superconducting circuit, where five qubits are controllably coupled to a resonator. Our geometric approach allows for one-step implementation of n-qubit controlled-phase gates, which represents a remarkable advantage compared to gate decomposition methods, where the number of required steps dramatically increases with n. Following this approach, we realize these gates with n up to 4, verifying the high efficiency of this geometric manipulation for quantum computation.

Magnetic excitations in Kondo liquid: superconductivity and hidden magnetic quantum critical fluctuations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Yifeng; Urbano, Ricardo; Nicholas, Curro

2009-01-01

We report Knight shift experiments on the superconducting heavy electron material CeCoIn{sub 5} that allow one to track with some precision the behavior of the heavy electron Kondo liquid in the superconducting state with results in agreement with BCS theory. An analysis of the {sup 115}In nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spin-lattice relaxation rate T{sub 1}{sup -1} measurements under pressure reveals the presence of 2d magnetic quantum critical fluctuations in the heavy electron component that are a promising candidate for the pairing mechanism in this material. Our results are consistent with an antiferromagnetic quantum critical point (QCP) located at slightly negativemore » pressure in CeCoIn{sub 5} and provide additional evidence for significant similarities between the heavy electron materials and the high T{sub c} cuprates.« less

Quantum metallicity on the high-field side of the superconductor-insulator transition.

PubMed

Baturina, T I; Strunk, C; Baklanov, M R; Satta, A

2007-03-23

We investigate ultrathin superconducting TiN films, which are very close to the localization threshold. Perpendicular magnetic field drives the films from the superconducting to an insulating state, with very high resistance. Further increase of the magnetic field leads to an exponential decay of the resistance towards a finite value. In the limit of low temperatures, the saturation value can be very accurately extrapolated to the universal quantum resistance h/e2. Our analysis suggests that at high magnetic fields a new ground state, distinct from the normal metallic state occurring above the superconducting transition temperature, is formed. A comparison with other studies on different materials indicates that the quantum metallic phase following the magnetic-field-induced insulating phase is a generic property of systems close to the disorder-driven superconductor-insulator transition.

A general numerical analysis program for the superconducting quasiparticle mixer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hicks, R. G.; Feldman, M. J.; Kerr, A. R.

1986-01-01

A user-oriented computer program SISCAP (SIS Computer Analysis Program) for analyzing SIS mixers is described. The program allows arbitrary impedance terminations to be specified at all LO harmonics and sideband frequencies. It is therefore able to treat a much more general class of SIS mixers than the widely used three-frequency analysis, for which the harmonics are assumed to be short-circuited. An additional program, GETCHI, provides the necessary input data to program SISCAP. The SISCAP program performs a nonlinear analysis to determine the SIS junction voltage waveform produced by the local oscillator. The quantum theory of mixing is used in its most general form, treating the large signal properties of the mixer in the time domain. A small signal linear analysis is then used to find the conversion loss and port impedances. The noise analysis includes thermal noise from the termination resistances and shot noise from the periodic LO current. Quantum noise is not considered. Many aspects of the program have been adequately verified and found accurate.

Superconductivity: Technology meets quantum criticality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaanen, Jan

2005-09-01

Superconductivity and antiferromagnetism are in fierce competition in high-temperature superconductors. However, this competition has the unexpected benefit that the antiferromagnetism improves the capacity of the superconductor to resist magnetic fields.

Emergence of superconductivity in the canonical heavy-electron metal YbRh₂Si₂.

PubMed

Schuberth, Erwin; Tippmann, Marc; Steinke, Lucia; Lausberg, Stefan; Steppke, Alexander; Brando, Manuel; Krellner, Cornelius; Geibel, Christoph; Yu, Rong; Si, Qimiao; Steglich, Frank

2016-01-29

The smooth disappearance of antiferromagnetic order in strongly correlated metals commonly furnishes the development of unconventional superconductivity. The canonical heavy-electron compound YbRh2Si2 seems to represent an apparent exception from this quantum critical paradigm in that it is not a superconductor at temperature T ≥ 10 millikelvin (mK). Here we report magnetic and calorimetric measurements on YbRh2Si2, down to temperatures as low as T ≈ 1 mK. The data reveal the development of nuclear antiferromagnetic order slightly above 2 mK and of heavy-electron superconductivity almost concomitantly with this order. Our results demonstrate that superconductivity in the vicinity of quantum criticality is a general phenomenon. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Tunneling probe of fluctuating superconductivity in disordered thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dentelski, David; Frydman, Aviad; Shimshoni, Efrat; Dalla Torre, Emanuele G.

2018-03-01

Disordered thin films close to the superconductor-insulator phase transition (SIT) hold the key to understanding quantum phase transition in strongly correlated materials. The SIT is governed by superconducting quantum fluctuations, which can be revealed, for example, by tunneling measurements. These experiments detect a spectral gap, accompanied by suppressed coherence peaks, on both sides of the transition. Here we describe the insulating side in terms of a fluctuating superconducting field with finite-range correlations. We perform a controlled diagrammatic resummation and derive analytic expressions for the tunneling differential conductance. We find that short-range superconducting fluctuations suppress the coherence peaks even in the presence of long-range correlations. Our approach offers a quantitative description of existing measurements on disordered thin films and accounts for tunneling spectra with suppressed coherence peaks.

A cryogen-free ultralow-field superconducting quantum interference device magnetic resonance imaging system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eom, Byeong Ho; Penanen, Konstantin; Hahn, Inseob, E-mail: ihahn@caltech.edu

2014-09-15

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at microtesla fields using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) detection has previously been demonstrated, and advantages have been noted. Although the ultralow-field SQUID MRI technique would not need the heavy superconducting magnet of conventional MRI systems, liquid helium required to cool the low-temperature detector still places a significant burden on its operation. We have built a prototype cryocooler-based SQUID MRI system that does not require a cryogen. The SQUID detector and the superconducting gradiometer were cooled down to 3.7 K and 4.3 K, respectively. We describe the prototype design, characterization, a phantom image, and areas ofmore » further improvements needed to bring the imaging performance to parity with conventional MRI systems.« less

Microwave-to-optical frequency conversion with a Rydberg atom coupled to a coplanar waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gard, Bryan; Jacobs, Kurt; McDermott, Robert; Saffman, Mark

2017-04-01

A primary candidate for converting quantum information from microwave to optical frequencies is the use of Rydberg states of a single atom trapped near a surface. The fact that the Rydberg states possess both large electric dipole moments and microwave transition frequencies allows them to interact with superconducting mesoscopic circuits. By considering a concrete example, that of a Cesium atom, and using numerical search methods to optimize the control protocols, we determine the fidelities and transmission rates that could be achievable with such a device. We show that while protocols that exploit the adiabatic STIRAP mechanism provide the best raw transfer fidelities, the fastest communication speeds can be obtained by using heralding, which allows one to remove the adiabatic constraint. Support from Oak Ridge Associated Universities.

Additive Manufactured Superconducting Cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holland, Eric; Rosen, Yaniv; Woolleet, Nathan; Materise, Nicholas; Voisin, Thomas; Wang, Morris; Mireles, Jorge; Carosi, Gianpaolo; Dubois, Jonathan

Superconducting radio frequency cavities provide an ultra-low dissipative environment, which has enabled fundamental investigations in quantum mechanics, materials properties, and the search for new particles in and beyond the standard model. However, resonator designs are constrained by limitations in conventional machining techniques. For example, current through a seam is a limiting factor in performance for many waveguide cavities. Development of highly reproducible methods for metallic parts through additive manufacturing, referred to colloquially as 3D printing\\x9D, opens the possibility for novel cavity designs which cannot be implemented through conventional methods. We present preliminary investigations of superconducting cavities made through a selective laser melting process, which compacts a granular powder via a high-power laser according to a digitally defined geometry. Initial work suggests that assuming a loss model and numerically optimizing a geometry to minimize dissipation results in modest improvements in device performance. Furthermore, a subset of titanium alloys, particularly, a titanium, aluminum, vanadium alloy (Ti - 6Al - 4V) exhibits properties indicative of a high kinetic inductance material. This work is supported by LDRD 16-SI-004.

Quantum Memristors with Superconducting Circuits

DOE PAGES

Salmilehto, J.; Deppe, F.; Di Ventra, M.; ...

2017-02-14

Memristors are resistive elements retaining information of their past dynamics. They have garnered substantial interest due to their potential for representing a paradigm change in electronics, information processing and unconventional computing. Given the advent of quantum technologies, a design for a quantum memristor with superconducting circuits may be envisaged. Along these lines, we introduce such a quantum device whose memristive behavior arises from quasiparticle-induced tunneling when supercurrents are cancelled. Here in this paper, for realistic parameters, we find that the relevant hysteretic behavior may be observed using current state-of-the-art measurements of the phase-driven tunneling current. Finally, we develop suitable methodsmore » to quantify memory retention in the system.« less

Practical Quantum Realization of the Ampere from the Elementary Charge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brun-Picard, J.; Djordjevic, S.; Leprat, D.; Schopfer, F.; Poirier, W.

2016-10-01

One major change of the future revision of the International System of Units is a new definition of the ampere based on the elementary charge e . Replacing the former definition based on Ampère's force law will allow one to fully benefit from quantum physics to realize the ampere. However, a quantum realization of the ampere from e , accurate to within 10-8 in relative value and fulfilling traceability needs, is still missing despite the many efforts made for the development of single-electron tunneling devices. Starting again with Ohm's law, applied here in a quantum circuit combining the quantum Hall resistance and Josephson voltage standards with a superconducting cryogenic amplifier, we report on a practical and universal programmable quantum current generator. We demonstrate that currents generated in the milliampere range are accurately quantized in terms of e fJ (fJ is the Josephson frequency) with measurement uncertainty of 10-8. This new quantum current source, which is able to deliver such accurate currents down to the microampere range, can greatly improve the current measurement traceability, as demonstrated with the calibrations of digital ammeters. In addition, it opens the way to further developments in metrology and in fundamental physics, such as a quantum multimeter or new accurate comparisons to single-electron pumps.

Quantum memristor in a superconducting circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salmilehto, Juha; Sanz, Mikel; di Ventra, Massimiliano; Solano, Enrique

Memristors, resistive elements that retain information of their past, have garnered interest due to their paradigm-changing potential in information processing and electronics. The emergent hysteretic behaviour allows for novel architectural applications and has recently been classically demonstrated in a simplified superconducting setup using the phase-dependent conductance in the tunnel-junction-microscopic model. In this contribution, we present a truly quantum model for a memristor constructed using established elements and techniques in superconducting nanoelectronics, and explore the parameters for feasible operation as well as refine the methods for quantifying the memory retention. In particular, the memristive behaviour is shown to arise from quasiparticle-induced tunneling in the full dissipative model and can be observed in the phase-driven tunneling current. The relevant hysteretic behaviour should be observable using current state-of-the-art measurements for detecting quasiparticle excitations. Our theoretical findings constitute the first quantum memristor in a superconducting circuit and act as the starting point for designing further circuit elements that have non-Markovian characteristics The authors acknowledge support from the CCQED EU project and the Finnish Cultural Foundation.

Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Foundations of Quantum Mechanics in the Light of New Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishioka, Sachio; Fujikawa, Kazuo

2009-06-01

Committee -- Obituary: Professor Sadao Nakajima -- Opening address / H. Fukuyama -- Welcoming address / N. Osakabe -- Cold atoms and molecules. Pseudopotential method in cold atom research / C. N. Yang. Symmetry breaking in Bose-Einstein condensates / M. Ueda. Quantized vortices in atomic Bose-Einstein condensates / M. Tsubota. Quantum degenerate gases of Ytterbium atoms / S. Uetake ... [et al.]. Superfluid properties of an ultracold fermi gas in the BCS-BEC crossover region / Y. Ohashi, N. Fukushima. Fermionic superfluidity and the BEC-BCS crossover in ultracold atomic fermi gases / M. W. Zwierlein. Kibble-Zurek mechanism in magnetization of a spinor Bose-Einstein condensate / H. Saito, Y. Kawaguchi, M. Ueda. Quasiparticle inducing Josephson effect in a Bose-Einstein condensate / S. Tsuchiya, Y. Ohashi. Stability of superfluid fermi gases in optical lattices / Y. Yunomae ... [et al.]. Z[symbol] symmetry breaking in multi-band bosonic atoms confined by a two-dimensional harmonic potential / M. Sato, A. Tokuno -- Spin hall effect and anomalous hall effect. Recent advances in anomalous hall effect and spin hall effect / N. Nagaosa. Topological insulators and the quantum spin hall effect / C. L. Kane. Application of direct and inverse spin-hall effects: electric manipulation of spin relaxation and electric detection of spin currents / K. Ando, E. Saitoh. Novel current pumping mechanism by spin dynamics / A. Takeuchi, K. Hosono, G. Tatara. Quantum spin hall phase in bismuth ultrathin film / S. Murakami. Anomalous hall effect due to the vector chirality / K. Taguchi, G. Tatara. Spin current distributions and spin hall effect in nonlocal magnetic nanostructures / R. Sugano ... [et al.]. New boundary critical phenomenon at the metal-quantum spin hall insulator transition / H. Obuse. On scaling behaviors of anomalous hall conductivity in disordered ferromagnets studied with the coherent potential approximation / S. Onoda -- Magnetic domain wall dynamics and spin related phenomena. Dynamical magnetoelectric effects in multiferroics / Y. Tokura. Exchange-stabilization of spin accumulation in the two-dimensional electron gas with Rashba-type of spin-orbit interaction / H. M. Saarikoski, G. E. W. Bauer. Electronic Aharonov-Casher effect in InGaAs ring arrays / J. Nitta, M. Kohda, T. Bergsten. Microscopic theory of current-spin interaction in ferromagnets / H. Kohno ... [et al.]. Spin-polarized carrier injection effect in ferromagnetic semiconductor / diffusive semiconductor / superconductor junctions / H. Takayanagi ... [et al.]. Low voltage control of ferromagnetism in a semiconductor P-N junction / J. Wunderlich ... [et al.].Measurement of nanosecond-scale spin-transfer torque magnetization switching / K. Ito ... [et al.]. Current-induced domain wall creep in magnetic wires / J. Ieda, S. Maekawa, S. E. Barnes. Pure spin current injection into superconducting niobium wire / K. Ohnishi, T. Kimura, Y. Otani. Switching of a single atomic spin induced by spin injection: a model calculation / S. Kokado, K. Harigaya, A. Sakuma. Spin transfer torque in magnetic tunnel junctions with synthetic ferrimagnetic layers / M. Ichimura ... [et al.]. Gapless chirality excitations in one-dimensional spin-1/2 frustrated magnets / S. Furukawa ... [et al.] -- Dirac fermions in condensed matter. Electronic states of graphene and its multi-layers / T. Ando, M. Koshino. Inter-layer magnetoresistance in multilayer massless dirac fermions system [symbol]-(BEDT-TTF)[symbol]I[symbol] / N. Tajima ... [et al.]. Theory on electronic properties of gapless states in molecular solids [symbol]-(BEDT-TTF)[symbol]I[symbol] / A. Kobayashi, Y. Suzumura, H. Fukuyama. Hall effect and diamagnetism of bismuth / Y. Fuseya, M. Ogata, H. Fukuyama. Quantum Nernst effect in a bismuth single crystal / M. Matsuo ... [et al.] -- Quantum dot systems. Kondo effect and superconductivity in single InAs quantum dots contacted with superconducting leads / S. Tarucha ... [et al.]. Electron transport through a laterally coupled triple quantum dot forming Aharonov-Bohm interferometer / T. Kubo ... [et al.]. Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in parallel coupled vertical double quantum dot / T. Hatano ... [et al.]. Laterally coupled triple self-assembled quantum dots / S. Amaha ... [et al.]. Spectroscopy of charge states of a superconducting single-electron transistor in an engineered electromagnetic environment / E. Abe ... [et al.]. Numerical study of the coulomb blockade in an open quantum dot / Y. Hamamoto, T. Kato. Symmetry in the full counting statistics, the fluctuation theorem and an extension of the Onsager theorem in nonlinear transport regime / Y. Utsumi, K. Saito. Single-artificial-atom lasing and its suppression by strong pumping / J. R. Johansson ... [et al.] -- Entanglement and quantum information processing, qubit manipulations. Photonic entanglement in quantum communication and quantum computation / A. Zeilinger. Quantum non-demolition measurement of a superconducting flux qubit / J. E. Mooij. Atomic physics and quantum information processing with superconducting circuits / F. Nori. Theory of macroscopic quantum dynamics in high-T[symbol] Josephson junctions / S. Kawabata. Silicon isolated double quantum-dot qubit architectures / D. A. Williams ... [et al.]. Controlled polarisation of silicon isolated double quantum dots with remote charge sensing for qubit use / M. G. Tanner ... [et al.].Modelling of charge qubits based on Si/SiO[symbol] double quantum dots / P. Howard, A. D. Andreev, D. A. Williams. InAs based quantum dots for quantum information processing: from fundamental physics to 'plug and play' devices / X. Xu ... [et al.]. Quantum aspects in superconducting qubit readout with Josephson bifurcation amplifier / H. Nakano ... [et al.]. Double-loop Josephson-junction flux qubit with controllable energy gap / Y. Shimazu, Y. Saito, Z. Wada. Noise characteristics of the Fano effect and Fano-Kondo effect in triple quantum dots, aiming at charge qubit detection / T. Tanamoto, Y. Nishi, S. Fujita. Geometric universal single qubit operation of cold two-level atoms / H. Imai, A. Morinaga. Entanglement dynamics in quantum Brownian motion / K. Shiokawa. Coupling superconducting flux qubits using AC magnetic flxues / Y. Liu, F. Nori. Entanglement purification using natural spin chain dynamics and single spin measurements / K. Maruyama, F. Nori. Experimental analysis of spatial qutrit entanglement of down-converted photon pairs / G. Taguchi ... [et al.]. On the phase sensitivity of two path interferometry using path-symmetric N-photon states / H. F. Hofmann. Control of multi-photon coherence using the mixing ratio of down-converted photons and weak coherent light / T. Ono, H. F. Hofmann -- Mechanical properties of confined geometry. Rattling as a novel anharmonic vibration in a solid / Z. Hiroi, J. Yamaura. Micro/nanomechanical systems for information processing / H. Yamaguchi, I. Mahboob -- Precise measurements. Electron phase microscopy for observing superconductivity and magnetism / A. Tonomura. Ratio of the Al[symbol] and Hg[symbol] optical clock frequencies to 17 decimal places / W. M. Itano ... [et al.]. STM and STS observation on titanium-carbide metallofullerenes: [symbol] / N. Fukui ... [et al.]. Single shot measurement of a silicon single electron transistor / T. Ferrus ... [et al.]. Derivation of sensitivity of a Geiger mode APDs detector from a given efficiency to estimate total photon counts / K. Hammura, D. A. Williams -- Novel properties in nano-systems. First principles study of electroluminescence in ultra-thin silicon film / Y. Suwa, S. Saito. First principles nonlinear optical spectroscopy / T. Hamada, T. Ohno. Field-induced disorder and carrier localization in molecular organic transistors / M. Ando ... [et al.]. Switching dynamics in strongly coupled Josephson junctions / H. Kashiwaya ... [et al.]. Towards quantum simulation with planar coulomb crystals / I. M. Buluta, S. Hasegawa -- Fundamental problems in quantum physics. The negative binomial distribution in quantum physics / J. Söderholm, S. Inoue. On the elementary decay process / D. Kouznetsov -- List of participants.

Observing single quantum trajectories of a superconducting qubit: ensemble properties and driven dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, Steven; Murch, K. W.; Chantasri, A.; Dressel, J.; Jordan, A. N.; Siddiqi, I.

2014-03-01

We use weak measurements to track individual quantum trajectories of a superconducting qubit embedded in a microwave cavity. Using a near-quantum-limited parametric amplifier, we selectively measure either the phase or amplitude of the cavity field, and thereby confine trajectories to either the equator or a meridian of the Bloch sphere. We analyze ensembles of trajectories to determine statistical properties such as the most likely path and most likely time connecting pre and post-selected quantum states. We compare our results with theoretical predictions derived from an action principle for continuous quantum measurement. Furthermore, by introducing a qubit drive, we investigate the interplay between unitary state evolution and non-unitary measurement dynamics. This work was supported by the IARPA CSQ program and the ONR.

Quantum interference in an interfacial superconductor.

PubMed

Goswami, Srijit; Mulazimoglu, Emre; Monteiro, Ana M R V L; Wölbing, Roman; Koelle, Dieter; Kleiner, Reinhold; Blanter, Ya M; Vandersypen, Lieven M K; Caviglia, Andrea D

2016-10-01

The two-dimensional superconductor that forms at the interface between the complex oxides lanthanum aluminate (LAO) and strontium titanate (STO) has several intriguing properties that set it apart from conventional superconductors. Most notably, an electric field can be used to tune its critical temperature (T c ; ref. 7), revealing a dome-shaped phase diagram reminiscent of high-T c superconductors. So far, experiments with oxide interfaces have measured quantities that probe only the magnitude of the superconducting order parameter and are not sensitive to its phase. Here, we perform phase-sensitive measurements by realizing the first superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) at the LAO/STO interface. Furthermore, we develop a new paradigm for the creation of superconducting circuit elements, where local gates enable the in situ creation and control of Josephson junctions. These gate-defined SQUIDs are unique in that the entire device is made from a single superconductor with purely electrostatic interfaces between the superconducting reservoir and the weak link. We complement our experiments with numerical simulations and show that the low superfluid density of this interfacial superconductor results in a large, gate-controllable kinetic inductance of the SQUID. Our observation of robust quantum interference opens up a new pathway to understanding the nature of superconductivity at oxide interfaces.

Observation of entanglement between itinerant microwave photons and a superconducting qubit.

PubMed

Eichler, C; Lang, C; Fink, J M; Govenius, J; Filipp, S; Wallraff, A

2012-12-14

A localized qubit entangled with a propagating quantum field is well suited to study nonlocal aspects of quantum mechanics and may also provide a channel to communicate between spatially separated nodes in a quantum network. Here, we report the on-demand generation and characterization of Bell-type entangled states between a superconducting qubit and propagating microwave fields composed of zero-, one-, and two-photon Fock states. Using low noise linear amplification and efficient data acquisition we extract all relevant correlations between the qubit and the photon states and demonstrate entanglement with high fidelity.

A compact design for the Josephson mixer: The lumped element circuit

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pillet, J.-D.; Collège de France, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris; Flurin, E.

2015-06-01

We present a compact and efficient design in terms of gain, bandwidth, and dynamical range for the Josephson mixer, the superconducting circuit performing three-wave mixing at microwave frequencies. In an all lumped-element based circuit with galvanically coupled ports, we demonstrate nondegenerate amplification for microwave signals over a bandwidth up to 50 MHz for a power gain of 20 dB. The quantum efficiency of the mixer is shown to be about 70%, and its saturation power reaches −112 dBm.

Readout for phase qubits without Josephson junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steffen, Matthias; Kumar, Shwetank; DiVincenzo, David; Keefe, George; Ketchen, Mark; Rothwell, Mary Beth; Rozen, Jim

2010-03-01

We present a readout scheme for phase qubits which eliminates the read-out superconducting quantum interference device so that the entire qubit and measurement circuitry only require a single Josephson junction. Our scheme capacitively couples the phase qubit directly to a transmission line and detects its state after the measurement pulse by determining a frequency shift observable in the forward scattering parameter of the readout microwaves. This readout is extendable to multiple phase qubits coupled to a common readout line and can in principle be used for other flux biased qubits having two quasistable readout configurations.

Macroscopic quantum interference from atomic tunnel arrays

PubMed

Anderson; Kasevich

1998-11-27

Interference of atomic de Broglie waves tunneling from a vertical array of macroscopically populated traps has been observed. The traps were located in the antinodes of an optical standing wave and were loaded from a Bose-Einstein condensate. Tunneling was induced by acceleration due to gravity, and interference was observed as a train of falling pulses of atoms. In the limit of weak atomic interactions, the pulse frequency is determined by the gravitational potential energy difference between adjacent potential wells. The effect is closely related to the ac Josephson effect observed in superconducting electronic systems.

The Quantum Socket: Wiring for Superconducting Qubits - Part 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McConkey, T. G.; Bejanin, J. H.; Rinehart, J. R.; Bateman, J. D.; Earnest, C. T.; McRae, C. H.; Rohanizadegan, Y.; Shiri, D.; Mariantoni, M.; Penava, B.; Breul, P.; Royak, S.; Zapatka, M.; Fowler, A. G.

Quantum systems with ten superconducting quantum bits (qubits) have been realized, making it possible to show basic quantum error correction (QEC) algorithms. However, a truly scalable architecture has not been developed yet. QEC requires a two-dimensional array of qubits, restricting any interconnection to external classical systems to the third axis. In this talk, we introduce an interconnect solution for solid-state qubits: The quantum socket. The quantum socket employs three-dimensional wires and makes it possible to connect classical electronics with quantum circuits more densely and accurately than methods based on wire bonding. The three-dimensional wires are based on spring-loaded pins engineered to insure compatibility with quantum computing applications. Extensive design work and machining was required, with focus on material quality to prevent magnetic impurities. Microwave simulations were undertaken to optimize the design, focusing on the interface between the micro-connector and an on-chip coplanar waveguide pad. Simulations revealed good performance from DC to 10 GHz and were later confirmed against experimental measurements.

Implementing universal nonadiabatic holonomic quantum gates with transmons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Zhuo-Ping; Liu, Bao-Jie; Cai, Jia-Qi; Zhang, Xin-Ding; Hu, Yong; Wang, Z. D.; Xue, Zheng-Yuan

2018-02-01

Geometric phases are well known to be noise resilient in quantum evolutions and operations. Holonomic quantum gates provide us with a robust way towards universal quantum computation, as these quantum gates are actually induced by non-Abelian geometric phases. Here we propose and elaborate how to efficiently implement universal nonadiabatic holonomic quantum gates on simpler superconducting circuits, with a single transmon serving as a qubit. In our proposal, an arbitrary single-qubit holonomic gate can be realized in a single-loop scenario by varying the amplitudes and phase difference of two microwave fields resonantly coupled to a transmon, while nontrivial two-qubit holonomic gates may be generated with a transmission-line resonator being simultaneously coupled to the two target transmons in an effective resonant way. Moreover, our scenario may readily be scaled up to a two-dimensional lattice configuration, which is able to support large scalable quantum computation, paving the way for practically implementing universal nonadiabatic holonomic quantum computation with superconducting circuits.

MgB2 thick films on three-dimensional structures fabricated by HPCVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zhengshan; Cai, Xingwei; Liao, Xuebin; Chen, Yiling; Yang, Can; Niu, Ruirui; Luo, Wenhao; Huang, Zigeng; Feng, Qingrong; Gan, Zizhao

2018-06-01

Magnetic shielding has been a key factor in the measurement of ultra-weak magnetic fields, especially for shielding from low frequency electromagnetic noise. With the recent development of superconducting quantum interference devices, superconducting magnetic shielding has become an important area of research. MgB2 has shown great potential in magnetic shielding for its remarkable superconducting properties, the feasibility of its use in this capacity having been demonstrated by MgB2 bulk samples. However, the potential for application of such bulk samples is limited. In this work, we have investigated the possibility of the fabrication of MgB2 films on three-dimensional (3D) structures using a hybrid physical‑chemical vapor deposition system. MgB2 films 10 μm thick have been fabricated on the outer surface of a polycrystalline Al2O3 cylinder. The deposited film showed a transition temperature (TC) of 39 K and J C of 5.1 × 105 A · cm‑2, which are comparable to those of planar MgB2 films. This work shows the feasibility of depositing MgB2 films onto a 3D structure, and sheds light on the potential use of MgB2 films in superconducting magnetic shielding.

Breakdown of the Migdal-Eliashberg theory: A determinant quantum Monte Carlo study

DOE PAGES

Esterlis, I.; Nosarzewski, B.; Huang, E. W.; ...

2018-04-02

The superconducting (SC) and charge-density-wave (CDW) susceptibilities of the two-dimensional Holstein model are computed using determinant quantum Monte Carlo, and compared with results computed using the Migdal-Eliashberg (ME) approach. We access temperatures as low as 25 times less than the Fermi energy, E F, which are still above the SC transition. We find that the SC susceptibility at low T agrees quantitatively with the ME theory up to a dimensionless electron-phonon coupling λ 0 ≈ 0.4 but deviates dramatically for larger λ 0. We find that for large λ 0 and small phonon frequency ω 0 << E F CDWmore » ordering is favored and the preferred CDW ordering vector is uncorrelated with any obvious feature of the Fermi surface.« less

Decoy-state quantum key distribution with polarized photons over 200 km.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Chen, Teng-Yun; Wang, Jian; Cai, Wen-Qi; Wan, Xu; Chen, Luo-Kan; Wang, Jin-Hong; Liu, Shu-Bin; Liang, Hao; Yang, Lin; Peng, Cheng-Zhi; Chen, Kai; Chen, Zeng-Bing; Pan, Jian-Wei

2010-04-12

We report an implementation of decoy-state quantum key distribution (QKD) over 200 km optical fiber cable through photon polarization encoding. This is achieved by constructing the whole QKD system operating at 320 MHz repetition rate, and developing high-speed transmitter and receiver modules. A novel and economic way of synchronization method is designed and incorporated into the system, which allows to work at a low frequency of 40kHz and removes the use of highly precise clock. A final key rate of 15 Hz is distributed within the experimental time of 3089 seconds, by using super-conducting single photon detectors. This is longest decoy-state QKD yet demonstrated up to date. It helps to make a significant step towards practical secure communication in long-distance scope.

Breakdown of the Migdal-Eliashberg theory: A determinant quantum Monte Carlo study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esterlis, I.; Nosarzewski, B.; Huang, E. W.; Moritz, B.; Devereaux, T. P.; Scalapino, D. J.; Kivelson, S. A.

2018-04-01

The superconducting (SC) and charge-density-wave (CDW) susceptibilities of the two-dimensional Holstein model are computed using determinant quantum Monte Carlo, and compared with results computed using the Migdal-Eliashberg (ME) approach. We access temperatures as low as 25 times less than the Fermi energy, EF, which are still above the SC transition. We find that the SC susceptibility at low T agrees quantitatively with the ME theory up to a dimensionless electron-phonon coupling λ0≈0.4 but deviates dramatically for larger λ0. We find that for large λ0 and small phonon frequency ω0≪EF CDW ordering is favored and the preferred CDW ordering vector is uncorrelated with any obvious feature of the Fermi surface.

High-fidelity gates towards a scalable superconducting quantum processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chow, Jerry M.; Corcoles, Antonio D.; Gambetta, Jay M.; Rigetti, Chad; Johnson, Blake R.; Smolin, John A.; Merkel, Seth; Poletto, Stefano; Rozen, Jim; Rothwell, Mary Beth; Keefe, George A.; Ketchen, Mark B.; Steffen, Matthias

2012-02-01

We experimentally explore the implementation of high-fidelity gates on multiple superconducting qubits coupled to multiple resonators. Having demonstrated all-microwave single and two qubit gates with fidelities > 90% on multi-qubit single-resonator systems, we expand the application to qubits across two resonators and investigate qubit coupling in this circuit. The coupled qubit-resonators are building blocks towards two-dimensional lattice networks for the application of surface code quantum error correction algorithms.

Local tuning of the order parameter in superconducting weak links: A zero-inductance nanodevice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winik, Roni; Holzman, Itamar; Dalla Torre, Emanuele G.; Buks, Eyal; Ivry, Yachin

2018-03-01

Controlling both the amplitude and the phase of the superconducting quantum order parameter (" separators="|ψ ) in nanostructures is important for next-generation information and communication technologies. The lack of electric resistance in superconductors, which may be advantageous for some technologies, hinders convenient voltage-bias tuning and hence limits the tunability of ψ at the microscopic scale. Here, we demonstrate the local tunability of the phase and amplitude of ψ, obtained by patterning with a single lithography step a Nb nano-superconducting quantum interference device (nano-SQUID) that is biased at its nanobridges. We accompany our experimental results by a semi-classical linearized model that is valid for generic nano-SQUIDs with multiple ports and helps simplify the modelling of non-linear couplings among the Josephson junctions. Our design helped us reveal unusual electric characteristics with effective zero inductance, which is promising for nanoscale magnetic sensing and quantum technologies.

Principle and experimental investigation of current-driven negative-inductance superconducting quantum interference device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hao; Liu, Jianshe; Zhang, Yingshan; Cai, Han; Li, Gang; Liu, Qichun; Han, Siyuan; Chen, Wei

2017-03-01

A negative-inductance superconducting quantum interference device (nSQUID) is an adiabatic superconducting logic device with high energy efficiency, and therefore a promising building block for large-scale low-power superconducting computing. However, the principle of the nSQUID is not that straightforward and an nSQUID driven by voltage is vulnerable to common mode noise. We investigate a single nSQUID driven by current instead of voltage, and clarify the principle of the adiabatic transition of the current-driven nSQUID between different states. The basic logic operations of the current-driven nSQUID with proper parameters are simulated by WRspice. The corresponding circuit is fabricated with a 100 A cm-2 Nb-based lift-off process, and the experimental results at low temperature confirm the basic logic operations as a gated buffer.

Quantum technologies with hybrid systems

PubMed Central

Kurizki, Gershon; Bertet, Patrice; Kubo, Yuimaru; Mølmer, Klaus; Petrosyan, David; Rabl, Peter; Schmiedmayer, Jörg

2015-01-01

An extensively pursued current direction of research in physics aims at the development of practical technologies that exploit the effects of quantum mechanics. As part of this ongoing effort, devices for quantum information processing, secure communication, and high-precision sensing are being implemented with diverse systems, ranging from photons, atoms, and spins to mesoscopic superconducting and nanomechanical structures. Their physical properties make some of these systems better suited than others for specific tasks; thus, photons are well suited for transmitting quantum information, weakly interacting spins can serve as long-lived quantum memories, and superconducting elements can rapidly process information encoded in their quantum states. A central goal of the envisaged quantum technologies is to develop devices that can simultaneously perform several of these tasks, namely, reliably store, process, and transmit quantum information. Hybrid quantum systems composed of different physical components with complementary functionalities may provide precisely such multitasking capabilities. This article reviews some of the driving theoretical ideas and first experimental realizations of hybrid quantum systems and the opportunities and challenges they present and offers a glance at the near- and long-term perspectives of this fascinating and rapidly expanding field. PMID:25737558

Quantum technologies with hybrid systems.

PubMed

Kurizki, Gershon; Bertet, Patrice; Kubo, Yuimaru; Mølmer, Klaus; Petrosyan, David; Rabl, Peter; Schmiedmayer, Jörg

2015-03-31

An extensively pursued current direction of research in physics aims at the development of practical technologies that exploit the effects of quantum mechanics. As part of this ongoing effort, devices for quantum information processing, secure communication, and high-precision sensing are being implemented with diverse systems, ranging from photons, atoms, and spins to mesoscopic superconducting and nanomechanical structures. Their physical properties make some of these systems better suited than others for specific tasks; thus, photons are well suited for transmitting quantum information, weakly interacting spins can serve as long-lived quantum memories, and superconducting elements can rapidly process information encoded in their quantum states. A central goal of the envisaged quantum technologies is to develop devices that can simultaneously perform several of these tasks, namely, reliably store, process, and transmit quantum information. Hybrid quantum systems composed of different physical components with complementary functionalities may provide precisely such multitasking capabilities. This article reviews some of the driving theoretical ideas and first experimental realizations of hybrid quantum systems and the opportunities and challenges they present and offers a glance at the near- and long-term perspectives of this fascinating and rapidly expanding field.

Quantum technologies with hybrid systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurizki, Gershon; Bertet, Patrice; Kubo, Yuimaru; Mølmer, Klaus; Petrosyan, David; Rabl, Peter; Schmiedmayer, Jörg

2015-03-01

An extensively pursued current direction of research in physics aims at the development of practical technologies that exploit the effects of quantum mechanics. As part of this ongoing effort, devices for quantum information processing, secure communication, and high-precision sensing are being implemented with diverse systems, ranging from photons, atoms, and spins to mesoscopic superconducting and nanomechanical structures. Their physical properties make some of these systems better suited than others for specific tasks; thus, photons are well suited for transmitting quantum information, weakly interacting spins can serve as long-lived quantum memories, and superconducting elements can rapidly process information encoded in their quantum states. A central goal of the envisaged quantum technologies is to develop devices that can simultaneously perform several of these tasks, namely, reliably store, process, and transmit quantum information. Hybrid quantum systems composed of different physical components with complementary functionalities may provide precisely such multitasking capabilities. This article reviews some of the driving theoretical ideas and first experimental realizations of hybrid quantum systems and the opportunities and challenges they present and offers a glance at the near- and long-term perspectives of this fascinating and rapidly expanding field.

Circuit quantum acoustodynamics with surface acoustic waves.

PubMed

Manenti, Riccardo; Kockum, Anton F; Patterson, Andrew; Behrle, Tanja; Rahamim, Joseph; Tancredi, Giovanna; Nori, Franco; Leek, Peter J

2017-10-17

The experimental investigation of quantum devices incorporating mechanical resonators has opened up new frontiers in the study of quantum mechanics at a macroscopic level. It has recently been shown that surface acoustic waves (SAWs) can be piezoelectrically coupled to superconducting qubits, and confined in high-quality Fabry-Perot cavities in the quantum regime. Here we present measurements of a device in which a superconducting qubit is coupled to a SAW cavity, realising a surface acoustic version of cavity quantum electrodynamics. We use measurements of the AC Stark shift between the two systems to determine the coupling strength, which is in agreement with a theoretical model. This quantum acoustodynamics architecture may be used to develop new quantum acoustic devices in which quantum information is stored in trapped on-chip acoustic wavepackets, and manipulated in ways that are impossible with purely electromagnetic signals, due to the 10 5 times slower mechanical waves.In this work, Manenti et al. present measurements of a device in which a tuneable transmon qubit is piezoelectrically coupled to a surface acoustic wave cavity, realising circuit quantum acoustodynamic architecture. This may be used to develop new quantum acoustic devices.

Weak Measurement and Quantum Smoothing of a Superconducting Qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Dian

In quantum mechanics, the measurement outcome of an observable in a quantum system is intrinsically random, yielding a probability distribution. The state of the quantum system can be described by a density matrix rho(t), which depends on the information accumulated until time t, and represents our knowledge about the system. The density matrix rho(t) gives probabilities for the outcomes of measurements at time t. Further probing of the quantum system allows us to refine our prediction in hindsight. In this thesis, we experimentally examine a quantum smoothing theory in a superconducting qubit by introducing an auxiliary matrix E(t) which is conditioned on information obtained from time t to a final time T. With the complete information before and after time t, the pair of matrices [rho(t), E(t)] can be used to make smoothed predictions for the measurement outcome at time t. We apply the quantum smoothing theory in the case of continuous weak measurement unveiling the retrodicted quantum trajectories and weak values. In the case of strong projective measurement, while the density matrix rho(t) with only diagonal elements in a given basis |n〉 may be treated as a classical mixture, we demonstrate a failure of this classical mixture description in determining the smoothed probabilities for the measurement outcome at time t with both diagonal rho(t) and diagonal E(t). We study the correlations between quantum states and weak measurement signals and examine aspects of the time symmetry of continuous quantum measurement. We also extend our study of quantum smoothing theory to the case of resonance fluorescence of a superconducting qubit with homodyne measurement and observe some interesting effects such as the modification of the excited state probabilities, weak values, and evolution of the predicted and retrodicted trajectories.

Absence of Local Fluctuating Dimers in Superconducting Ir 1-x(Pt,Rh) xTe 2

DOE PAGES

Yu, Runze; Banerjee, S.; Lei, H. C.; ...

2018-06-01

The compound IrTe2 is known to exhibit a transition to a modulated state featuring Ir-Ir dimers, with large associated atomic displacements. Partial substitution of Pt or Rh for Ir destabilizes the modulated structure and induces superconductivity. It has been proposed that quantum critical dimer fluctuations might be associated with the superconductivity. Here we test for such local dimer correlations and demonstrate their absence. X-ray pair distribution function approach reveals that the local structure of Ir 0.95Pt 0.05Te 2 and Ir 0.8Rh 0.2Te 2 dichalcogenide superconductors with compositions just past the dimer/superconductor boundary is explained well by a dimer-free model downmore » to 10 K, ruling out the possibility of there being nanoscale dimer fluctuations in this regime. This is inconsistent with the proposed quantum-critical-point-like interplay of the dimer state and superconductivity, and precludes scenarios for dimer fluctuations mediated superconducting pairing.« less

Absence of Local Fluctuating Dimers in Superconducting Ir 1-x(Pt,Rh) xTe 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, Runze; Banerjee, S.; Lei, H. C.

The compound IrTe2 is known to exhibit a transition to a modulated state featuring Ir-Ir dimers, with large associated atomic displacements. Partial substitution of Pt or Rh for Ir destabilizes the modulated structure and induces superconductivity. It has been proposed that quantum critical dimer fluctuations might be associated with the superconductivity. Here we test for such local dimer correlations and demonstrate their absence. X-ray pair distribution function approach reveals that the local structure of Ir 0.95Pt 0.05Te 2 and Ir 0.8Rh 0.2Te 2 dichalcogenide superconductors with compositions just past the dimer/superconductor boundary is explained well by a dimer-free model downmore » to 10 K, ruling out the possibility of there being nanoscale dimer fluctuations in this regime. This is inconsistent with the proposed quantum-critical-point-like interplay of the dimer state and superconductivity, and precludes scenarios for dimer fluctuations mediated superconducting pairing.« less

Chiral superconductors.

PubMed

Kallin, Catherine; Berlinsky, John

2016-05-01

Chiral superconductivity is a striking quantum phenomenon in which an unconventional superconductor spontaneously develops an angular momentum and lowers its free energy by eliminating nodes in the gap. It is a topologically non-trivial state and, as such, exhibits distinctive topological modes at surfaces and defects. In this paper we discuss the current theory and experimental results on chiral superconductors, focusing on two of the best-studied systems, Sr2RuO4, which is thought to be a chiral triplet p-wave superconductor, and UPt3, which has two low-temperature superconducting phases (in zero magnetic field), the lower of which is believed to be chiral triplet f-wave. Other systems that may exhibit chiral superconductivity are also discussed. Key signatures of chiral superconductivity are surface currents and chiral Majorana modes, Majorana states in vortex cores, and the possibility of half-flux quantum vortices in the case of triplet pairing. Experimental evidence for chiral superconductivity from μSR, NMR, strain, polar Kerr effect and Josephson tunneling experiments are discussed.

Absence of local fluctuating dimers in superconducting Ir1 -x(Pt,Rh ) xTe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Runze; Banerjee, S.; Lei, H. C.; Sinclair, Ryan; Abeykoon, M.; Zhou, H. D.; Petrovic, C.; Guguchia, Z.; Bozin, E. S.

2018-05-01

The compound IrTe2 is known to exhibit a transition to a modulated state featuring Ir-Ir dimers, with large associated atomic displacements. Partial substitution of Pt or Rh for Ir destabilizes the modulated structure and induces superconductivity. It has been proposed that quantum critical dimer fluctuations might be associated with the superconductivity. Here we test for such local dimer correlations and demonstrate their absence. X-ray pair distribution function approach reveals that the local structure of Ir0 :95Pt0 :05Te2 and Ir0 :8Rh0 :2Te2 dichalcogenide superconductors with compositions just past the dimer/superconductor boundary is explained well by a dimer-free model down to 10 K, ruling out the possibility of there being nanoscale dimer fluctuations in this regime. This is inconsistent with the proposed quantum-critical-point-like interplay of the dimer state and superconductivity, and precludes scenarios for dimer fluctuations mediated superconducting pairing.

Observation of quantum jumps in a superconducting quantum bit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijay, R.

2011-03-01

Superconducting qubit technology has made great advances since the first demonstration of coherent oscillations more than 10 years ago. Coherence times have improved by several orders of magnitude and significant progress has been made in qubit state readout fidelity. However, a fast, high-fidelity, quantum non-demolition measurement scheme which is essential to implement quantum error correction has so far been missing. We demonstrate such a scheme for the first time where we continuously measure the state of a superconducting quantum bit using a fast, ultralow-noise parametric amplifier. This arrangement allows us to observe quantum jumps between the qubit states in real time. The key development enabling this experiment is the use of a low quality factor (Q), nonlinear resonator to implement a phase-sensitive parametric amplifier operating near the quantum limit. The nonlinear resonator was constructed using a two junction SQUID shunted with an on-chip capacitor. The SQUID allowed us to tune the operating band of the amplifier and the low Q provided us with a bandwidth greater than 10 MHz, sufficient to observe jumps in the qubit state in real time. I will briefly describe the operation of the parametric amplifier and discuss how it was used to measure the state of a transmon qubit in the circuit QED architecture. I will discuss measurement fidelity and the statistics of the quantum jumps. I will conclude by discussing the implications of this development for quantum information processing and further improvements to the measurement technique. We acknowledge support from AFOSR and the Hertz Foundation.

Displacemon Electromechanics: How to Detect Quantum Interference in a Nanomechanical Resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khosla, K. E.; Vanner, M. R.; Ares, N.; Laird, E. A.

2018-04-01

We introduce the "displacemon" electromechanical architecture that comprises a vibrating nanobeam, e.g., a carbon nanotube, flux coupled to a superconducting qubit. This platform can achieve strong and even ultrastrong coupling, enabling a variety of quantum protocols. We use this system to describe a protocol for generating and measuring quantum interference between trajectories of a nanomechanical resonator. The scheme uses a sequence of qubit manipulations and measurements to cool the resonator, to apply two effective diffraction gratings, and then to measure the resulting interference pattern. We demonstrate the feasibility of generating a spatially distinct quantum superposition state of motion containing more than 1 06 nucleons using a vibrating nanotube acting as a junction in this new superconducting qubit configuration.

Cross-Talk in Superconducting Transmon Quantum Computing Architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, David; Chow, Jerry; Corcoles, Antonio; Rothwell, Mary; Keefe, George; Gambetta, Jay; Steffen, Matthias; IBM Quantum Computing Team

2013-03-01

Superconducting transmon quantum computing test structures often exhibit significant undesired cross-talk. For experiments with only a handful of qubits this cross-talk can be quantified and understood, and therefore corrected. As quantum computing circuits become more complex, and thereby contain increasing numbers of qubits and resonators, it becomes more vital that the inadvertent coupling between these elements is minimized. The task of accurately controlling each single qubit to the level of precision required throughout the realization of a quantum algorithm is difficult by itself, but coupled with the need of nulling out leakage signals from neighboring qubits or resonators would quickly become impossible. We discuss an approach to solve this critical problem. We acknowledge support from IARPA under contract W911NF-10-1-0324.

Spin dynamics near a putative antiferromagnetic quantum critical point in Cu-substituted BaFe 2 As 2 and its relation to high-temperature superconductivity

DOE PAGES

Kim, M. G.; Wang, M.; Tucker, G. S.; ...

2015-12-02

We present the results of elastic and inelastic neutron scattering measurements on nonsuperconducting Ba(Fe 0.957Cu 0.043) 2As 2, a composition close to a quantum critical point between antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordered and paramagnetic phases. By comparing these results with the spin fluctuations in the low-Cu composition as well as the parent compound BaFe 2As 2 and superconducting Ba(Fe 1–xNi x) 2As 2 compounds, we demonstrate that paramagnon-like spin fluctuations are evident in the antiferromagnetically ordered state of Ba(Fe 0.957Cu 0.043) 2As 2, which is distinct from the AFM-like spin fluctuations in the superconducting compounds. Our observations suggest that Cu substitution decouplesmore » the interaction between quasiparticles and the spin fluctuations. In addition, we show that the spin-spin correlation length ξ(T) increases rapidly as the temperature is lowered and find ω/T scaling behavior, the hallmark of quantum criticality, at an antiferromagnetic quantum critical point.« less

Magnetism in Na-filled Fe-based skutterudites

DOE PAGES

Xing, Guangzong; Fan, Xiaofeng; Zheng, Weitao; ...

2015-06-01

The interplay of superconductivity and magnetism is a subject of ongoing interest, stimulated most recently by the discovery of Fe-based superconductivity and the recognition that spin-fluctuations near a magnetic quantum critical point may provide an explanation for the superconductivity and the order parameter. We investigate magnetism in the Na filled Fe-based skutterudites using first principles calculations. NaFe 4Sb 12 is a known ferromagnet near a quantum critical point. We find a ferromagnetic metallic state for this compound driven by a Stoner type instability, consistent with prior work. In accord with prior work, the magnetization is overestimated, as expected for amore » material near an itinerant ferromagnetic quantum critical point. NaFe 4P 12 also shows a ferromagnetic instability at the density functional level, but this instability is much weaker than that of NaFe 4Sb 12, possibly placing it on the paramagnetic side of the quantum critical point. NaFe 4As 12 shows intermediate behavior. We also present results for skutterudite FeSb 3, which is a metastable phase that has been reported in thin film form.« less

Emergent functions of quantum materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokura, Yoshinori; Kawasaki, Masashi; Nagaosa, Naoto

2017-11-01

Materials can harbour quantum many-body systems, most typically in the form of strongly correlated electrons in solids, that lead to novel and remarkable functions thanks to emergence--collective behaviours that arise from strong interactions among the elements. These include the Mott transition, high-temperature superconductivity, topological superconductivity, colossal magnetoresistance, giant magnetoelectric effect, and topological insulators. These phenomena will probably be crucial for developing the next-generation quantum technologies that will meet the urgent technological demands for achieving a sustainable and safe society. Dissipationless electronics using topological currents and quantum spins, energy harvesting such as photovoltaics and thermoelectrics, and secure quantum computing and communication are the three major fields of applications working towards this goal. Here, we review the basic principles and the current status of the emergent phenomena and functions in materials from the viewpoint of strong correlation and topology.

Using Quasiparticle Poisoning To Detect Photons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Echternach, Pierre; Day, Peter

2006-01-01

According to a proposal, a phenomenon associated with excitation of quasiparticles in certain superconducting quantum devices would be exploited as a means of detecting photons with exquisite sensitivity. The phenomenon could also be exploited to perform medium-resolution spectroscopy. The proposal was inspired by the observation that Coulomb blockade devices upon which some quantum logic gates are based are extremely sensitive to quasiparticles excited above the superconducting gaps in their leads. The presence of quasiparticles in the leads can be easily detected via the charge states. If quasiparticles could be generated in the leads by absorption of photons, then the devices could be used as very sensitive detectors of electromagnetic radiation over the spectral range from x-rays to submillimeter waves. The devices in question are single-Cooper-pair boxes (SCBs), which are mesoscopic superconducting devices developed for quantum computing. An SCB consists of a small superconducting island connected to a reservoir via a small tunnel junction and connected to a voltage source through a gate capacitor. An SCB is an artificial two-level quantum system, the Hamiltonian of which can be controlled by the gate voltage. One measures the expected value of the charge of the eigenvectors of this quantum system by use of a radio-frequency single-electron transistor. A plot of this expected value of charge as a function of gate voltage resembles a staircase that, in the ideal case, consists of steps of height 2 e (where e is the charge of one electron). Experiments have shown that depending on the parameters of the device, quasiparticles in the form of "broken" Cooper pairs present in the reservoir can tunnel to the island, giving rise to steps of 1 e. This effect is sometimes called "poisoning." Simulations have shown that an extremely small average number of quasiparticles can generate a 1-e periodic signal. In a device according to the proposal, this poisoning would be turned to advantage. Depending on the wavelength, an antenna or other component would be used to couple radiation into the reservoir, wherein the absorption of photons would break Cooper pairs, thereby creating quasiparticles that, in turn, would tunnel to the island, creating a 1-e signal. On the basis of conservative estimates of device parameters derived from experimental data and computational simulations that fit the data, it has been estimated that the noise equivalent power of a device according to the proposal could be as low as 6 10(exp -22) W/Hz(exp 1/2). It has also been estimated that the spectroscopic resolution (photon energy divided by increment of photon energy) of such a device in visible light would exceed 100.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Superconducting and Semiconducting Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

Laboratory Material Physics Branch by conducting investigations into the properties of superconducting , magnetic , and other solid state materials. Studies...Physics Branch in conducting research into applied problems such as the design of magnetic shielding and superconducting quantum interference device...SQUID) magnetometry detection of magnetic anomalies. SFA provided research assistance in the areas of bulk ceramic sample preparation. conversion

RF Control and Measurement of Superconducting Qubits

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-14

Schoelkopf, Leonid I. Glazman, Michel H. Devoret. Coherent suppression of electromagnetic dissipation due to superconducting quasiparticles ...Frunzio, L.?I. Glazman, M.?H. Devoret. Non-Poissonian Quantum Jumps of a Fluxonium Qubit due to Quasiparticle Excitations, Physical Review Letters...Devoret, G. Catelani, L. I. Glazman, R. J. Schoelkopf. Measurement and control of quasiparticle dynamics in a superconducting qubit, Nature

Method of making an improved superconducting quantum interference device

DOEpatents

Wu, Cheng-Teh; Falco, Charles M.; Kampwirth, Robert T.

1977-01-01

An improved superconducting quantum interference device is made by sputtering a thin film of an alloy of three parts niobium to one part tin in a pattern comprising a closed loop with a narrow region, depositing a thin film of a radiation shield such as copper over the niobium-tin, scribing a narrow line in the copper over the narrow region, exposing the structure at the scribed line to radiation and removing the deposited copper.

Phase transition with trivial quantum criticality in an anisotropic Weyl semimetal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xin; Wang, Jing-Rong; Liu, Guo-Zhu

2018-05-01

When a metal undergoes continuous quantum phase transition, the correlation length diverges at the critical point and the quantum fluctuation of order parameter behaves as a gapless bosonic mode. Generically, the coupling of this boson to fermions induces a variety of unusual quantum critical phenomena, such as non-Fermi liquid behavior and various emergent symmetries. Here, we perform a renormalization group analysis of the semimetal-superconductor quantum criticality in a three-dimensional anisotropic Weyl semimetal. Surprisingly, distinct from previously studied quantum critical systems, the anomalous dimension of anisotropic Weyl fermions flows to zero very quickly with decreasing energy, and the quasiparticle residue takes a nonzero value. These results indicate that the quantum fluctuation of superconducting order parameter is irrelevant at low energies, and a simple mean-field calculation suffices to capture the essential physics of the superconducting transition. We thus obtain a phase transition that exhibits trivial quantum criticality, which is unique comparing to other invariably nontrivial quantum critical systems. Our theoretical prediction can be experimentally verified by measuring the fermion spectral function and specific heat.

Exploring the quantum critical behaviour in a driven Tavis–Cummings circuit

PubMed Central

Feng, M.; Zhong, Y.P.; Liu, T.; Yan, L.L.; Yang, W.L.; Twamley, J.; Wang, H.

2015-01-01

Quantum phase transitions play an important role in many-body systems and have been a research focus in conventional condensed-matter physics over the past few decades. Artificial atoms, such as superconducting qubits that can be individually manipulated, provide a new paradigm of realising and exploring quantum phase transitions by engineering an on-chip quantum simulator. Here we demonstrate experimentally the quantum critical behaviour in a highly controllable superconducting circuit, consisting of four qubits coupled to a common resonator mode. By off-resonantly driving the system to renormalize the critical spin-field coupling strength, we have observed a four-qubit nonequilibrium quantum phase transition in a dynamical manner; that is, we sweep the critical coupling strength over time and monitor the four-qubit scaled moments for a signature of a structural change of the system's eigenstates. Our observation of the nonequilibrium quantum phase transition, which is in good agreement with the driven Tavis–Cummings theory under decoherence, offers new experimental approaches towards exploring quantum phase transition-related science, such as scaling behaviours, parity breaking and long-range quantum correlations. PMID:25971985

Digital quantum simulators in a scalable architecture of hybrid spin-photon qubits

PubMed Central

Chiesa, Alessandro; Santini, Paolo; Gerace, Dario; Raftery, James; Houck, Andrew A.; Carretta, Stefano

2015-01-01

Resolving quantum many-body problems represents one of the greatest challenges in physics and physical chemistry, due to the prohibitively large computational resources that would be required by using classical computers. A solution has been foreseen by directly simulating the time evolution through sequences of quantum gates applied to arrays of qubits, i.e. by implementing a digital quantum simulator. Superconducting circuits and resonators are emerging as an extremely promising platform for quantum computation architectures, but a digital quantum simulator proposal that is straightforwardly scalable, universal, and realizable with state-of-the-art technology is presently lacking. Here we propose a viable scheme to implement a universal quantum simulator with hybrid spin-photon qubits in an array of superconducting resonators, which is intrinsically scalable and allows for local control. As representative examples we consider the transverse-field Ising model, a spin-1 Hamiltonian, and the two-dimensional Hubbard model and we numerically simulate the scheme by including the main sources of decoherence. PMID:26563516

Evaluating charge noise acting on semiconductor quantum dots in the circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Basset, J.; Stockklauser, A.; Jarausch, D.-D.

2014-08-11

We evaluate the charge noise acting on a GaAs/GaAlAs based semiconductor double quantum dot dipole-coupled to the voltage oscillations of a superconducting transmission line resonator. The in-phase (I) and the quadrature (Q) components of the microwave tone transmitted through the resonator are sensitive to charging events in the surrounding environment of the double dot with an optimum sensitivity of 8.5×10{sup −5} e/√(Hz). A low frequency 1/f type noise spectrum combined with a white noise level of 6.6×10{sup −6} e{sup 2}/Hz above 1 Hz is extracted, consistent with previous results obtained with quantum point contact charge detectors on similar heterostructures. The slope ofmore » the 1/f noise allows to extract a lower bound for the double-dot charge qubit dephasing rate which we compare to the one extracted from a Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian approach. The two rates are found to be similar emphasizing that charge noise is the main source of dephasing in our system.« less

Sideband cooling of micromechanical motion to the quantum ground state.

PubMed

Teufel, J D; Donner, T; Li, Dale; Harlow, J W; Allman, M S; Cicak, K; Sirois, A J; Whittaker, J D; Lehnert, K W; Simmonds, R W

2011-07-06

The advent of laser cooling techniques revolutionized the study of many atomic-scale systems, fuelling progress towards quantum computing with trapped ions and generating new states of matter with Bose-Einstein condensates. Analogous cooling techniques can provide a general and flexible method of preparing macroscopic objects in their motional ground state. Cavity optomechanical or electromechanical systems achieve sideband cooling through the strong interaction between light and motion. However, entering the quantum regime--in which a system has less than a single quantum of motion--has been difficult because sideband cooling has not sufficiently overwhelmed the coupling of low-frequency mechanical systems to their hot environments. Here we demonstrate sideband cooling of an approximately 10-MHz micromechanical oscillator to the quantum ground state. This achievement required a large electromechanical interaction, which was obtained by embedding a micromechanical membrane into a superconducting microwave resonant circuit. To verify the cooling of the membrane motion to a phonon occupation of 0.34 ± 0.05 phonons, we perform a near-Heisenberg-limited position measurement within (5.1 ± 0.4)h/2π, where h is Planck's constant. Furthermore, our device exhibits strong coupling, allowing coherent exchange of microwave photons and mechanical phonons. Simultaneously achieving strong coupling, ground state preparation and efficient measurement sets the stage for rapid advances in the control and detection of non-classical states of motion, possibly even testing quantum theory itself in the unexplored region of larger size and mass. Because mechanical oscillators can couple to light of any frequency, they could also serve as a unique intermediary for transferring quantum information between microwave and optical domains.

Tunable ohmic environment using Josephson junction chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rastelli, Gianluca; Pop, Ioan M.

2018-05-01

We propose a scheme to implement a tunable, wide frequency-band dissipative environment using a double chain of Josephson junctions. The two parallel chains consist of identical superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), with magnetic-flux tunable inductance, coupled to each other at each node via a capacitance much larger than the junction capacitance. Thanks to this capacitive coupling, the system sustains electromagnetic modes with a wide frequency dispersion. The internal quality factor of the modes is maintained as high as possible, and the damping is introduced by a uniform coupling of the modes to a transmission line, itself connected to an amplification and readout circuit. For sufficiently long chains, containing several thousands of junctions, the resulting admittance is a smooth function versus frequency in the microwave domain, and its effective dissipation can be continuously monitored by recording the emitted radiation in the transmission line. We show that by varying in situ the SQUIDs' inductance, the double chain can operate as a tunable ohmic resistor in a frequency band spanning up to 1 GHz, with a resistance that can be swept through values comparable to the resistance quantum Rq=h /(4 e2) ≃6.5 kΩ . We argue that the circuit complexity is within reach using current Josephson junction technology.

Experimental Demonstration of a Resonator-Induced Phase Gate in a Multiqubit Circuit-QED System.

PubMed

Paik, Hanhee; Mezzacapo, A; Sandberg, Martin; McClure, D T; Abdo, B; Córcoles, A D; Dial, O; Bogorin, D F; Plourde, B L T; Steffen, M; Cross, A W; Gambetta, J M; Chow, Jerry M

2016-12-16

The resonator-induced phase (RIP) gate is an all-microwave multiqubit entangling gate that allows a high degree of flexibility in qubit frequencies, making it attractive for quantum operations in large-scale architectures. We experimentally realize the RIP gate with four superconducting qubits in a three-dimensional circuit-QED architecture, demonstrating high-fidelity controlled-z (cz) gates between all possible pairs of qubits from two different 4-qubit devices in pair subspaces. These qubits are arranged within a wide range of frequency detunings, up to as large as 1.8 GHz. We further show a dynamical multiqubit refocusing scheme in order to isolate out 2-qubit interactions, and combine them to generate a 4-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state.

Experimental Demonstration of a Resonator-Induced Phase Gate in a Multiqubit Circuit-QED System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paik, Hanhee; Mezzacapo, A.; Sandberg, Martin; McClure, D. T.; Abdo, B.; Córcoles, A. D.; Dial, O.; Bogorin, D. F.; Plourde, B. L. T.; Steffen, M.; Cross, A. W.; Gambetta, J. M.; Chow, Jerry M.

2016-12-01

The resonator-induced phase (RIP) gate is an all-microwave multiqubit entangling gate that allows a high degree of flexibility in qubit frequencies, making it attractive for quantum operations in large-scale architectures. We experimentally realize the RIP gate with four superconducting qubits in a three-dimensional circuit-QED architecture, demonstrating high-fidelity controlled-z (cz) gates between all possible pairs of qubits from two different 4-qubit devices in pair subspaces. These qubits are arranged within a wide range of frequency detunings, up to as large as 1.8 GHz. We further show a dynamical multiqubit refocusing scheme in order to isolate out 2-qubit interactions, and combine them to generate a 4-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state.

Active cooling of an audio-frequency electrical resonator to microkelvin temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinante, A.; Bonaldi, M.; Mezzena, R.; Falferi, P.

2010-11-01

We have cooled a macroscopic LC electrical resonator using feedback-cooling combined with an ultrasensitive dc Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) current amplifier. The resonator, with resonance frequency of 11.5 kHz and bath temperature of 135 mK, is operated in the high coupling limit so that the SQUID back-action noise overcomes the intrinsic resonator thermal noise. The effect of correlations between the amplifier noise sources clearly show up in the experimental data, as well as the interplay of the amplifier noise with the resonator thermal noise. The lowest temperature achieved by feedback is 14 μK, corresponding to 26 resonator photons, and approaches the limit imposed by the noise energy of the SQUID amplifier.

Condensed Matter Theories: Volume 25

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ludeña, Eduardo V.; Bishop, Raymond F.; Iza, Peter

2011-03-01

pt. A. Fermi and Bose fluids, exotic systems. Reemergence of the collective mode in [symbol]He and electron layers / H. M. Bohm ... [et al.]. Dissecting and testing collective and topological scenarios for the quantum critical point / J. W. Clark, V. A. Khodel and M. V. Zverev. Helium on nanopatterned surfaces at finite temperature / E. S. Hernandez ... [et al.]. Towards DFT calculations of metal clusters in quantum fluid matrices / S. A. Chin ... [et al.]. Acoustic band gap formation in metamaterials / D. P. Elford ... [et al.]. Dissipative processes in low density strongly interacting 2D electron systems / D. Neilson. Dynamical spatially resolved response function of finite 1-D nano plasmas / T. Raitza, H. Reinholz and G. Ropke. Renormalized bosons and fermions / K. A. Gernoth and M. L. Ristig. Light clusters in nuclear matter / G. Ropke -- pt. B. Quantum magnets, quantum dynamics and phase transitions. Magnetic ordering of antiferromagnets on a spatially anisotropic triangular lattice / R. F. Bishop ... [et al.]. Thermodynamic detection of quantum phase transitions / M. K. G. Kruse ... [et al.]. The SU(2) semi quantum systems dynamics and thermodynamics / C. M. Sarris and A. N. Proto -- pt. C. Physics of nanosystems and nanotechnology. Quasi-one dimensional fluids that exhibit higher dimensional behavior / S. M. Gatica ... [et al.]. Spectral properties of molecular oligomers. A non-Markovian quantum state diffusion approach / J. Roden, W. T. Strunz and A. Eisfeld. Quantum properties in transport through nanoscopic rings: Charge-spin separation and interference effects / K. Hallberg, J. Rincon and S. Ramasesha. Cooperative localization-delocalization in the high T[symbol] cuprates / J. Ranninger. Thermodynamically stable vortex states in superconducting nanowires / W. M. Wu, M. B. Sobnack and F. V. Kusmartsev.pt. D. Quantum information. Quantum information in optical lattices / A. M. Guzman and M. A. Duenas E. -- pt. E. Theory and applications of molecular dynamics and density functional theory. Exchange-correlation functionals from the identical-particle Ornstein-Zernike equation: Basic formulation and numerical algorithms / R. Cuevas-Saavedra and P. W. Ayers. Features and catalytic properties of RhCu: A review / S. Gonzalez, C. Sousa and F. Illas. Kinetic energy functionals: Exact ones from analytic model wave functions and approximate ones in orbital-free molecular dynamics / V. V. Karasiev ... [et al.]. Numerical analysis of hydrogen storage in carbon nanopores / C. Wexler ... [et al.] -- pt. F. Superconductivity. Generalized Bose-Einstein condensation in superconductivity / M. de Llano. Kohn anomaly energy in conventional superconductors equals twice the energy of the superconducting gap: How and why? / R. Chaudhury and M. P. Das. Collective excitations in superconductors and semiconductors in the presence of a condensed phase / Z. Koinov. Thermal expansion of ferromagnetic superconductors: Possible application to UGe[symbol] / N. Hatayama and R. Konno. Generalized superconducting gap in a Boson-Fermion model / T. A. Mamedov and M. de Llano. Influence of domain walls in the superconductor/ferromagnet proximity effect / E. J. Patino. Spin singlet and triplet superconductivity induced by correlated hopping interactions / L. A. Perez, J. S. Millan and C. Wang -- pt. G. Statistical mechanics, relativistic quantum mechanics. Boltzmann's ergodic hypothesis: A meeting place for two cultures / M. H. Lee. Electron-electron interaction in the non-relativistic limit / F. B. Malik.

Superconductive imaging surface magnetometer

DOEpatents

Overton, Jr., William C.; van Hulsteyn, David B.; Flynn, Edward R.

1991-01-01

An improved pick-up coil system for use with Superconducting Quantum Interference Device gradiometers and magnetometers involving the use of superconducting plates near conventional pick-up coil arrangements to provide imaging of nearby dipole sources and to deflect environmental magnetic noise away from the pick-up coils. This allows the practice of gradiometry and magnetometry in magnetically unshielded environments. One embodiment uses a hemispherically shaped superconducting plate with interior pick-up coils, allowing brain wave measurements to be made on human patients. another embodiment using flat superconducting plates could be used in non-destructive evaluation of materials.

Ballistic superconductivity in semiconductor nanowires.

PubMed

Zhang, Hao; Gül, Önder; Conesa-Boj, Sonia; Nowak, Michał P; Wimmer, Michael; Zuo, Kun; Mourik, Vincent; de Vries, Folkert K; van Veen, Jasper; de Moor, Michiel W A; Bommer, Jouri D S; van Woerkom, David J; Car, Diana; Plissard, Sébastien R; Bakkers, Erik P A M; Quintero-Pérez, Marina; Cassidy, Maja C; Koelling, Sebastian; Goswami, Srijit; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Kouwenhoven, Leo P

2017-07-06

Semiconductor nanowires have opened new research avenues in quantum transport owing to their confined geometry and electrostatic tunability. They have offered an exceptional testbed for superconductivity, leading to the realization of hybrid systems combining the macroscopic quantum properties of superconductors with the possibility to control charges down to a single electron. These advances brought semiconductor nanowires to the forefront of efforts to realize topological superconductivity and Majorana modes. A prime challenge to benefit from the topological properties of Majoranas is to reduce the disorder in hybrid nanowire devices. Here we show ballistic superconductivity in InSb semiconductor nanowires. Our structural and chemical analyses demonstrate a high-quality interface between the nanowire and a NbTiN superconductor that enables ballistic transport. This is manifested by a quantized conductance for normal carriers, a strongly enhanced conductance for Andreev-reflecting carriers, and an induced hard gap with a significantly reduced density of states. These results pave the way for disorder-free Majorana devices.

Quantum-limited heat conduction over macroscopic distances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Partanen, Matti; Tan, Kuan Yen; Govenius, Joonas; Lake, Russell E.; Mäkelä, Miika K.; Tanttu, Tuomo; Möttönen, Mikko

2016-05-01

The emerging quantum technological apparatuses, such as the quantum computer, call for extreme performance in thermal engineering. Cold distant heat sinks are needed for the quantized electric degrees of freedom owing to the increasing packaging density and heat dissipation. Importantly, quantum mechanics sets a fundamental upper limit for the flow of information and heat, which is quantified by the quantum of thermal conductance. However, the short distance between the heat-exchanging bodies in the previous experiments hinders their applicability in quantum technology. Here, we present experimental observations of quantum-limited heat conduction over macroscopic distances extending to a metre. We achieved this improvement of four orders of magnitude in the distance by utilizing microwave photons travelling in superconducting transmission lines. Thus, it seems that quantum-limited heat conduction has no fundamental distance cutoff. This work establishes the integration of normal-metal components into the framework of circuit quantum electrodynamics, which provides a basis for the superconducting quantum computer. Especially, our results facilitate remote cooling of nanoelectronic devices using faraway in situ-tunable heat sinks. Furthermore, quantum-limited heat conduction is important in contemporary thermodynamics. Here, the long distance may lead to ultimately efficient mesoscopic heat engines with promising practical applications.

High-Q photonic resonators and electro-optic coupling using silicon-on-lithium-niobate

PubMed Central

Witmer, Jeremy D.; Valery, Joseph A.; Arrangoiz-Arriola, Patricio; Sarabalis, Christopher J.; Hill, Jeff T.; Safavi-Naeini, Amir H.

2017-01-01

Future quantum networks, in which superconducting quantum processors are connected via optical links, will require microwave-to-optical photon converters that preserve entanglement. A doubly-resonant electro-optic modulator (EOM) is a promising platform to realize this conversion. Here, we present our progress towards building such a modulator by demonstrating the optically-resonant half of the device. We demonstrate high quality (Q) factor ring, disk and photonic crystal resonators using a hybrid silicon-on-lithium-niobate material system. Optical Q factors up to 730,000 are achieved, corresponding to propagation loss of 0.8 dB/cm. We also use the electro-optic effect to modulate the resonance frequency of a photonic crystal cavity, achieving a electro-optic modulation coefficient between 1 and 2 pm/V. In addition to quantum technology, we expect that our results will be useful both in traditional silicon photonics applications and in high-sensitivity acousto-optic devices. PMID:28406177

Crossing Over from Attractive to Repulsive Interactions in a Tunneling Bosonic Josephson Junction.

PubMed

Spagnolli, G; Semeghini, G; Masi, L; Ferioli, G; Trenkwalder, A; Coop, S; Landini, M; Pezzè, L; Modugno, G; Inguscio, M; Smerzi, A; Fattori, M

2017-06-09

We explore the interplay between tunneling and interatomic interactions in the dynamics of a bosonic Josephson junction. We tune the scattering length of an atomic ^{39}K Bose-Einstein condensate confined in a double-well trap to investigate regimes inaccessible to other superconducting or superfluid systems. In the limit of small-amplitude oscillations, we study the transition from Rabi to plasma oscillations by crossing over from attractive to repulsive interatomic interactions. We observe a critical slowing down in the oscillation frequency by increasing the strength of an attractive interaction up to the point of a quantum phase transition. With sufficiently large initial oscillation amplitude and repulsive interactions, the system enters the macroscopic quantum self-trapping regime, where we observe coherent undamped oscillations with a self-sustained average imbalance of the relative well population. The exquisite agreement between theory and experiments enables the observation of a broad range of many body coherent dynamical regimes driven by tunable tunneling energy, interactions and external forces, with applications spanning from atomtronics to quantum metrology.

Photocathode quantum efficiency of ultrathin Cs2Te layers on Nb substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusof, Zikri; Denchfield, Adam; Warren, Mark; Cardenas, Javier; Samuelson, Noah; Spentzouris, Linda; Power, John; Zasadzinski, John

2017-12-01

The quantum efficiencies (QE) of photocathodes consisting of bulk Nb substrates coated with thin films of Cs2Te are reported. Using the standard recipe for Cs2Te deposition developed for Mo substrates (220 Å Te thickness), a QE ˜11 % - 13 % at light wavelength of 248 nm is achieved for the Nb substrates, consistent with that found on Mo. Systematic reduction of the Te thickness for both Mo and Nb substrates reveals a surprisingly high residual QE ˜6 % for a Te layer as thin as 15 Å. A phenomenological model based on the Spicer three-step model along with a solution of the Fresnel equations for reflectance, R , leads to a reasonable fit of the thickness dependence of QE and suggests that layers thinner than 15 Å may still have a relatively high QE. Preliminary investigation suggests an increased operational lifetime as well. Such an ultrathin, semiconducting Cs2Te layer may be expected to produce minimal Ohmic losses for rf frequencies ˜1 GHz . The result thus opens the door to the potential development of a Nb (or Nb3Sn ) superconducting photocathode with relatively high QE and minimal rf impedance to be used in a superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) photoinjector.

Microscopic Sources of Paramagnetic Noise on α-Al2O3 Substrates for Superconducting Qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubois, Jonathan; Lee, Donghwa; Lordi, Vince

2014-03-01

Superconducting qubits (SQs) represent a promising route to achieving a scalable quantum computer. However, the coupling between electro-dynamic qubits and (as yet largely unidentified) ambient parasitic noise sources has so far limited the functionality of current SQs by limiting coherence times of the quantum states below a practical threshold for measurement and manipulation. Further improvement can be enabled by a detailed understanding of the various noise sources afflicting SQs. In this work, first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to identify the microscopic origins of magnetic noise sources in SQs on an α-Al2O3 substrate. The results indicate that it is unlikely that the existence of intrinsic point defects and defect complexes in the substrate are responsible for low frequency noise in these systems. Rather, a comprehensive analysis of extrinsic defects shows that surface aluminum ions interacting with ambient molecules will form a bath of magnetic moments that can couple to the SQ paramagnetically. The microscopic origin of this magnetic noise source is discussed and strategies for ameliorating the effects of these magnetic defects are proposed. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Coupled superconducting qudit-resonator system: Energy spectrum, state population, and state transition under microwave drive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, W. Y.; Xu, H. K.; Su, F. F.; Li, Z. Y.; Tian, Ye; Han, Siyuan; Zhao, S. P.

2018-03-01

Superconducting quantum multilevel systems coupled to resonators have recently been considered in some applications such as microwave lasing and high-fidelity quantum logical gates. In this work, using an rf-SQUID type phase qudit coupled to a microwave coplanar waveguide resonator, we study both theoretically and experimentally the energy spectrum of the system when the qudit level spacings are varied around the resonator frequency by changing the magnetic flux applied to the qudit loop. We show that the experimental result can be well described by a theoretical model that extends from the usual two-level Jaynes-Cummings system to the present four-level system. It is also shown that due to the small anharmonicity of the phase device a simplified model capturing the leading state interactions fits the experimental spectra very well. Furthermore we use the Lindblad master equation containing various relaxation and dephasing processes to calculate the level populations in the simpler qutrit-resonator system, which allows a clear understanding of the dynamics of the system under the microwave drive. Our results help to better understand and perform the experiments of coupled multilevel and resonator systems and can be applied in the case of transmon or Xmon qudits having similar anharmonicity to the present phase device.

Entanglement in a Quantum Annealing Processor

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-07

that QA is a viable technology for large- scale quantum computing . DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevX.4.021041 Subject Areas: Quantum Physics, Quantum Information...Superconductivity I. INTRODUCTION The past decade has been exciting for the field of quantum computation . A wide range of physical imple- mentations...measurements used in studying prototype universal quantum computers [9–14]. These constraints make it challenging to experimentally determine whether a scalable

Disorder-induced half-integer quantized conductance plateau in quantum anomalous Hall insulator-superconductor structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yingyi; Setiawan, F.; Sau, Jay D.

2018-03-01

A weak superconducting proximity effect in the vicinity of the topological transition of a quantum anomalous Hall system has been proposed as a venue to realize a topological superconductor (TSC) with chiral Majorana edge modes (CMEMs). A recent experiment [Science 357, 294 (2017), 10.1126/science.aag2792] claimed to have observed such CMEMs in the form of a half-integer quantized conductance plateau in the two-terminal transport measurement of a quantum anomalous Hall-superconductor junction. Although the presence of a superconducting proximity effect generically splits the quantum Hall transition into two phase transitions with a gapped TSC in between, in this Rapid Communication we propose that a nearly flat conductance plateau, similar to that expected from CMEMs, can also arise from the percolation of quantum Hall edges well before the onset of the TSC or at temperatures much above the TSC gap. Our Rapid Communication, therefore, suggests that, in order to confirm the TSC, it is necessary to supplement the observation of the half-quantized conductance plateau with a hard superconducting gap (which is unlikely for a disordered system) from the conductance measurements or the heat transport measurement of the transport gap. Alternatively, the half-quantized thermal conductance would also serve as a smoking-gun signature of the TSC.

Tailoring Superconductivity with Quantum Dislocations.

PubMed

Li, Mingda; Song, Qichen; Liu, Te-Huan; Meroueh, Laureen; Mahan, Gerald D; Dresselhaus, Mildred S; Chen, Gang

2017-08-09

Despite the established knowledge that crystal dislocations can affect a material's superconducting properties, the exact mechanism of the electron-dislocation interaction in a dislocated superconductor has long been missing. Being a type of defect, dislocations are expected to decrease a material's superconducting transition temperature (T c ) by breaking the coherence. Yet experimentally, even in isotropic type I superconductors, dislocations can either decrease, increase, or have little influence on T c . These experimental findings have yet to be understood. Although the anisotropic pairing in dirty superconductors has explained impurity-induced T c reduction, no quantitative agreement has been reached in the case a dislocation given its complexity. In this study, by generalizing the one-dimensional quantized dislocation field to three dimensions, we reveal that there are indeed two distinct types of electron-dislocation interactions. Besides the usual electron-dislocation potential scattering, there is another interaction driving an effective attraction between electrons that is caused by dislons, which are quantized modes of a dislocation. The role of dislocations to superconductivity is thus clarified as the competition between the classical and quantum effects, showing excellent agreement with existing experimental data. In particular, the existence of both classical and quantum effects provides a plausible explanation for the illusive origin of dislocation-induced superconductivity in semiconducting PbS/PbTe superlattice nanostructures. A quantitative criterion has been derived, in which a dislocated superconductor with low elastic moduli and small electron effective mass and in a confined environment is inclined to enhance T c . This provides a new pathway for engineering a material's superconducting properties by using dislocations as an additional degree of freedom.

Three-Axis Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paik, Ho Jung

1987-01-01

Gravity gradients measured even on accelerating platforms. Three-axis superconducting gravity gradiometer based on flux quantization and Meissner effect in superconductors and employs superconducting quantum interference device as amplifier. Incorporates several magnetically levitated proof masses. Gradiometer design integrates accelerometers for operation in differential mode. Principal use in commercial instruments for measurement of Earth-gravity gradients in geo-physical surveying and exploration for oil.

Quantum Computers

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-04

and their sensitivity to charge and flux fluctuations. The first type of superconducting qubit , the charge qubit , omits the inductance . There is no...nanostructured NbN superconducting nanowire detectors have achieved high efficiency and photon number resolution16,17. One approach to a high-efficiency single...resemble classical high- speed integrated circuits and can be readily fabricated using existing technologies. The basic physics behind superconducting qubits

Inducing superconductivity in Weyl semimetal microstructures by selective ion sputtering.

PubMed

Bachmann, Maja D; Nair, Nityan; Flicker, Felix; Ilan, Roni; Meng, Tobias; Ghimire, Nirmal J; Bauer, Eric D; Ronning, Filip; Analytis, James G; Moll, Philip J W

2017-05-01

By introducing a superconducting gap in Weyl or Dirac semimetals, the superconducting state inherits the nontrivial topology of their electronic structure. As a result, Weyl superconductors are expected to host exotic phenomena, such as nonzero-momentum pairing due to their chiral node structure, or zero-energy Majorana modes at the surface. These are of fundamental interest to improve our understanding of correlated topological systems, and, moreover, practical applications in phase-coherent devices and quantum applications have been proposed. Proximity-induced superconductivity promises to allow these experiments on nonsuperconducting Weyl semimetals. We show a new route to reliably fabricate superconducting microstructures from the nonsuperconducting Weyl semimetal NbAs under ion irradiation. The significant difference in the surface binding energy of Nb and As leads to a natural enrichment of Nb at the surface during ion milling, forming a superconducting surface layer ( T c ~ 3.5 K). Being formed from the target crystal itself, the ideal contact between the superconductor and the bulk may enable an effective gapping of the Weyl nodes in the bulk because of the proximity effect. Simple ion irradiation may thus serve as a powerful tool for the fabrication of topological quantum devices from monoarsenides, even on an industrial scale.

Inducing superconductivity in Weyl semimetal microstructures by selective ion sputtering

PubMed Central

Bachmann, Maja D.; Nair, Nityan; Flicker, Felix; Ilan, Roni; Meng, Tobias; Ghimire, Nirmal J.; Bauer, Eric D.; Ronning, Filip; Analytis, James G.; Moll, Philip J. W.

2017-01-01

By introducing a superconducting gap in Weyl or Dirac semimetals, the superconducting state inherits the nontrivial topology of their electronic structure. As a result, Weyl superconductors are expected to host exotic phenomena, such as nonzero-momentum pairing due to their chiral node structure, or zero-energy Majorana modes at the surface. These are of fundamental interest to improve our understanding of correlated topological systems, and, moreover, practical applications in phase-coherent devices and quantum applications have been proposed. Proximity-induced superconductivity promises to allow these experiments on nonsuperconducting Weyl semimetals. We show a new route to reliably fabricate superconducting microstructures from the nonsuperconducting Weyl semimetal NbAs under ion irradiation. The significant difference in the surface binding energy of Nb and As leads to a natural enrichment of Nb at the surface during ion milling, forming a superconducting surface layer (Tc ~ 3.5 K). Being formed from the target crystal itself, the ideal contact between the superconductor and the bulk may enable an effective gapping of the Weyl nodes in the bulk because of the proximity effect. Simple ion irradiation may thus serve as a powerful tool for the fabrication of topological quantum devices from monoarsenides, even on an industrial scale. PMID:28560340

Quantum Criticality and Superconductivity in β-YbAlB4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakatsuji, Satoru

2009-03-01

Heavy fermion systems have provided a number of prototypical compounds to study unconventional superconductivity and non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) states. A long standing issue in the research of heavy fermion superconductivity in 4f intermetallics is the dramatically different behavior between the electron like Ce (4f^1) and hole like Yb (4f^13) compounds. While superconductivity has been found in a number of Ce based heavy fermion compounds, no superconductivity has been reported for the corresponding Yb systems. In this talk, I present our recent finding of the superconductivity in the new heavy fermion system β-YbAlB4 [1-3]. The superconducting transition temperature is 80 mK, and above it, the system exhibits pronounced NFL behavior in the transport and thermodynamic properties [2,3]. Furthermore, the magnetic field dependence of the NFL behavior indicates that the system is a rare example of a pure metal that displays quantum criticality at ambient pressure and under zero magnetic field. Using our latest results, we discuss the detailed properties of superconductivity and quantum criticality. This is the work performed in collaboration with K. Kuga, Y. Matsumoto, T. Tomita, Y. Machida, T. Tayama, T. Sakakibara, Y. Karaki, H. Ishimoto, S. Yonezawa, Y. Maeno, E. Pearson, G. G. Lonzarich, L.Balicas, H. Lee, and Z. Fisk. [4pt] [1] Robin T. Macaluso, Satoru Nakatsuji, Kentaro Kuga, Evan Lyle Thomas, Yo Machida, Yoshiteru Maeno, Zachary Fisk, and Julia Y. Chan, Chem. Mater. 19 1918 (2007). [0pt] [2] S. Nakatsuji, K.Kuga, Y. Machida, T. Tayama, T. Sakakibara, Y. Karaki, H. Ishimoto, S. Yonezawa, Y. Maeno, E. Pearson, G. G. Lonzarich, L.Balicas, H. Lee, and Z. Fisk, Nature Phys 4, 603-607 (2008). [0pt] [3] K. Kuga, Y. Karaki, Y. Matsumoto, Y. Machida, and S. Nakatsuji, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 137004 (2008).

A blueprint for demonstrating quantum supremacy with superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neill, C.; Roushan, P.; Kechedzhi, K.; Boixo, S.; Isakov, S. V.; Smelyanskiy, V.; Megrant, A.; Chiaro, B.; Dunsworth, A.; Arya, K.; Barends, R.; Burkett, B.; Chen, Y.; Chen, Z.; Fowler, A.; Foxen, B.; Giustina, M.; Graff, R.; Jeffrey, E.; Huang, T.; Kelly, J.; Klimov, P.; Lucero, E.; Mutus, J.; Neeley, M.; Quintana, C.; Sank, D.; Vainsencher, A.; Wenner, J.; White, T. C.; Neven, H.; Martinis, J. M.

2018-04-01

A key step toward demonstrating a quantum system that can address difficult problems in physics and chemistry will be performing a computation beyond the capabilities of any classical computer, thus achieving so-called quantum supremacy. In this study, we used nine superconducting qubits to demonstrate a promising path toward quantum supremacy. By individually tuning the qubit parameters, we were able to generate thousands of distinct Hamiltonian evolutions and probe the output probabilities. The measured probabilities obey a universal distribution, consistent with uniformly sampling the full Hilbert space. As the number of qubits increases, the system continues to explore the exponentially growing number of states. Extending these results to a system of 50 qubits has the potential to address scientific questions that are beyond the capabilities of any classical computer.

Quantum Griffiths singularity of superconductor-metal transition in Ga thin films.

PubMed

Xing, Ying; Zhang, Hui-Min; Fu, Hai-Long; Liu, Haiwen; Sun, Yi; Peng, Jun-Ping; Wang, Fa; Lin, Xi; Ma, Xu-Cun; Xue, Qi-Kun; Wang, Jian; Xie, X C

2015-10-30

The Griffiths singularity in a phase transition, caused by disorder effects, was predicted more than 40 years ago. Its signature, the divergence of the dynamical critical exponent, is challenging to observe experimentally. We report the experimental observation of the quantum Griffiths singularity in a two-dimensional superconducting system. We measured the transport properties of atomically thin gallium films and found that the films undergo superconductor-metal transitions with increasing magnetic field. Approaching the zero-temperature quantum critical point, we observed divergence of the dynamical critical exponent, which is consistent with the Griffiths singularity behavior. We interpret the observed superconductor-metal quantum phase transition as the infinite-randomness critical point, where the properties of the system are controlled by rare large superconducting regions. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Quantitative determination of pairing interactions for high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates

PubMed Central

Bok, Jin Mo; Bae, Jong Ju; Choi, Han-Yong; Varma, Chandra M.; Zhang, Wentao; He, Junfeng; Zhang, Yuxiao; Yu, Li; Zhou, X. J.

2016-01-01

A profound problem in modern condensed matter physics is discovering and understanding the nature of fluctuations and their coupling to fermions in cuprates, which lead to high-temperature superconductivity and the invariably associated strange metal state. We report the quantitative determination of normal and pairing self-energies, made possible by laser-based angle-resolved photoemission measurements of unprecedented accuracy and stability. Through a precise inversion procedure, both the effective interactions in the attractive d-wave symmetry and the repulsive part in the full symmetry are determined. The latter is nearly angle-independent. Near Tc, both interactions are nearly independent of frequency and have almost the same magnitude over the complete energy range of up to about 0.4 eV, except for a low-energy feature at around 50 meV that is present only in the repulsive part, which has less than 10% of the total spectral weight. Well below Tc, they both change similarly, with superconductivity-induced features at low energies. Besides finding the pairing self-energy and the attractive interactions for the first time, these results expose the central paradox of the problem of high Tc: how the same frequency-independent fluctuations can dominantly scatter at angles ±π/2 in the attractive channel to give d-wave pairing and lead to angle-independent repulsive scattering. The experimental results are compared with available theoretical calculations based on antiferromagnetic fluctuations, the Hubbard model, and quantum-critical fluctuations of the loop-current order. PMID:26973872

Engineering scalable fault-tolerant quantum computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimchi-Schwartz, Mollie; Danna, Rosenberg; Kim, David; Yoder, Jonilyn; Kjaergaard, Morten; Das, Rabindra; Grover, Jeff; Gustavsson, Simon; Oliver, William

Recent demonstrations of quantum protocols comprising on the order of 5-10 superconducting qubits are foundational to the future development of quantum information processors. A next critical step in the development of resilient quantum processors will be the integration of coherent quantum circuits with a hardware platform that is amenable to extending the system size to hundreds of qubits and beyond. In this talk, we will discuss progress toward integrating coherent superconducting qubits with signal routing via the third dimension. This research was funded in part by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) and by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering under Air Force Contract No. FA8721-05-C-0002. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of ODNI, IARPA, or the US Government.

Probing the strongly driven spin-boson model in a superconducting quantum circuit.

PubMed

Magazzù, L; Forn-Díaz, P; Belyansky, R; Orgiazzi, J-L; Yurtalan, M A; Otto, M R; Lupascu, A; Wilson, C M; Grifoni, M

2018-04-11

Quantum two-level systems interacting with the surroundings are ubiquitous in nature. The interaction suppresses quantum coherence and forces the system towards a steady state. Such dissipative processes are captured by the paradigmatic spin-boson model, describing a two-state particle, the "spin", interacting with an environment formed by harmonic oscillators. A fundamental question to date is to what extent intense coherent driving impacts a strongly dissipative system. Here we investigate experimentally and theoretically a superconducting qubit strongly coupled to an electromagnetic environment and subjected to a coherent drive. This setup realizes the driven Ohmic spin-boson model. We show that the drive reinforces environmental suppression of quantum coherence, and that a coherent-to-incoherent transition can be achieved by tuning the drive amplitude. An out-of-equilibrium detailed balance relation is demonstrated. These results advance fundamental understanding of open quantum systems and bear potential for the design of entangled light-matter states.

Non-Poissonian Quantum Jumps of a Fluxonium Qubit due to Quasiparticle Excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vool, U.; Pop, I. M.; Sliwa, K.; Abdo, B.; Wang, C.; Brecht, T.; Gao, Y. Y.; Shankar, S.; Hatridge, M.; Catelani, G.; Mirrahimi, M.; Frunzio, L.; Schoelkopf, R. J.; Glazman, L. I.; Devoret, M. H.

2014-12-01

As the energy relaxation time of superconducting qubits steadily improves, nonequilibrium quasiparticle excitations above the superconducting gap emerge as an increasingly relevant limit for qubit coherence. We measure fluctuations in the number of quasiparticle excitations by continuously monitoring the spontaneous quantum jumps between the states of a fluxonium qubit, in conditions where relaxation is dominated by quasiparticle loss. Resolution on the scale of a single quasiparticle is obtained by performing quantum nondemolition projective measurements within a time interval much shorter than T1 , using a quantum-limited amplifier (Josephson parametric converter). The quantum jump statistics switches between the expected Poisson distribution and a non-Poissonian one, indicating large relative fluctuations in the quasiparticle population, on time scales varying from seconds to hours. This dynamics can be modified controllably by injecting quasiparticles or by seeding quasiparticle-trapping vortices by cooling down in a magnetic field.

Quantum-statistical theory of microwave detection using superconducting tunnel junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deviatov, I. A.; Kuzmin, L. S.; Likharev, K. K.; Migulin, V. V.; Zorin, A. B.

1986-09-01

A quantum-statistical theory of microwave and millimeter-wave detection using superconducting tunnel junctions is developed, with a rigorous account of quantum, thermal, and shot noise arising from fluctuation sources associated with the junctions, signal source, and matching circuits. The problem of the noise characterization in the quantum sensitivity range is considered and a general noise parameter Theta(N) is introduced. This parameter is shown to be an adequate figure of merit for most receivers of interest while some devices can require a more complex characterization. Analytical expressions and/or numerically calculated plots for Theta(N) are presented for the most promising detection modes including the parametric amplification, heterodyne mixing, and quadratic videodetection, using both the quasiparticle-current and the Cooper-pair-current nonlinearities. Ultimate minimum values of Theta(N) for each detection mode are compared and found to be in agreement with limitations imposed by the quantum-mechanical uncertainty principle.

Non-Poissonian quantum jumps of a fluxonium qubit due to quasiparticle excitations.

PubMed

Vool, U; Pop, I M; Sliwa, K; Abdo, B; Wang, C; Brecht, T; Gao, Y Y; Shankar, S; Hatridge, M; Catelani, G; Mirrahimi, M; Frunzio, L; Schoelkopf, R J; Glazman, L I; Devoret, M H

2014-12-12

As the energy relaxation time of superconducting qubits steadily improves, nonequilibrium quasiparticle excitations above the superconducting gap emerge as an increasingly relevant limit for qubit coherence. We measure fluctuations in the number of quasiparticle excitations by continuously monitoring the spontaneous quantum jumps between the states of a fluxonium qubit, in conditions where relaxation is dominated by quasiparticle loss. Resolution on the scale of a single quasiparticle is obtained by performing quantum nondemolition projective measurements within a time interval much shorter than T₁, using a quantum-limited amplifier (Josephson parametric converter). The quantum jump statistics switches between the expected Poisson distribution and a non-Poissonian one, indicating large relative fluctuations in the quasiparticle population, on time scales varying from seconds to hours. This dynamics can be modified controllably by injecting quasiparticles or by seeding quasiparticle-trapping vortices by cooling down in a magnetic field.

Concentric transmon qubit featuring fast tunability and an anisotropic magnetic dipole moment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braumüller, Jochen; Sandberg, Martin; Vissers, Michael R.; Schneider, Andre; Schlör, Steffen; Grünhaupt, Lukas; Rotzinger, Hannes; Marthaler, Michael; Lukashenko, Alexander; Dieter, Amadeus; Ustinov, Alexey V.; Weides, Martin; Pappas, David P.

2016-01-01

We present a planar qubit design based on a superconducting circuit that we call concentric transmon. While employing a straightforward fabrication process using Al evaporation and lift-off lithography, we observe qubit lifetimes and coherence times in the order of 10 μ s . We systematically characterize loss channels such as incoherent dielectric loss, Purcell decay and radiative losses. The implementation of a gradiometric SQUID loop allows for a fast tuning of the qubit transition frequency and therefore for full tomographic control of the quantum circuit. Due to the large loop size, the presented qubit architecture features a strongly increased magnetic dipole moment as compared to conventional transmon designs. This renders the concentric transmon a promising candidate to establish a site-selective passive direct Z ̂ coupling between neighboring qubits, being a pending quest in the field of quantum simulation.

Electrical control of a solid-state flying qubit.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Michihisa; Takada, Shintaro; Bäuerle, Christopher; Watanabe, Kenta; Wieck, Andreas D; Tarucha, Seigo

2012-03-18

Solid-state approaches to quantum information technology are attractive because they are scalable. The coherent transport of quantum information over large distances is a requirement for any practical quantum computer and has been demonstrated by coupling super-conducting qubits to photons. Single electrons have also been transferred between distant quantum dots in times shorter than their spin coherence time. However, until now, there have been no demonstrations of scalable 'flying qubit' architectures-systems in which it is possible to perform quantum operations on qubits while they are being coherently transferred-in solid-state systems. These architectures allow for control over qubit separation and for non-local entanglement, which makes them more amenable to integration and scaling than static qubit approaches. Here, we report the transport and manipulation of qubits over distances of 6 µm within 40 ps, in an Aharonov-Bohm ring connected to two-channel wires that have a tunable tunnel coupling between channels. The flying qubit state is defined by the presence of a travelling electron in either channel of the wire, and can be controlled without a magnetic field. Our device has shorter quantum gates (<1 µm), longer coherence lengths (∼86 µm at 70 mK) and higher operating frequencies (∼100 GHz) than other solid-state implementations of flying qubits.

High coherence plane breaking packaging for superconducting qubits.

PubMed

Bronn, Nicholas T; Adiga, Vivekananda P; Olivadese, Salvatore B; Wu, Xian; Chow, Jerry M; Pappas, David P

2018-04-01

We demonstrate a pogo pin package for a superconducting quantum processor specifically designed with a nontrivial layout topology (e.g., a center qubit that cannot be accessed from the sides of the chip). Two experiments on two nominally identical superconducting quantum processors in pogo packages, which use commercially available parts and require modest machining tolerances, are performed at low temperature (10 mK) in a dilution refrigerator and both found to behave comparably to processors in standard planar packages with wirebonds where control and readout signals come in from the edges. Single- and two-qubit gate errors are also characterized via randomized benchmarking, exhibiting similar error rates as in standard packages, opening the possibility of integrating pogo pin packaging with extensible qubit architectures.

High coherence plane breaking packaging for superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bronn, Nicholas T.; Adiga, Vivekananda P.; Olivadese, Salvatore B.; Wu, Xian; Chow, Jerry M.; Pappas, David P.

2018-04-01

We demonstrate a pogo pin package for a superconducting quantum processor specifically designed with a nontrivial layout topology (e.g., a center qubit that cannot be accessed from the sides of the chip). Two experiments on two nominally identical superconducting quantum processors in pogo packages, which use commercially available parts and require modest machining tolerances, are performed at low temperature (10 mK) in a dilution refrigerator and both found to behave comparably to processors in standard planar packages with wirebonds where control and readout signals come in from the edges. Single- and two-qubit gate errors are also characterized via randomized benchmarking, exhibiting similar error rates as in standard packages, opening the possibility of integrating pogo pin packaging with extensible qubit architectures.

Quantum heat engine with coupled superconducting resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardal, Ali Ü. C.; Aslan, Nur; Wilson, C. M.; Müstecaplıoǧlu, Özgür E.

2017-12-01

We propose a quantum heat engine composed of two superconducting transmission line resonators interacting with each other via an optomechanical-like coupling. One resonator is periodically excited by a thermal pump. The incoherently driven resonator induces coherent oscillations in the other one due to the coupling. A limit cycle, indicating finite power output, emerges in the thermodynamical phase space. The system implements an all-electrical analog of a photonic piston. Instead of mechanical motion, the power output is obtained as a coherent electrical charging in our case. We explore the differences between the quantum and classical descriptions of our system by solving the quantum master equation and classical Langevin equations. Specifically, we calculate the mean number of excitations, second-order coherence, as well as the entropy, temperature, power, and mean energy to reveal the signatures of quantum behavior in the statistical and thermodynamic properties of the system. We find evidence of a quantum enhancement in the power output of the engine at low temperatures.

Quantum heat engine with coupled superconducting resonators.

PubMed

Hardal, Ali Ü C; Aslan, Nur; Wilson, C M; Müstecaplıoğlu, Özgür E

2017-12-01

We propose a quantum heat engine composed of two superconducting transmission line resonators interacting with each other via an optomechanical-like coupling. One resonator is periodically excited by a thermal pump. The incoherently driven resonator induces coherent oscillations in the other one due to the coupling. A limit cycle, indicating finite power output, emerges in the thermodynamical phase space. The system implements an all-electrical analog of a photonic piston. Instead of mechanical motion, the power output is obtained as a coherent electrical charging in our case. We explore the differences between the quantum and classical descriptions of our system by solving the quantum master equation and classical Langevin equations. Specifically, we calculate the mean number of excitations, second-order coherence, as well as the entropy, temperature, power, and mean energy to reveal the signatures of quantum behavior in the statistical and thermodynamic properties of the system. We find evidence of a quantum enhancement in the power output of the engine at low temperatures.

Ultralow 1/f Noise in a Heterostructure of Superconducting Epitaxial Cobalt Disilicide Thin Film on Silicon.

PubMed

Chiu, Shao-Pin; Yeh, Sheng-Shiuan; Chiou, Chien-Jyun; Chou, Yi-Chia; Lin, Juhn-Jong; Tsuei, Chang-Chyi

2017-01-24

High-precision resistance noise measurements indicate that the epitaxial CoSi 2 /Si heterostructures at 150 and 2 K (slightly above its superconducting transition temperature T c of 1.54 K) exhibit an unusually low 1/f noise level in the frequency range of 0.008-0.2 Hz. This corresponds to an upper limit of Hooge constant γ ≤ 3 × 10 -6 , about 100 times lower than that of single-crystalline aluminum films on SiO 2 capped Si substrates. Supported by high-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy studies, our analysis reveals that the 1/f noise is dominated by excess interfacial Si atoms and their dimer reconstruction induced fluctuators. Unbonded orbitals (i.e., dangling bonds) on excess Si atoms are intrinsically rare at the epitaxial CoSi 2 /Si(100) interface, giving limited trapping-detrapping centers for localized charges. With its excellent normal-state properties, CoSi 2 has been used in silicon-based integrated circuits for decades. The intrinsically low noise properties discovered in this work could be utilized for developing quiet qubits and scalable superconducting circuits for future quantum computing.

Nanomechanical and electrical properties of Nb thin films deposited on Pb substrates by pulsed laser deposition as a new concept photocathode for superconductor cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gontad, F.; Lorusso, A.; Panareo, M.; Monteduro, A. G.; Maruccio, G.; Broitman, E.; Perrone, A.

2015-12-01

We report a design of photocathode, which combines the good photoemissive properties of lead (Pb) and the advantages of superconducting performance of niobium (Nb) when installed into a superconducting radio-frequency gun. The new configuration is obtained by a coating of Nb thin film grown on a disk of Pb via pulsed laser deposition. The central emitting area of Pb is masked by a shield to avoid the Nb deposition. The nanomechanical properties of the Nb film, obtained through nanoindentation measurements, reveal a hardness of 2.8±0.3 GPa, while the study of the electrical resistivity of the film shows the appearance of the superconducting transitions at 9.3 K and 7.3 K for Nb and Pb, respectively, very close to the bulk material values. Additionally, morphological, structural and contamination studies of Nb thin film expose a very low droplet density on the substrate surface, a small polycrystalline orientation of the films and a low contamination level. These results, together with the acceptable Pb quantum efficiency of 2×10-5 found at 266 nm, demonstrate the potentiality of the new concept photocathode.

Parametric resonance in tunable superconducting cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wustmann, Waltraut; Shumeiko, Vitaly

2013-05-01

We develop a theory of parametric resonance in tunable superconducting cavities. The nonlinearity introduced by the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) attached to the cavity and damping due to connection of the cavity to a transmission line are taken into consideration. We study in detail the nonlinear classical dynamics of the cavity field below and above the parametric threshold for the degenerate parametric resonance, featuring regimes of multistability and parametric radiation. We investigate the phase-sensitive amplification of external signals on resonance, as well as amplification of detuned signals, and relate the amplifier performance to that of linear parametric amplifiers. We also discuss applications of the device for dispersive qubit readout. Beyond the classical response of the cavity, we investigate small quantum fluctuations around the amplified classical signals. We evaluate the noise power spectrum both for the internal field in the cavity and the output field. Other quantum-statistical properties of the noise are addressed such as squeezing spectra, second-order coherence, and two-mode entanglement.

Applications of Josephson Junction SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) and Arrays.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

Research, Cntract 7he transient respose is doinated by o NO. 00014-61-C-0615. and Wj. Figure 2 shows the time evolution of e a:d e M for owI, 0-1 and 5...connect a dc S 0UID "Shunted Josephson Tunel Junctions- if gh transmitter with another dc SQU D receiver by a Frequency, Self -Pvmd L Nise lifiers...resistive SQUID WVO incidentally to their self -puVzed Josepson perametric2 mplifier. Using a SQJID with 6 -2. ZmpHi, r-3xlO . and a in matching

Squid detected NMR and MRI at ultralow fields

DOEpatents

Clarke, John [Berkeley, CA; McDermott, Robert [Louisville, CO; Pines, Alexander [Berkeley, CA; Trabesinger, Andreas Heinz [CH-8006 Zurich, CH

2007-05-15

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Squid detected NMR and MRI at ultralow fields

DOEpatents

Clarke, John; McDermott, Robert; Pines, Alexander; Trabesinger, Andreas Heinz

2006-05-30

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Squid detected NMR and MRI at ultralow fields

DOEpatents

Clarke, John [Berkeley, CA; Pines, Alexander [Berkeley, CA; McDermott, Robert F [Monona, WI; Trabesinger, Andreas H [London, GB

2008-12-16

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

SQUID detected NMR and MRI at ultralow fields

DOEpatents

Clarke, John; McDermott, Robert; Pines, Alexander; Trabesinger, Andreas Heinz

2006-10-03

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Experimental formation of a fractional vortex in a superconducting bi-layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Y.; Yamamori, H.; Yanagisawa, T.; Nishio, T.; Arisawa, S.

2018-05-01

We report the experimental formation of a fractional vortex generated by using a thin superconducting bi-layer in the form of a niobium bi-layer, observed as a magnetic flux distribution image taken by a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscope. Thus, we demonstrated that multi-component superconductivity can be realized by an s-wave conventional superconductor, because, in these superconductors, the magnetic flux is no longer quantized as it is destroyed by the existence of an inter-component phase soliton (i-soliton).

Emergence of superconductivity in heavy-electron materials

PubMed Central

Yang, Yi-feng; Pines, David

2014-01-01

Although the pairing glue for the attractive quasiparticle interaction responsible for unconventional superconductivity in heavy-electron materials has been identified as the spin fluctuations that arise from their proximity to a magnetic quantum critical point, there has been no model to describe their superconducting transition at temperature Tc that is comparable to that found by Bardeen, Cooper, and Schrieffer (BCS) for conventional superconductors, where phonons provide the pairing glue. Here we propose such a model: a phenomenological BCS-like expression for Tc in heavy-electron materials that is based on a simple model for the effective range and strength of the spin-fluctuation-induced quasiparticle interaction and reflects the unusual properties of the heavy-electron normal state from which superconductivity emerges. We show that it provides a quantitative understanding of the pressure-induced variation of Tc in the “hydrogen atoms” of unconventional superconductivity, CeCoIn5 and CeRhIn5, predicts scaling behavior and a dome-like structure for Tc in all heavy-electron quantum critical superconductors, provides unexpected connections between members of this family, and quantifies their variations in Tc with a single parameter. PMID:25489102

Quantum detector tomography of a time-multiplexed superconducting nanowire single-photon detector at telecom wavelengths.

PubMed

Natarajan, Chandra M; Zhang, Lijian; Coldenstrodt-Ronge, Hendrik; Donati, Gaia; Dorenbos, Sander N; Zwiller, Val; Walmsley, Ian A; Hadfield, Robert H

2013-01-14

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are widely used in telecom wavelength optical quantum information science applications. Quantum detector tomography allows the positive-operator-valued measure (POVM) of a single-photon detector to be determined. We use an all-fiber telecom wavelength detector tomography test bed to measure detector characteristics with respect to photon flux and polarization, and hence determine the POVM. We study the SNSPD both as a binary detector and in an 8-bin, fiber based, Time-Multiplexed (TM) configuration at repetition rates up to 4 MHz. The corresponding POVMs provide an accurate picture of the photon number resolving capability of the TM-SNSPD.

Superconducting Qubit with Integrated Single Flux Quantum Controller Part I: Theory and Fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, Matthew; Leonard, Edward, Jr.; Thorbeck, Ted; Zhu, Shaojiang; Howington, Caleb; Nelson, Jj; Plourde, Britton; McDermott, Robert

As the size of quantum processors grow, so do the classical control requirements. The single flux quantum (SFQ) Josephson digital logic family offers an attractive route to proximal classical control of multi-qubit processors. Here we describe coherent control of qubits via trains of SFQ pulses. We discuss the fabrication of an SFQ-based pulse generator and a superconducting transmon qubit on a single chip. Sources of excess microwave loss stemming from the complex multilayer fabrication of the SFQ circuit are discussed. We show how to mitigate this loss through judicious choice of process workflow and appropriate use of sacrificial protection layers. Present address: IBM T.J. Watson Research Center.

Quantum key distribution over a 72 dB channel loss using ultralow dark count superconducting single-photon detectors.

PubMed

Shibata, Hiroyuki; Honjo, Toshimori; Shimizu, Kaoru

2014-09-01

We report the first quantum key distribution (QKD) experiment over a 72 dB channel loss using superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SSPD, SNSPD) with the dark count rate (DCR) of 0.01 cps. The DCR of the SSPD, which is dominated by the blackbody radiation at room temperature, is blocked by introducing cold optical bandpass filter. We employ the differential phase shift QKD (DPS-QKD) scheme with a 1 GHz system clock rate. The quantum bit error rate (QBER) below 3% is achieved when the length of the dispersion shifted fiber (DSF) is 336 km (72 dB loss), which is low enough to generate secure keys.

Heavy fermions, quantum criticality, and unconventional superconductivity in filled skutterudites and related materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andraka, Bohdan

2015-05-14

The main goal of this program was to explore the possibility of novel states and behaviors in Pr-based system exhibiting quantum critical behavior, PrOs₄Sb₁₂. Upon small changes of external parameter, such as magnetic field, physical properties of PrOs₄Sb₁₂ are drastically altered from those corresponding to a superconductor, to heavy fermion, to field-induced ordered phase with primary quadrupolar order parameter. All these states are highly unconventional and not understood in terms of current theories thus offer an opportunity to expand our knowledge and understanding of condensed matter. At the same time, these novel states and behaviors are subjects to intense internationalmore » controversies. In particular, two superconducting phases with different transition temperatures were observed in some samples and not observed in others leading to speculations that sample defects might be partially responsible for these exotic behaviors. This work clearly established that crystal disorder is important consideration, but contrary to current consensus this disorder suppresses exotic behavior. Superconducting properties imply unconventional inhomogeneous state that emerges from unconventional homogeneous normal state. Comprehensive structural investigations demonstrated that upper superconducting transition is intrinsic, bulk, and unconventional. The high quality of in-house synthesized single crystals was indirectly confirmed by de Haas-van Alphen quantum oscillation measurements. These measurements, for the first time ever reported, spanned several different phases, offering unprecedented possibility of studying quantum oscillations across phase boundaries.« less

Quantum nondemolition readout using a Josephson bifurcation amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boulant, N.; Ithier, G.; Meeson, P.; Nguyen, F.; Vion, D.; Esteve, D.; Siddiqi, I.; Vijay, R.; Rigetti, C.; Pierre, F.; Devoret, M.

2007-07-01

We report an experiment on the determination of the quantum nondemolition (QND) nature of a readout scheme of a quantum electrical circuit. The circuit is a superconducting quantum bit measured by microwave reflectometry using a Josephson bifurcation amplifier. We perform a series of two subsequent measurements, record their values and correlation, and quantify the QND character of this readout.

SCB Quantum Computers Using iSWAP and 1-Qubit Rotations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Colin; Echtemach, Pierre

2005-01-01

Units of superconducting circuitry that exploit the concept of the single- Cooper-pair box (SCB) have been built and are undergoing testing as prototypes of logic gates that could, in principle, constitute building blocks of clocked quantum computers. These units utilize quantized charge states as the quantum information-bearing degrees of freedom. An SCB is an artificial two-level quantum system that comprises a nanoscale superconducting electrode connected to a reservoir of Cooper-pair charges via a Josephson junction. The logical quantum states of the device, .0. and .1., are implemented physically as a pair of charge-number states that differ by 2e (where e is the charge of an electron). Typically, some 109 Cooper pairs are involved. Transitions between the logical states are accomplished by tunneling of Cooper pairs through the Josephson junction. Although the two-level system contains a macroscopic number of charges, in the superconducting regime, they behave collectively, as a Bose-Einstein condensate, making possible a coherent superposition of the two logical states. This possibility makes the SCB a candidate for the physical implementation of a qubit. A set of quantum logic operations and the gates that implement them is characterized as universal if, in principle, one can form combinations of the operations in the set to implement any desired quantum computation. To be able to design a practical quantum computer, one must first specify how to decompose any valid quantum computation into a sequence of elementary 1- and 2-qubit quantum gates that are universal and that can be realized in hardware that is feasible to fabricate. Traditionally, the set of universal gates has been taken to be the set of all 1-qubit quantum gates in conjunction with the controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate, which is a 2-qubit gate. Also, it has been known for some time that the SWAP gate, which implements square root of the simple 2-qubit exchange interaction, is as computationally universal as is the CNOT operation.

The Photon Shell Game and the Quantum von Neumann Architecture with Superconducting Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariantoni, Matteo

2012-02-01

Superconducting quantum circuits have made significant advances over the past decade, allowing more complex and integrated circuits that perform with good fidelity. We have recently implemented a machine comprising seven quantum channels, with three superconducting resonators, two phase qubits, and two zeroing registers. I will explain the design and operation of this machine, first showing how a single microwave photon | 1 > can be prepared in one resonator and coherently transferred between the three resonators. I will also show how more exotic states such as double photon states | 2 > and superposition states | 0 >+ | 1 > can be shuffled among the resonators as well [1]. I will then demonstrate how this machine can be used as the quantum-mechanical analog of the von Neumann computer architecture, which for a classical computer comprises a central processing unit and a memory holding both instructions and data. The quantum version comprises a quantum central processing unit (quCPU) that exchanges data with a quantum random-access memory (quRAM) integrated on one chip, with instructions stored on a classical computer. I will also present a proof-of-concept demonstration of a code that involves all seven quantum elements: (1), Preparing an entangled state in the quCPU, (2), writing it to the quRAM, (3), preparing a second state in the quCPU, (4), zeroing it, and, (5), reading out the first state stored in the quRAM [2]. Finally, I will demonstrate that the quantum von Neumann machine provides one unit cell of a two-dimensional qubit-resonator array that can be used for surface code quantum computing. This will allow the realization of a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum processor with the most forgiving error rates to date. [4pt] [1] M. Mariantoni et al., Nature Physics 7, 287-293 (2011.)[0pt] [2] M. Mariantoni et al., Science 334, 61-65 (2011).

Compressed Sensing Quantum Process Tomography for Superconducting Quantum Gates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodionov, Andrey

An important challenge in quantum information science and quantum computing is the experimental realization of high-fidelity quantum operations on multi-qubit systems. Quantum process tomography (QPT) is a procedure devised to fully characterize a quantum operation. We first present the results of the estimation of the process matrix for superconducting multi-qubit quantum gates using the full data set employing various methods: linear inversion, maximum likelihood, and least-squares. To alleviate the problem of exponential resource scaling needed to characterize a multi-qubit system, we next investigate a compressed sensing (CS) method for QPT of two-qubit and three-qubit quantum gates. Using experimental data for two-qubit controlled-Z gates, taken with both Xmon and superconducting phase qubits, we obtain estimates for the process matrices with reasonably high fidelities compared to full QPT, despite using significantly reduced sets of initial states and measurement configurations. We show that the CS method still works when the amount of data is so small that the standard QPT would have an underdetermined system of equations. We also apply the CS method to the analysis of the three-qubit Toffoli gate with simulated noise, and similarly show that the method works well for a substantially reduced set of data. For the CS calculations we use two different bases in which the process matrix is approximately sparse (the Pauli-error basis and the singular value decomposition basis), and show that the resulting estimates of the process matrices match with reasonably high fidelity. For both two-qubit and three-qubit gates, we characterize the quantum process by its process matrix and average state fidelity, as well as by the corresponding standard deviation defined via the variation of the state fidelity for different initial states. We calculate the standard deviation of the average state fidelity both analytically and numerically, using a Monte Carlo method. Overall, we show that CS QPT offers a significant reduction in the needed amount of experimental data for two-qubit and three-qubit quantum gates.

Coherent spin-exchange via a quantum mediator.

PubMed

Baart, Timothy Alexander; Fujita, Takafumi; Reichl, Christian; Wegscheider, Werner; Vandersypen, Lieven Mark Koenraad

2017-01-01

Coherent interactions at a distance provide a powerful tool for quantum simulation and computation. The most common approach to realize an effective long-distance coupling 'on-chip' is to use a quantum mediator, as has been demonstrated for superconducting qubits and trapped ions. For quantum dot arrays, which combine a high degree of tunability with extremely long coherence times, the experimental demonstration of the time evolution of coherent spin-spin coupling via an intermediary system remains an important outstanding goal. Here, we use a linear triple-quantum-dot array to demonstrate a coherent time evolution of two interacting distant spins via a quantum mediator. The two outer dots are occupied with a single electron spin each, and the spins experience a superexchange interaction through the empty middle dot, which acts as mediator. Using single-shot spin readout, we measure the coherent time evolution of the spin states on the outer dots and observe a characteristic dependence of the exchange frequency as a function of the detuning between the middle and outer dots. This approach may provide a new route for scaling up spin qubit circuits using quantum dots, and aid in the simulation of materials and molecules with non-nearest-neighbour couplings such as MnO (ref. 27), high-temperature superconductors and DNA. The same superexchange concept can also be applied in cold atom experiments.

Physical implementation of protected qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douçot, B.; Ioffe, L. B.

2012-07-01

We review the general notion of topological protection of quantum states in spin models and its relation with the ideas of quantum error correction. We show that topological protection can be viewed as a Hamiltonian realization of error correction: for a quantum code for which the minimal number of errors that remain undetected is N, the corresponding Hamiltonian model of the effects of the environment noise appears only in the Nth order of the perturbation theory. We discuss the simplest model Hamiltonians that realize topological protection and their implementation in superconducting arrays. We focus on two dual realizations: in one the protected state is stored in the parity of the Cooper pair number, in the other, in the parity of the flux number. In both cases the superconducting arrays allow a number of fault-tolerant operations that should make the universal quantum computation possible.

Observing a quantum Maxwell demon at work

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cottet, Nathanaël; Jezouin, Sébastien; Bretheau, Landry; Campagne-Ibarcq, Philippe; Ficheux, Quentin; Anders, Janet; Auffèves, Alexia; Azouit, Rémi; Rouchon, Pierre; Huard, Benjamin

2017-07-01

In apparent contradiction to the laws of thermodynamics, Maxwell’s demon is able to cyclically extract work from a system in contact with a thermal bath, exploiting the information about its microstate. The resolution of this paradox required the insight that an intimate relationship exists between information and thermodynamics. Here, we realize a Maxwell demon experiment that tracks the state of each constituent in both the classical and quantum regimes. The demon is a microwave cavity that encodes quantum information about a superconducting qubit and converts information into work by powering up a propagating microwave pulse by stimulated emission. Thanks to the high level of control of superconducting circuits, we directly measure the extracted work and quantify the entropy remaining in the demon’s memory. This experiment provides an enlightening illustration of the interplay of thermodynamics with quantum information.

QUANTUM INFORMATION. Coherent coupling between a ferromagnetic magnon and a superconducting qubit.

PubMed

Tabuchi, Yutaka; Ishino, Seiichiro; Noguchi, Atsushi; Ishikawa, Toyofumi; Yamazaki, Rekishu; Usami, Koji; Nakamura, Yasunobu

2015-07-24

Rigidity of an ordered phase in condensed matter results in collective excitation modes spatially extending to macroscopic dimensions. A magnon is a quantum of such collective excitation modes in ordered spin systems. Here, we demonstrate the coherent coupling between a single-magnon excitation in a millimeter-sized ferromagnetic sphere and a superconducting qubit, with the interaction mediated by the virtual photon excitation in a microwave cavity. We obtain the coupling strength far exceeding the damping rates, thus bringing the hybrid system into the strong coupling regime. Furthermore, we use a parametric drive to realize a tunable magnon-qubit coupling scheme. Our approach provides a versatile tool for quantum control and measurement of the magnon excitations and may lead to advances in quantum information processing. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Experimental realization of universal geometric quantum gates with solid-state spins.

PubMed

Zu, C; Wang, W-B; He, L; Zhang, W-G; Dai, C-Y; Wang, F; Duan, L-M

2014-10-02

Experimental realization of a universal set of quantum logic gates is the central requirement for the implementation of a quantum computer. In an 'all-geometric' approach to quantum computation, the quantum gates are implemented using Berry phases and their non-Abelian extensions, holonomies, from geometric transformation of quantum states in the Hilbert space. Apart from its fundamental interest and rich mathematical structure, the geometric approach has some built-in noise-resilience features. On the experimental side, geometric phases and holonomies have been observed in thermal ensembles of liquid molecules using nuclear magnetic resonance; however, such systems are known to be non-scalable for the purposes of quantum computing. There are proposals to implement geometric quantum computation in scalable experimental platforms such as trapped ions, superconducting quantum bits and quantum dots, and a recent experiment has realized geometric single-bit gates in a superconducting system. Here we report the experimental realization of a universal set of geometric quantum gates using the solid-state spins of diamond nitrogen-vacancy centres. These diamond defects provide a scalable experimental platform with the potential for room-temperature quantum computing, which has attracted strong interest in recent years. Our experiment shows that all-geometric and potentially robust quantum computation can be realized with solid-state spin quantum bits, making use of recent advances in the coherent control of this system.

A hidden pseudogap under the 'dome' of superconductivity in electron-doped high-temperature superconductors.

PubMed

Alff, L; Krockenberger, Y; Welter, B; Schonecke, M; Gross, R; Manske, D; Naito, M

2003-04-17

The ground state of superconductors is characterized by the long-range order of condensed Cooper pairs: this is the only order present in conventional superconductors. The high-transition-temperature (high-T(c)) superconductors, in contrast, exhibit more complex phase behaviour, which might indicate the presence of other competing ground states. For example, the pseudogap--a suppression of the accessible electronic states at the Fermi level in the normal state of high-T(c) superconductors-has been interpreted as either a precursor to superconductivity or as tracer of a nearby ground state that can be separated from the superconducting state by a quantum critical point. Here we report the existence of a second order parameter hidden within the superconducting phase of the underdoped (electron-doped) high-T(c) superconductor Pr2-xCe(x)CuO4-y and the newly synthesized electron-doped material La2-xCe(x)CuO4-y (ref. 8). The existence of a pseudogap when superconductivity is suppressed excludes precursor superconductivity as its origin. Our observation is consistent with the presence of a (quantum) phase transition at T = 0, which may be a key to understanding high-T(c) superconductivity. This supports the picture that the physics of high-T(c) superconductors is determined by the interplay between competing and coexisting ground states.

Multiband nodeless superconductivity near the charge-density-wave quantum critical point in ZrTe3-x Se x

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Cui; Lan-Po, He; Xiao-Chen, Hong; Xiang-De, Zhu; Cedomir, Petrovic; Shi-Yan, Li

2016-07-01

It was found that selenium doping can suppress the charge-density-wave (CDW) order and induce bulk superconductivity in ZrTe3. The observed superconducting dome suggests the existence of a CDW quantum critical point (QCP) in ZrTe3-x Se x near x ≈ 0.04. To elucidate the superconducting state near the CDW QCP, we measure the thermal conductivity of two ZrTe3-x Se x single crystals (x = 0.044 and 0.051) down to 80 mK. For both samples, the residual linear term κ 0/T at zero field is negligible, which is a clear evidence for nodeless superconducting gap. Furthermore, the field dependence of κ 0/T manifests a multigap behavior. These results demonstrate multiple nodeless superconducting gaps in ZrTe3-x Se x , which indicates conventional superconductivity despite of the existence of a CDW QCP. Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant Nos. 2012CB821402 and 2015CB921401), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 91421101, 11422429, and 11204312), the Program for Professor of Special Appointment (Eastern Scholar) at Shanghai Institutions of Higher Learning, China, and STCSM of China (Grant No. 15XD1500200). Work at Brookhaven National Laboratory was supported by the US DOE under Contract No. DESC00112704.

Field-induced reentrant superconductivity driven by quantum tricritical fluctuations in URhGe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokunaga, Y.; Aoki, D.; Mayaffre, H.; Krämer, S.; Julien, M.-H.; Berthier, C.; Horvatić, M.; Sakai, H.; Hattori, T.; Kambe, S.; Araki, S.

2018-05-01

We review our 59Co NMR study in a URhGe single crystal doped with 10% cobalt. The spin-spin relaxation time (T2) measurements have revealed a divergence of electronic spin fluctuations in the vicinity of a field-induced tricritical point (TCP) locating around 13 T. The fluctuations is developed in the same limited field region around the TCP as that where a reentrant superconductivity (RSC) is observed in URhGe. The finding strongly suggests these quantum fluctuations as the pairing glue responsible for the RSC.

A note on quantum teleportation without the Bell-state measurement in superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomes, R. M.; Cardoso, W. B.; Avelar, A. T.; Baseia, B.

2014-02-01

In this paper, we offer a simple scheme to teleport a quantum state from a superconducting qubit to another spatially separated qubit, both coupled to coplanar waveguide microwave resonator. In this scheme the Bell-state measurement is not necessary, which simplifies the experimental observation. We revisit the effective model that describes such a coupled system and present the teleportation scheme with 98.7% of fidelity and 25% of success probability. We also verify the feasibility of this protocol for the transmon qubit parameters.

Photon-number-resolving SSPDs with system detection efficiency over 50% at telecom range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zolotov, P.; Divochiy, A.; Vakhtomin, Yu.; Moshkova, M.; Morozov, P.; Seleznev, V.; Smirnov, K.

2018-02-01

We used technology of making high-efficiency superconducting single-photon detectors as a basis for improvement of photon-number-resolving devices. By adding optical cavity and using an improved NbN superconducting film, we enhanced previously reported system detection efficiency at telecom range for such detectors. Our results show that implementation of optical cavity helps to develop four-section device with quantum efficiency over 50% at 1.55 µm. Performed experimental studies of detecting multi-photon optical pulses showed irregularities over defining multi-photon through single-photon quantum efficiency.

Competing Quantum Orderings in Cuprate Superconductors:

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, I.; Ortiz, G.; Balatsky, A. V.; Bishop, A. R.

We present a minimal model for cuprate superconductors. At the unrestricted mean-field level, the model produces homogeneous superconductivity at large doping, striped superconductivity in the underdoped regime and various antiferromagnetic phases at low doping and for high temperatures. On the underdoped side, the superconductor is intrinsically inhomogeneous and global phase coherence is achieved through Josephson-like coupling of the superconducting stripes. The model is applied to calculate experimentally measurable ARPES spectra.

Inducing superconductivity in Weyl semimetal microstructures by selective ion sputtering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bachmann, Maja D.; Nair, Nityan; Flicker, Felix

By introducing a superconducting gap in Weyl or Dirac semimetals, the superconducting state inherits the nontrivial topology of their electronic structure. As a result, Weyl superconductors are expected to host exotic phenomena, such as nonzero-momentum pairing due to their chiral node structure, or zero-energy Majorana modes at the surface. These are of fundamental interest to improve our understanding of correlated topological systems, and, moreover, practical applications in phase-coherent devices and quantum applications have been proposed. Proximity-induced superconductivity promises to allow these experiments on nonsuperconducting Weyl semimetals. Here, we show a new route to reliably fabricate superconducting microstructures from the nonsuperconductingmore » Weyl semimetal NbAs under ion irradiation. Furthermore, the significant difference in the surface binding energy of Nb and As leads to a natural enrichment of Nb at the surface during ion milling, forming a superconducting surface layer (Tc ~ 3.5 K). Being formed from the target crystal itself, the ideal contact between the superconductor and the bulk may enable an effective gapping of the Weyl nodes in the bulk because of the proximity effect. Simple ion irradiation may thus serve as a powerful tool for the fabrication of topological quantum devices from monoarsenides, even on an industrial scale.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goldman, Allen M.

The goal of this program was to study new physical phenomena that might be relevant to the performance of conductive devices and circuits of the smallest realizable feature sizes possible using physical rather than biological techniques. Although the initial scientific work supported involved the use of scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy to ascertain the statistics of the energy level distribution of randomly sized and randomly shaped quantum dots, or nano-crystals, the main focus was on the investigation of selected properties, including superconductivity, of conducting and superconducting nanowires prepared using electron-beam-lithography. We discovered a magnetic-field-restoration of superconductivity in out-of-equilibrium nanowires drivenmore » resistive by current. This phenomenon was explained by the existence of a state in which dissipation coexisted with nonvanishing superconducting order. We also produced ultra-small superconducting loops to study a predicted anomalous fluxoid quantization, but instead, found a magnetic-field-dependent, high-resistance state, rather than superconductivity. Finally, we developed a simple and controllable nanowire in an induced charged layer near the surface of a masked single-crystal insulator, SrTiO 3. The layer was induced using an electric double layer transistor employing an ionic liquid (IL). The transport properties of the induced nanowire resembled those of collective electronic transport through an array of quantum dots.« less

Inducing superconductivity in Weyl semimetal microstructures by selective ion sputtering

DOE PAGES

Bachmann, Maja D.; Nair, Nityan; Flicker, Felix; ...

2017-05-24

By introducing a superconducting gap in Weyl or Dirac semimetals, the superconducting state inherits the nontrivial topology of their electronic structure. As a result, Weyl superconductors are expected to host exotic phenomena, such as nonzero-momentum pairing due to their chiral node structure, or zero-energy Majorana modes at the surface. These are of fundamental interest to improve our understanding of correlated topological systems, and, moreover, practical applications in phase-coherent devices and quantum applications have been proposed. Proximity-induced superconductivity promises to allow these experiments on nonsuperconducting Weyl semimetals. Here, we show a new route to reliably fabricate superconducting microstructures from the nonsuperconductingmore » Weyl semimetal NbAs under ion irradiation. Furthermore, the significant difference in the surface binding energy of Nb and As leads to a natural enrichment of Nb at the surface during ion milling, forming a superconducting surface layer (Tc ~ 3.5 K). Being formed from the target crystal itself, the ideal contact between the superconductor and the bulk may enable an effective gapping of the Weyl nodes in the bulk because of the proximity effect. Simple ion irradiation may thus serve as a powerful tool for the fabrication of topological quantum devices from monoarsenides, even on an industrial scale.« less

Superconductor Digital Electronics: -- Current Status, Future Prospects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhanov, Oleg

2011-03-01

Two major applications of superconductor electronics: communications and supercomputing will be presented. These areas hold a significant promise of a large impact on electronics state-of-the-art for the defense and commercial markets stemming from the fundamental advantages of superconductivity: simultaneous high speed and low power, lossless interconnect, natural quantization, and high sensitivity. The availability of relatively small cryocoolers lowered the foremost market barrier for cryogenically-cooled superconductor electronic systems. These fundamental advantages enabled a novel Digital-RF architecture - a disruptive technological approach changing wireless communications, radar, and surveillance system architectures dramatically. Practical results were achieved for Digital-RF systems in which wide-band, multi-band radio frequency signals are directly digitized and digital domain is expanded throughout the entire system. Digital-RF systems combine digital and mixed signal integrated circuits based on Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) technology, superconductor analog filter circuits, and semiconductor post-processing circuits. The demonstrated cryocooled Digital-RF systems are the world's first and fastest directly digitizing receivers operating with live satellite signals, enabling multi-net data links, and performing signal acquisition from HF to L-band with 30 GHz clock frequencies. In supercomputing, superconductivity leads to the highest energy efficiencies per operation. Superconductor technology based on manipulation and ballistic transfer of magnetic flux quanta provides a superior low-power alternative to CMOS and other charge-transfer based device technologies. The fundamental energy consumption in SFQ circuits defined by flux quanta energy 2 x 10-19 J. Recently, a novel energy-efficient zero-static-power SFQ technology, eSFQ/ERSFQ was invented, which retains all advantages of standard RSFQ circuits: high-speed, dc power, internal memory. The voltage bias regulation, determined by SFQ clock, enables the zero-power at zero-activity regimes, indispensable for sensor and quantum bit readout.

Computational and Mathematical Modeling of Coupled Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berggren, Susan Anne Elizabeth

This research focuses on conducting an extensive computational investigation and mathematical analysis into the average voltage response of arrays of Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs). These arrays will serve as the basis for the development of a sensitive, low noise, significantly lower Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) antenna integrated with Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) using the SQUID technology. The goal for this antenna is to be capable of meeting all requirements for Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG) 1000 class ships for Information Operations/Signals Intelligence (IO/SIGINT) applications in Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency (V/UHF) bands. The device will increase the listening capability of receivers by moving technology into a new regime of energy detection allowing wider band, smaller size, more sensitive, stealthier systems. The smaller size and greater sensitivity will allow for ships to be “de-cluttered” of their current large dishes and devices, replacing everything with fewer and smaller SQUID antenna devices. The fewer devices present on the deck of a ship, the more invisible the ship will be to enemy forces. We invent new arrays of SQUIDs, optimized for signal detection with very high dynamic range and excellent spur-free dynamic range, while maintaining extreme small size (and low radar cross section), wide bandwidth, and environmentally noise limited sensitivity, effectively shifting the bottle neck of receiver systems forever away from the antenna itself deeper into the receiver chain. To accomplish these goals we develop and validate mathematical models for different designs of SQUID arrays and use them to invent a new device and systems design. This design is capable of significantly exceeding, per size weight and power, state-of-the-art receiver system measures of performance, such as bandwidth, sensitivity, dynamic range, and spurious-free dynamic range.

(1) Majorana fermions in pinned vortices; (2) Manipulating and probing Majorana fermions using superconducting circuits; and (3) Controlling a nanowire spin-orbit qubit via electric-dipole spin resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nori, Franco

2014-03-01

We study a heterostructure which consists of a topological insulator and a superconductor with a hole. This system supports a robust Majorana fermion state bound to the vortex core. We study the possibility of using scanning tunneling spectroscopy (i) to detect the Majorana fermion in this setup and (ii) to study excited states bound to the vortex core. The Majorana fermion manifests itself as an H-dependent zero-bias anomaly of the tunneling conductance. The excited states spectrum differs from the spectrum of a typical Abrikosov vortex, providing additional indirect confirmation of the Majorana state observation. We also study how to manipulate and probe Majorana fermions using super-conducting circuits. In we consider a semiconductor nanowire quantum dot with strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC), which can be used to achieve a spin-orbit qubit. In contrast to a spin qubit, the spin-orbit qubit can respond to an external ac electric field, i.e., electric-dipole spin resonance. We develop a theory that can apply in the strong SOC regime. We find that there is an optimal SOC strength ηopt = √ 2/2, where the Rabi frequency induced by the ac electric field becomes maximal. Also, we show that both the level spacing and the Rabi frequency of the spin-orbit qubit have periodic responses to the direction of the external static magnetic field. These responses can be used to determine the SOC in the nanowire. FN is partly supported by the RIKEN CEMS, iTHES Project, MURI Center for Dynamic Magneto-Optics, JSPS-RFBR Contract No. 12-02-92100, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (S), MEXT Kakenhi on Quantum Cybernetics, and the JSPS via its FIRST program.

Multiple Quantum Phase Transitions in a two-dimensional superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergeal, Nicolas; Biscaras, J.; Hurand, S.; Feuillet-Palma, C.; Lesueur, J.; Budhani, R. C.; Rastogi, A.; Caprara, S.; Grilli, M.

2013-03-01

We studied the magnetic field driven Quantum Phase Transition (QPT) in electrostatically gated superconducting LaTiO3/SrTiO3 interfaces. Through finite size scaling analysis, we showed that it belongs to the (2 +1)D XY model universality class. The system can be described as a disordered array of superconducting islands coupled by a two dimensional electron gas (2DEG). Depending on the 2DEG conductance tuned by the gate voltage, the QPT is single (corresponding to the long range phase coherence in the whole array) or double (one related to local phase coherence, the other one to the array). By retrieving the coherence length critical exponent ν, we showed that the QPT can be ``clean'' or ``dirty'' according to the Harris criteria, depending on whether the phase coherence length is smaller or larger than the island size. The overall behaviour is well described by a model of coupled superconducting puddles in the framework of the fermionic scenario of 2D superconducting QPT.

Ballistic superconductivity in semiconductor nanowires

PubMed Central

Zhang, Hao; Gül, Önder; Conesa-Boj, Sonia; Nowak, Michał P.; Wimmer, Michael; Zuo, Kun; Mourik, Vincent; de Vries, Folkert K.; van Veen, Jasper; de Moor, Michiel W. A.; Bommer, Jouri D. S.; van Woerkom, David J.; Car, Diana; Plissard, Sébastien R; Bakkers, Erik P.A.M.; Quintero-Pérez, Marina; Cassidy, Maja C.; Koelling, Sebastian; Goswami, Srijit; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Kouwenhoven, Leo P.

2017-01-01

Semiconductor nanowires have opened new research avenues in quantum transport owing to their confined geometry and electrostatic tunability. They have offered an exceptional testbed for superconductivity, leading to the realization of hybrid systems combining the macroscopic quantum properties of superconductors with the possibility to control charges down to a single electron. These advances brought semiconductor nanowires to the forefront of efforts to realize topological superconductivity and Majorana modes. A prime challenge to benefit from the topological properties of Majoranas is to reduce the disorder in hybrid nanowire devices. Here we show ballistic superconductivity in InSb semiconductor nanowires. Our structural and chemical analyses demonstrate a high-quality interface between the nanowire and a NbTiN superconductor that enables ballistic transport. This is manifested by a quantized conductance for normal carriers, a strongly enhanced conductance for Andreev-reflecting carriers, and an induced hard gap with a significantly reduced density of states. These results pave the way for disorder-free Majorana devices. PMID:28681843

Observing Quantum State Diffusion by Heterodyne Detection of Fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campagne-Ibarcq, P.; Six, P.; Bretheau, L.; Sarlette, A.; Mirrahimi, M.; Rouchon, P.; Huard, B.

2016-01-01

A qubit can relax by fluorescence, which prompts the release of a photon into its electromagnetic environment. By counting the emitted photons, discrete quantum jumps of the qubit state can be observed. The succession of states occupied by the qubit in a single experiment, its quantum trajectory, depends in fact on the kind of detector. How are the quantum trajectories modified if one measures continuously the amplitude of the fluorescence field instead? Using a superconducting parametric amplifier, we perform heterodyne detection of the fluorescence of a superconducting qubit. For each realization of the measurement record, we can reconstruct a different quantum trajectory for the qubit. The observed evolution obeys quantum state diffusion, which is characteristic of quantum measurements subject to zero-point fluctuations. Independent projective measurements of the qubit at various times provide a quantitative verification of the reconstructed trajectories. By exploring the statistics of quantum trajectories, we demonstrate that the qubit states span a deterministic surface in the Bloch sphere at each time in the evolution. Additionally, we show that when monitoring fluorescence field quadratures, coherent superpositions are generated during the decay from excited to ground state. Counterintuitively, measuring light emitted during relaxation can give rise to trajectories with increased excitation probability.

Polarization entanglement purification of nonlocal microwave photons based on the cross-Kerr effect in circuit QED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hao; Liu, Qian; Xu, Xu-Sheng; Xiong, Jun; Alsaedi, Ahmed; Hayat, Tasawar; Deng, Fu-Guo

2017-11-01

Microwave photons have become very important qubits in quantum communication, as the first quantum satellite has been launched successfully. Therefore, it is a necessary and meaningful task for ensuring the high security and efficiency of microwave-based quantum communication in practice. Here, we present an original polarization entanglement purification protocol for nonlocal microwave photons based on the cross-Kerr effect in circuit quantum electrodynamics (QED). Our protocol can solve the problem that the purity of maximally entangled states used for constructing quantum channels will decrease due to decoherence from environment noise. This task is accomplished by means of the polarization parity-check quantum nondemolition (QND) detector, the bit-flipping operation, and the linear microwave elements. The QND detector is composed of several cross-Kerr effect systems which can be realized by coupling two superconducting transmission line resonators to a superconducting molecule with the N -type level structure. We give the applicable experimental parameters of QND measurement system in circuit QED and analyze the fidelities. Our protocol has good applications in long-distance quantum communication assisted by microwave photons in the future, such as satellite quantum communication.

Quantum Regime of a Two-Dimensional Phonon Cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolgar, Aleksey N.; Zotova, Julia I.; Kirichenko, Daniil D.; Besedin, Ilia S.; Semenov, Aleksander V.; Shaikhaidarov, Rais S.; Astafiev, Oleg V.

2018-06-01

We realize the quantum regime of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator by demonstrating vacuum Rabi mode splitting due to interaction with a superconducting artificial atom. Reaching the quantum regime is physically difficult and technologically challenging since SAW devices consist of large arrays of narrow metal strips. This work paves the way for realizing analogues of quantum optical phenomena with phonons and can be useful in on-chip quantum electronics.

Spectroscopic evidence of odd frequency superconducting order

PubMed Central

Pal, Avradeep; Ouassou, J. A.; Eschrig, M.; Linder, J.; Blamire, M. G.

2017-01-01

Spin filter superconducting S/I/N tunnel junctions (NbN/GdN/TiN) show a robust and pronounced Zero Bias Conductance Peak (ZBCP) at low temperatures, the magnitude of which is several times the normal state conductance of the junction. Such a conductance anomaly is representative of unconventional superconductivity and is interpreted as a direct signature of an odd frequency superconducting order. PMID:28106102

Superconductivity-induced features in the electronic Raman spectrum of monolayer graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Ruiz, A.; Mucha-Kruczyński, M.; Fal'ko, V. I.

2018-04-01

Using the continuum model, we investigate theoretically the contribution of the low-energy electronic excitations to the Raman spectrum of superconducting monolayer graphene. We consider superconducting phases characterised by an isotropic order parameter in a single valley and find a Raman peak at a shift set by the size of the superconducting gap. The height of this peak is proportional to the square root of the gap and the third power of the Fermi level, and we estimate its quantum efficiency as I ˜10-14 .

SQUID amplifiers for axion search experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matlashov, Andrei; Schmelz, Matthias; Zakosarenko, Vyacheslav; Stolz, Ronny; Semertzidis, Yannis K.

2018-04-01

In the experiments for dark-matter QCD-axion searches, very weak microwave signals from a low-temperature High-Q resonant cavity should be detected using the highest sensitivity. The best commercial low-noise cryogenic semiconductor amplifiers based on high electron mobility transistors have a lowest noise temperature above 1.0 K, even if they are cooled well below 1 K. Superconducting quantum interference devices can work as microwave amplifiers with temperature noise close to the standard quantum limit. Previous SQUID-based RF amplifiers designed for axion search experiments have a microstrip resonant input coil and are thus called micro-strip SQUID amplifiers or MSAs. Due to the resonant input coupling they usually have narrow bandwidth. In this paper we report on a SQUID-based wideband microwave amplifier fabricated using sub-micron size Josephson junctions with very low capacitance. A single amplifier can be used in a frequency range of approximately 1-5 GHz.

Illuminating water and life: Emilio Del Giudice.

PubMed

Ho, Mae-Wan

2015-01-01

The quantum electrodynamics theory of water put forward by Del Giudice and colleagues provides a useful foundation for a new science of water for life. The interaction of light with liquid water generates quantum coherent domains in which the water molecules oscillate between the ground state and an excited state close to the ionizing potential of water. This produces a plasma of almost free electrons favoring redox reactions, the basis of energy metabolism in living organisms. Coherent domains stabilized by surfaces, such as membranes and macromolecules, provide the excited interfacial water that enables photosynthesis to take place, on which most of life on Earth depends. Excited water is the source of superconducting protons for rapid intercommunication within the body. Coherent domains can also trap electromagnetic frequencies from the environment to orchestrate and activate specific biochemical reactions through resonance, a mechanism for the most precise regulation of gene function.

Ultrabroadband direct detection of nonclassical photon statistics at telecom wavelength

PubMed Central

Wakui, Kentaro; Eto, Yujiro; Benichi, Hugo; Izumi, Shuro; Yanagida, Tetsufumi; Ema, Kazuhiro; Numata, Takayuki; Fukuda, Daiji; Takeoka, Masahiro; Sasaki, Masahide

2014-01-01

Broadband light sources play essential roles in diverse fields, such as high-capacity optical communications, optical coherence tomography, optical spectroscopy, and spectrograph calibration. Although a nonclassical state from spontaneous parametric down-conversion may serve as a quantum counterpart, its detection and characterization have been a challenging task. Here we demonstrate the direct detection of photon numbers of an ultrabroadband (110 nm FWHM) squeezed state in the telecom band centred at 1535 nm wavelength, using a superconducting transition-edge sensor. The observed photon-number distributions violate Klyshko's criterion for the nonclassicality. From the observed photon-number distribution, we evaluate the second- and third-order correlation functions, and characterize a multimode structure, which implies that several tens of orthonormal modes of squeezing exist in the single optical pulse. Our results and techniques open up a new possibility to generate and characterize frequency-multiplexed nonclassical light sources for quantum info-communications technology. PMID:24694515

Ultrabroadband direct detection of nonclassical photon statistics at telecom wavelength.

PubMed

Wakui, Kentaro; Eto, Yujiro; Benichi, Hugo; Izumi, Shuro; Yanagida, Tetsufumi; Ema, Kazuhiro; Numata, Takayuki; Fukuda, Daiji; Takeoka, Masahiro; Sasaki, Masahide

2014-04-03

Broadband light sources play essential roles in diverse fields, such as high-capacity optical communications, optical coherence tomography, optical spectroscopy, and spectrograph calibration. Although a nonclassical state from spontaneous parametric down-conversion may serve as a quantum counterpart, its detection and characterization have been a challenging task. Here we demonstrate the direct detection of photon numbers of an ultrabroadband (110 nm FWHM) squeezed state in the telecom band centred at 1535 nm wavelength, using a superconducting transition-edge sensor. The observed photon-number distributions violate Klyshko's criterion for the nonclassicality. From the observed photon-number distribution, we evaluate the second- and third-order correlation functions, and characterize a multimode structure, which implies that several tens of orthonormal modes of squeezing exist in the single optical pulse. Our results and techniques open up a new possibility to generate and characterize frequency-multiplexed nonclassical light sources for quantum info-communications technology.

Coupling a single nitrogen-vacancy center with a superconducting qubit via the electro-optic effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chang-Hao; Li, Peng-Bo

2018-05-01

We propose an efficient scheme for transferring quantum states and generating entangled states between two qubits of different nature. The hybrid system consists of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center and a superconducting (SC) qubit, which couple to an optical cavity and a microwave resonator, respectively. Meanwhile, the optical cavity and the microwave resonator are coupled via the electro-optic effect. By adjusting the relative parameters, we can achieve high-fidelity quantum state transfer as well as highly entangled states between the NV center and the SC qubit. This protocol is within the reach of currently available techniques, and may provide interesting applications in quantum communication and computation with single NV centers and SC qubits.

INTERDISCIPLINARY PHYSICS AND RELATED AREAS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Efficient One-Step Generation of Cluster State with Charge Qubits in Circuit QED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yi-Min; Li, Cheng-Zu

2010-01-01

We propose theoretical schemes to generate highly entangled cluster state with superconducting qubits in a circuit QED architecture. Charge qubits are located inside a superconducting transmission line, which serves as a quantum data bus. We show that large clusters state can be efficiently generated in just one step with the long-range Ising-like unitary operators. The quantum operations which are generally realized by two coupling mechanisms: either voltage coupling or current coupling, depend only on global geometric features and are insensitive not only to the thermal state of the transmission line but also to certain random operation errors. Thus high-fidelity one-way quantum computation can be achieved.

Beyond the Fermi liquid paradigm: Hidden Fermi liquids

PubMed Central

Jain, J. K.; Anderson, P. W.

2009-01-01

An intense investigation of possible non-Fermi liquid states of matter has been inspired by two of the most intriguing phenomena discovered in the past quarter century, namely, high-temperature superconductivity and the fractional quantum Hall effect. Despite enormous conceptual strides, these two fields have developed largely along separate paths. Two widely employed theories are the resonating valence bond theory for high-temperature superconductivity and the composite fermion theory for the fractional quantum Hall effect. The goal of this perspective article is to note that they subscribe to a common underlying paradigm: They both connect these exotic quantum liquids to certain ordinary Fermi liquids residing in unphysical Hilbert spaces. Such a relation yields numerous nontrivial experimental consequences, exposing these theories to rigorous and definitive tests. PMID:19506260

Reflective Amplification without Population Inversion from a Strongly Driven Superconducting Qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, P. Y.; Kockum, A. F.; Ian, H.; Chen, J. C.; Nori, F.; Hoi, I.-C.

2018-02-01

Amplification of optical or microwave fields is often achieved by strongly driving a medium to induce population inversion such that a weak probe can be amplified through stimulated emission. Here we strongly couple a superconducting qubit, an artificial atom, to the field in a semi-infinite waveguide. When driving the qubit strongly on resonance such that a Mollow triplet appears, we observe a 7% amplitude gain for a weak probe at frequencies in between the triplet. This amplification is not due to population inversion, neither in the bare qubit basis nor in the dressed-state basis, but instead results from a four-photon process that converts energy from the strong drive to the weak probe. We find excellent agreement between the experimental results and numerical simulations without any free fitting parameters. Since our device consists of a single two-level artificial atom, the simplest possible quantum system, it can be viewed as the most fundamental version of a four-wave-mixing parametric amplifier.

Measurement of the Boltzmann constant by Johnson noise thermometry using a superconducting integrated circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urano, C.; Yamazawa, K.; Kaneko, N.-H.

2017-12-01

We report on our measurement of the Boltzmann constant by Johnson noise thermometry (JNT) using an integrated quantum voltage noise source (IQVNS) that is fully implemented with superconducting integrated circuit technology. The IQVNS generates calculable pseudo white noise voltages to calibrate the JNT system. The thermal noise of a sensing resistor placed at the temperature of the triple point of water was measured precisely by the IQVNS-based JNT. We accumulated data of more than 429 200 s in total (over 6 d) and used the Akaike information criterion to estimate the fitting frequency range for the quadratic model to calculate the Boltzmann constant. Upon detailed evaluation of the uncertainty components, the experimentally obtained Boltzmann constant was k=1.380 6436× {{10}-23} J K-1 with a relative combined uncertainty of 10.22× {{10}-6} . The value of k is relatively -3.56× {{10}-6} lower than the CODATA 2014 value (Mohr et al 2016 Rev. Mod. Phys. 88 035009).

Dispersive Readout of a Superconducting Flux Qubit Using a Microstrip SQUID Amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, J. E.; Hoskinson, E. M.; Macklin, C.; Siddiqi, I.; Clarke, John

2011-03-01

Dispersive techniques for the readout of superconducting qubits offer the possibility of high repetition-rate, quantum non-demolition measurement by avoiding dissipation close to the qubit. To achieve dispersive readout, we couple our three-junction aluminum flux qubit inductively to a 1-2 GHz non-linear oscillator formed by a capacitively shunted DC SQUID. The frequency of this resonator is modulated by the state of the qubit via the flux-dependent inductance of the SQUID. Readout is performed by probing the resonator in the linear (weak drive) regime with a microwave tone and monitoring the phase of the reflected signal. A microstrip SQUID amplifier (MSA) is used to increase the sensitivity of the measurement over that of a HEMT (high electron mobility transistor) amplifier. We report measurements of the performance of our amplification chain. Increased fidelity and reduced measurement backaction resulting from the implementation of the MSA will also be discussed. This work was funded in part by the U.S. Government and by BBN Technologies.

Dynamical Casimir effect in a Josephson metamaterial

PubMed Central

Lähteenmäki, Pasi; Paraoanu, G. S.; Hassel, Juha; Hakonen, Pertti J.

2013-01-01

The zero-point energy stored in the modes of an electromagnetic cavity has experimentally detectable effects, giving rise to an attractive interaction between the opposite walls, the static Casimir effect. A dynamical version of this effect was predicted to occur when the vacuum energy is changed either by moving the walls of the cavity or by changing the index of refraction, resulting in the conversion of vacuum fluctuations into real photons. Here, we demonstrate the dynamical Casimir effect using a Josephson metamaterial embedded in a microwave cavity at 5.4 GHz. We modulate the effective length of the cavity by flux-biasing the metamaterial based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), which results in variation of a few percentage points in the speed of light. We extract the full 4 × 4 covariance matrix of the emitted microwave radiation, demonstrating that photons at frequencies symmetrical with respect to half of the modulation frequency are generated in pairs. At large detunings of the cavity from half of the modulation frequency, we find power spectra that clearly show the theoretically predicted hallmark of the Casimir effect: a bimodal, “sparrow-tail” structure. The observed substantial photon flux cannot be assigned to parametric amplification of thermal fluctuations; its creation is a direct consequence of the noncommutativity structure of quantum field theory.

Fidelity Study of Superconductivity in Extended Hubbard Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plonka, Nachum; Jia, Chunjing; Moritz, Brian; Wang, Yao; Devereaux, Thomas

2015-03-01

The role of strong electronic correlations on unconventional superconductivity remains an important open question. Here, we explore the influence of long-range Coulomb interactions, present in real material systems, through nearest and next-nearest neighbor extended Hubbard interactions in addition to the usual on-site terms. Utilizing large scale, numerical exact diagonalization, we analyze the signatures of superconductivity in the ground states through the fidelity metric of quantum information theory. We find that these extended interactions enhance charge fluctuations with various wave vectors. These suppress superconductivity in general, but in certain parameter regimes superconductivity is sustained. This has implications for tuning extended interactions in real materials.

Whispering galleries and the control of artificial atoms.

PubMed

Forrester, Derek Michael; Kusmartsev, Feodor V

2016-04-28

Quantum computation using artificial-atoms, such as novel superconducting circuits, can be sensitively controlled by external electromagnetic fields. These fields and the self-fields attributable to the coupled artificial-atoms influence the amount of quantum correlation in the system. However, control elements that can operate without complete destruction of the entanglement of the quantum-bits are difficult to engineer. Here we investigate the possibility of using closely-spaced-linear arrays of metallic-elliptical discs as whispering gallery waveguides to control artificial-atoms. The discs confine and guide radiation through the array with small notches etched into their sides that act as scatterers. We focus on π-ring artificial-atoms, which can generate their own spontaneous fluxes. We find that the micro-discs of the waveguides can be excited by terahertz frequency fields to exhibit whispering-modes and that a quantum-phase-gate composed of π-rings can be operated under their influence. Furthermore, we gauge the level of entanglement through the concurrence measure and show that under certain magnetic conditions a series of entanglement sudden-deaths and revivals occur between the two qubits. This is important for understanding the stability and life-time of qubit operations using, for example, a phase gate in a hybrid of quantum technologies composed of control elements and artificial-atoms.

Demonstration of quantum superiority in learning parity with noise with superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ristè, Diego; da Silva, Marcus; Ryan, Colm; Cross, Andrew; Smolin, John; Gambetta, Jay; Chow, Jerry; Johnson, Blake

A problem in machine learning is to identify the function programmed in an unknown device, or oracle, having only access to its output. In particular, a parity function computes the parity of a subset of a bit register. We implement an oracle executing parity functions in a five-qubit superconducting processor and compare the performance of a classical and a quantum learner. The classical learner reads the output of multiple oracle calls and uses the results to infer the hidden function. In addition to querying the oracle, the quantum learner can apply coherent rotations on the output register before the readout. We show that, given a target success probability, the quantum approach outperforms the classical one in the number of queries needed. Moreover, this gap increases with readout noise and with the size of the qubit register. This result shows that quantum advantage can already emerge in current systems with a few, noisy qubits. We acknowledge support from IARPA under Contract W911NF-10-1-0324.

Towards the simulation of molecular collisions with a superconducting quantum computer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geller, Michael

2013-05-01

I will discuss the prospects for the use of large-scale, error-corrected quantum computers to simulate complex quantum dynamics such as molecular collisions. This will likely require millions qubits. I will also discuss an alternative approach [M. R. Geller et al., arXiv:1210.5260] that is ideally suited for today's superconducting circuits, which uses the single-excitation subspace (SES) of a system of n tunably coupled qubits. The SES method allows many operations in the unitary group SU(n) to be implemented in a single step, bypassing the need for elementary gates, thereby making large computations possible without error correction. The method enables universal quantum simulation, including simulation of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation, and we argue that a 1000-qubit SES processor should be capable of achieving quantum speedup relative to a petaflop supercomputer. We speculate on the utility and practicality of such a simulator for atomic and molecular collision physics. Work supported by the US National Science Foundation CDI program.

Tunneling conductance in superconductor-hybrid double quantum dots Josephson junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chamoli, Tanuj; Ajay

2018-05-01

The present work deals with the theoretical model study to analyse the tunneling conductance across a superconductor hybrid double quantum dots tunnel junction (S-DQD-S). Recently, there are many experimental works where the Josephson current across such nanoscopic junction is found to be dependent on nature of the superconducting electrodes, coupling of the hybrid double quantum dot's electronic states with the electronic states of the superconductors and nature of electronic structure of the coupled dots. For this, we have attempted a theoretical model containing contributions of BCS superconducting leads, magnetic coupled quantum dot states and coupling of superconducting leads with QDs. In order to include magnetic coupled QDs the contributions of competitive Kondo and Ruderman-Kittel- Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction terms are also introduced through many body effects in the model Hamiltonian at low temperatures (where Kondo temperature TK < superconducting transition temperature TC). Employing non-equilibrium Green's function approach within mean field approximation, we have obtained expressions for density of states (DOS) and analysed the same using numerical computation to underline the nature of DOS close to Fermi level in S-DQD-S junctions. On the basis of numerical computation, it is pointed out that indirect exchange interaction between impurities (QD) i.e. RKKY interaction suppresses the screening of magnetic QD due to Cooper pair electrons i.e. Kondo effect in the form of reduction in the magnitude of sharp DOS peak close to Fermi level which is in qualitative agreement with the experimental observations in such tunnel junctions. Tunneling conductance is proportional to DOS, hence we can analyse it's behaviour with the help of DOS.

A blueprint for demonstrating quantum supremacy with superconducting qubits.

PubMed

Neill, C; Roushan, P; Kechedzhi, K; Boixo, S; Isakov, S V; Smelyanskiy, V; Megrant, A; Chiaro, B; Dunsworth, A; Arya, K; Barends, R; Burkett, B; Chen, Y; Chen, Z; Fowler, A; Foxen, B; Giustina, M; Graff, R; Jeffrey, E; Huang, T; Kelly, J; Klimov, P; Lucero, E; Mutus, J; Neeley, M; Quintana, C; Sank, D; Vainsencher, A; Wenner, J; White, T C; Neven, H; Martinis, J M

2018-04-13

A key step toward demonstrating a quantum system that can address difficult problems in physics and chemistry will be performing a computation beyond the capabilities of any classical computer, thus achieving so-called quantum supremacy. In this study, we used nine superconducting qubits to demonstrate a promising path toward quantum supremacy. By individually tuning the qubit parameters, we were able to generate thousands of distinct Hamiltonian evolutions and probe the output probabilities. The measured probabilities obey a universal distribution, consistent with uniformly sampling the full Hilbert space. As the number of qubits increases, the system continues to explore the exponentially growing number of states. Extending these results to a system of 50 qubits has the potential to address scientific questions that are beyond the capabilities of any classical computer. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

Quantum phases in circuit QED with a superconducting qubit array

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yuanwei; Yu, Lixian; Liang, J. -Q; Chen, Gang; Jia, Suotang; Nori, Franco

2014-01-01

Circuit QED on a chip has become a powerful platform for simulating complex many-body physics. In this report, we realize a Dicke-Ising model with an antiferromagnetic nearest-neighbor spin-spin interaction in circuit QED with a superconducting qubit array. We show that this system exhibits a competition between the collective spin-photon interaction and the antiferromagnetic nearest-neighbor spin-spin interaction, and then predict four quantum phases, including: a paramagnetic normal phase, an antiferromagnetic normal phase, a paramagnetic superradiant phase, and an antiferromagnetic superradiant phase. The antiferromagnetic normal phase and the antiferromagnetic superradiant phase are new phases in many-body quantum optics. In the antiferromagnetic superradiant phase, both the antiferromagnetic and superradiant orders can coexist, and thus the system possesses symmetry. Moreover, we find an unconventional photon signature in this phase. In future experiments, these predicted quantum phases could be distinguished by detecting both the mean-photon number and the magnetization. PMID:24522250

Resonance fluorescence trajectories in superconducting qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naghiloo, Mahdi; Tan, Dian; Harrington, Patrick; Lewalle, Philippe; Jordan, Andrew; Murch, Kater

We employ phase-sensitive amplification to perform homodyne detection of the resonance fluorescence from a driven superconducting artificial atom. Entanglement between the emitter and its fluorescence allows us to track the individual quantum state trajectories of the emitter. We analyze the ensemble properties of these trajectories by considering paths that connect specific initial and final states. By applying a stochastic path integral formalism, we calculate equations of motion for the most likely path between two quantum states and compare these predicted paths to experimental data. Drawing on the mathematical similarity between the action formalism of the most likely quantum paths and ray optics, we study the emergence of caustics in quantum trajectories-situations where multiple extrema in the stochastic action occur. We observe such multiple most likely paths in experimental data and find these paths to be in reasonable quantitative agreement with theoretical calculations. Supported by the John Templeton Foundation.

Micrometer-Scale Ballistic Transport of Electron Pairs in LaAlO_{3}/SrTiO_{3} Nanowires.

PubMed

Tomczyk, Michelle; Cheng, Guanglei; Lee, Hyungwoo; Lu, Shicheng; Annadi, Anil; Veazey, Joshua P; Huang, Mengchen; Irvin, Patrick; Ryu, Sangwoo; Eom, Chang-Beom; Levy, Jeremy

2016-08-26

High-mobility complex-oxide heterostructures and nanostructures offer new opportunities for extending the paradigm of quantum transport beyond the realm of traditional III-V or carbon-based materials. Recent quantum transport investigations with LaAlO_{3}/SrTiO_{3}-based quantum dots reveal the existence of a strongly correlated phase in which electrons form spin-singlet pairs without becoming superconducting. Here, we report evidence for the micrometer-scale ballistic transport of electron pairs in quasi-1D LaAlO_{3}/SrTiO_{3} nanowire cavities. In the paired phase, Fabry-Perot-like quantum interference is observed, in sync with conductance oscillations observed in the superconducting regime (at a zero magnetic field). Above a critical magnetic field B_{p}, the electron pairs unbind and the conductance oscillations shift with the magnetic field. These experimental observations extend the regime of ballistic electronic transport to strongly correlated phases.

Strong enhancement of s -wave superconductivity near a quantum critical point of Ca 3 Ir 4 Sn 13

DOE PAGES

Biswas, P. K.; Guguchia, Z.; Khasanov, R.; ...

2015-11-11

We repormore » t microscopic studies by muon spin rotation/relaxation as a function of pressure of the Ca 3 Ir 4 Sn 13 and Sr 3Ir 4Sn 13 system displaying superconductivity and a structural phase transition associated with the formation of a charge density wave (CDW). Our findings show a strong enhancement of the superfluid density and a dramatic increase of the pairing strength above a pressure of ≈ 1.6 GPa giving direct evidence of the presence of a quantum critical point separating a superconducting phase coexisting with CDW from a pure superconducting phase. The superconducting order parameter in both phases has the same s-wave symmetry. In spite of the conventional phonon-mediated BCS character of the weakly correlated (Ca 1-xSr x) 3Ir 4Sn 13 system the dependence of the effective superfluid density on the critical temperature puts this compound in the “Uemura” plot close to unconventional superconductors. This system exemplifies that conventional BCS superconductors in the presence of competing orders or multi-band structure can also display characteristics of unconventional superconductors.« less

Quantum optics with nanowires (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zwiller, Val

2017-02-01

Nanowires offer new opportunities for nanoscale quantum optics; the quantum dot geometry in semiconducting nanowires as well as the material composition and environment can be engineered with unprecedented freedom to improve the light extraction efficiency. Quantum dots in nanowires are shown to be efficient single photon sources, in addition because of the very small fine structure splitting, we demonstrate the generation of entangled pairs of photons from a nanowire. By doping a nanowire and making ohmic contacts on both sides, a nanowire light emitting diode can be obtained with a single quantum dot as the active region. Under forward bias, this will act as an electrically pumped source of single photons. Under reverse bias, an avalanche effect can multiply photocurrent and enables the detection of single photons. Another type of nanowire under study in our group is superconducting nanowires for single photon detection, reaching efficiencies, time resolution and dark counts beyond currently available detectors. We will discuss our first attempts at combining semiconducting nanowire based single photon emitters and superconducting nanowire single photon detectors on a chip to realize integrated quantum circuits.

Non-local correlations via Wigner-Yanase skew information in two SC-qubit having mutual interaction under phase decoherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Abdel-Baset A.

2017-10-01

An analytical solution of the master equation that describes a superconducting cavity containing two coupled superconducting charge qubits is obtained. Quantum-mechanical correlations based on Wigner-Yanase skew information, as local quantum uncertainty and uncertainty-induced quantum non-locality, are compared to the concurrence under the effects of the phase decoherence. Local quantum uncertainty exhibits sudden changes during its time evolution and revival process. Sudden death and sudden birth occur only for entanglement, depending on the initial state of the two coupled charge qubits, while the correlations of skew information does not vanish. The quantum correlations of skew information are found to be sensitive to the dephasing rate, the photons number in the cavity, the interaction strength between the two qubits, and the qubit distribution angle of the initial state. With a proper initial state, the stationary correlation of the skew information has a non-zero stationary value for a long time interval under the phase decoherence, that it may be useful in quantum information and computation processes.

Competing quantum orderings in cuprate superconductors: A minimal model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, I.; Ortiz, G.; Balatsky, A. V.; Bishop, A. R.

2001-02-01

We present a minimal model for cuprate superconductors. At the unrestricted mean-field level, the model produces homogeneous superconductivity at large doping, striped superconductivity in the underdoped regime and various antiferromagnetic phases at low doping and for high temperatures. On the underdoped side, the superconductor is intrinsically inhomogeneous and global phase coherence is achieved through Josephson-like coupling of the superconducting stripes. The model is applied to calculate experimentally measurable ARPES spectra.

Analog quantum simulation of the Rabi model in the ultra-strong coupling regime.

PubMed

Braumüller, Jochen; Marthaler, Michael; Schneider, Andre; Stehli, Alexander; Rotzinger, Hannes; Weides, Martin; Ustinov, Alexey V

2017-10-03

The quantum Rabi model describes the fundamental mechanism of light-matter interaction. It consists of a two-level atom or qubit coupled to a quantized harmonic mode via a transversal interaction. In the weak coupling regime, it reduces to the well-known Jaynes-Cummings model by applying a rotating wave approximation. The rotating wave approximation breaks down in the ultra-strong coupling regime, where the effective coupling strength g is comparable to the energy ω of the bosonic mode, and remarkable features in the system dynamics are revealed. Here we demonstrate an analog quantum simulation of an effective quantum Rabi model in the ultra-strong coupling regime, achieving a relative coupling ratio of g/ω ~ 0.6. The quantum hardware of the simulator is a superconducting circuit embedded in a cQED setup. We observe fast and periodic quantum state collapses and revivals of the initial qubit state, being the most distinct signature of the synthesized model.An analog quantum simulation scheme has been explored with a quantum hardware based on a superconducting circuit. Here the authors investigate the time evolution of the quantum Rabi model at ultra-strong coupling conditions, which is synthesized by slowing down the system dynamics in an effective frame.

Multiple quantum criticality in a two-dimensional superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biscaras, J.; Bergeal, N.; Hurand, S.; Feuillet-Palma, C.; Rastogi, A.; Budhani, R. C.; Grilli, M.; Caprara, S.; Lesueur, J.

2013-06-01

The diverse phenomena associated with the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) that occurs at oxide interfaces include, among others, exceptional carrier mobilities, magnetism and superconductivity. Although these have mostly been the focus of interest for potential future applications, they also offer an opportunity for studying more fundamental quantum many-body effects. Here, we examine the magnetic-field-driven quantum phase transition that occurs in electrostatically gated superconducting LaTiO3/SrTiO3 interfaces. Through a finite-size scaling analysis, we show that it belongs to the (2+1)D XY model universality class. The system can be described as a disordered array of superconducting puddles coupled by a 2DEG and, depending on its conductance, the observed critical behaviour is single (corresponding to the long-range phase coherence in the whole array) or double (one related to local phase coherence, the other one to the array). A phase diagram illustrating the dependence of the critical field on the 2DEG conductance is constructed, and shown to agree with theoretical proposals. Moreover, by retrieving the coherence-length critical exponent ν, we show that the quantum critical behaviour can be clean or dirty according to the Harris criterion, depending on whether the phase-coherence length is smaller or larger than the size of the puddles.

Multiple quantum criticality in a two-dimensional superconductor.

PubMed

Biscaras, J; Bergeal, N; Hurand, S; Feuillet-Palma, C; Rastogi, A; Budhani, R C; Grilli, M; Caprara, S; Lesueur, J

2013-06-01

The diverse phenomena associated with the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) that occurs at oxide interfaces include, among others, exceptional carrier mobilities, magnetism and superconductivity. Although these have mostly been the focus of interest for potential future applications, they also offer an opportunity for studying more fundamental quantum many-body effects. Here, we examine the magnetic-field-driven quantum phase transition that occurs in electrostatically gated superconducting LaTiO3/SrTiO3 interfaces. Through a finite-size scaling analysis, we show that it belongs to the (2+1)D XY model universality class. The system can be described as a disordered array of superconducting puddles coupled by a 2DEG and, depending on its conductance, the observed critical behaviour is single (corresponding to the long-range phase coherence in the whole array) or double (one related to local phase coherence, the other one to the array). A phase diagram illustrating the dependence of the critical field on the 2DEG conductance is constructed, and shown to agree with theoretical proposals. Moreover, by retrieving the coherence-length critical exponent ν, we show that the quantum critical behaviour can be clean or dirty according to the Harris criterion, depending on whether the phase-coherence length is smaller or larger than the size of the puddles.

Adiabatic superconducting cells for ultra-low-power artificial neural networks.

PubMed

Schegolev, Andrey E; Klenov, Nikolay V; Soloviev, Igor I; Tereshonok, Maxim V

2016-01-01

We propose the concept of using superconducting quantum interferometers for the implementation of neural network algorithms with extremely low power dissipation. These adiabatic elements are Josephson cells with sigmoid- and Gaussian-like activation functions. We optimize their parameters for application in three-layer perceptron and radial basis function networks.

Quantum-limited heat conduction over macroscopic distances

PubMed Central

Partanen, Matti; Tan, Kuan Yen; Govenius, Joonas; Lake, Russell E.; Mäkelä, Miika K.; Tanttu, Tuomo; Möttönen, Mikko

2016-01-01

The emerging quantum technological apparatuses1, 2, such as the quantum computer3–6, call for extreme performance in thermal engineering7. Cold distant heat sinks are needed for the quantized electric degrees of freedom due to the increasing packaging density and heat dissipation. Importantly, quantum mechanics sets a fundamental upper limit for the flow of information and heat, which is quantified by the quantum of thermal conductance8–10. However, the short distance between the heat-exchanging bodies in the previous experiments11–14 hinders their applicability in quantum technology. Here, we present experimental observations of quantum-limited heat conduction over macroscopic distances extending to a metre. We achieved this improvement of four orders of magnitude in the distance by utilizing microwave photons travelling in superconducting transmission lines. Thus, it seems that quantum-limited heat conduction has no fundamental distance cutoff. This work establishes the integration of normal-metal components into the framework of circuit quantum electrodynamics15–17 which provides a basis for the superconducting quantum computer18–21. Especially, our results facilitate remote cooling of nanoelectronic devices using far-away in-situ-tunable heat sinks22, 23. Furthermore, quantum-limited heat conduction is important in contemporary thermodynamics24, 25. Here, the long distance may lead to ultimately efficient mesoscopic heat engines with promising practical applications26. PMID:27239219

Demonstration of essentiality of entanglement in a Deutsch-like quantum algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, He-Liang; Goswami, Ashutosh K.; Bao, Wan-Su; Panigrahi, Prasanta K.

2018-06-01

Quantum algorithms can be used to efficiently solve certain classically intractable problems by exploiting quantum parallelism. However, the effectiveness of quantum entanglement in quantum computing remains a question of debate. This study presents a new quantum algorithm that shows entanglement could provide advantages over both classical algorithms and quantum algo- rithms without entanglement. Experiments are implemented to demonstrate the proposed algorithm using superconducting qubits. Results show the viability of the algorithm and suggest that entanglement is essential in obtaining quantum speedup for certain problems in quantum computing. The study provides reliable and clear guidance for developing useful quantum algorithms.

Perturbation theory of a superconducting 0 - π impurity quantum phase transition.

PubMed

Žonda, M; Pokorný, V; Janiš, V; Novotný, T

2015-03-06

A single-level quantum dot with Coulomb repulsion attached to two superconducting leads is studied via the perturbation expansion in the interaction strength. We use the Nambu formalism and the standard many-body diagrammatic representation of the impurity Green functions to formulate the Matsubara self-consistent perturbation expansion. We show that at zero temperature second order of the expansion in its spin-symmetric version yields a nearly perfect agreement with the numerically exact calculations for the position of the 0 - π phase boundary at which the Andreev bound states reach the Fermi energy as well as for the values of single-particle quantities in the 0-phase. We present results for phase diagrams, level occupation, induced local superconducting gap, Josephson current, and energy of the Andreev bound states with the precision surpassing any (semi)analytical approaches employed thus far.

Thermal deposition of intact tetrairon(III) single-molecule magnets in high-vacuum conditions.

PubMed

Margheriti, Ludovica; Mannini, Matteo; Sorace, Lorenzo; Gorini, Lapo; Gatteschi, Dante; Caneschi, Andrea; Chiappe, Daniele; Moroni, Riccardo; de Mongeot, Francesco Buatier; Cornia, Andrea; Piras, Federica M; Magnani, Agnese; Sessoli, Roberta

2009-06-01

A tetrairon(III) single-molecule magnet is deposited using a thermal evaporation technique in high vacuum. The chemical integrity is demonstrated by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry on a film deposited on Al foil, while superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry and alternating current susceptometry of a film deposited on a kapton substrate show magnetic properties identical to the pristine powder. High-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectra confirm the characteristic behavior for a system with S = 5 and a large Ising-type magnetic anisotropy. All these results indicate that the molecules are not damaged during the deposition procedure keeping intact the single-molecule magnet behavior.

Late Quaternary to Holocene Geology, Geomorphology and Glacial History of Dawson Creek and Surrounding area, Northeast British Columbia, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henry, Edward Trowbridge

Semiconductor quantum dots in silicon demonstrate exceptionally long spin lifetimes as qubits and are therefore promising candidates for quantum information processing. However, control and readout techniques for these devices have thus far employed low frequency electrons, in contrast to high speed temperature readout techniques used in other qubit architectures, and coupling between multiple quantum dot qubits has not been satisfactorily addressed. This dissertation presents the design and characterization of a semiconductor charge qubit based on double quantum dot in silicon with an integrated microwave resonator for control and readout. The 6 GHz resonator is designed to achieve strong coupling with the quantum dot qubit, allowing the use of circuit QED control and readout techniques which have not previously been applicable to semiconductor qubits. To achieve this coupling, this document demonstrates successful operation of a novel silicon double quantum dot design with a single active metallic layer and a coplanar stripline resonator with a bias tee for dc excitation. Experiments presented here demonstrate quantum localization and measurement of both electrons on the quantum dot and photons in the resonator. Further, it is shown that the resonator-qubit coupling in these devices is sufficient to reach the strong coupling regime of circuit QED. The details of a measurement setup capable of performing simultaneous low noise measurements of the resonator and quantum dot structure are also presented here. The ultimate aim of this research is to integrate the long coherence times observed in electron spins in silicon with the sophisticated readout architectures available in circuit QED based quantum information systems. This would allow superconducting qubits to be coupled directly to semiconductor qubits to create hybrid quantum systems with separate quantum memory and processing components.

Quantum non-demolition detection of an itinerant microwave photon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kono, S.; Koshino, K.; Tabuchi, Y.; Noguchi, A.; Nakamura, Y.

2018-06-01

Photon detectors are an elementary tool to measure electromagnetic waves at the quantum limit1,2 and are heavily demanded in the emerging quantum technologies such as communication3, sensing4 and computing5. Of particular interest is a quantum non-demolition (QND)-type detector, which projects an electromagnetic wave onto the photon-number basis6-10. This is in stark contrast to conventional photon detectors2 that absorb a photon to trigger a `click'. The long-sought QND detection of a flying photon was recently demonstrated in the optical domain using a single atom in a cavity11,12. However, the counterpart for microwaves has been elusive despite the recent progress in microwave quantum optics using superconducting circuits13-19. Here, we implement a deterministic entangling gate between a superconducting qubit and an itinerant microwave photon reflected by a cavity containing the qubit. Using the entanglement and the high-fidelity qubit readout, we demonstrate a QND detection of a single photon with the quantum efficiency of 0.84 and the photon survival probability of 0.87. Our scheme can serve as a building block for quantum networks connecting distant qubit modules as well as a microwave-photon-counting device for multiple-photon signals.

Waveguide-integrated single- and multi-photon detection at telecom wavelengths using superconducting nanowires

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ferrari, Simone; Kahl, Oliver; Kovalyuk, Vadim

We investigate single- and multi-photon detection regimes of superconducting nanowire detectors embedded in silicon nitride nanophotonic circuits. At near-infrared wavelengths, simultaneous detection of up to three photons is observed for 120 nm wide nanowires biased far from the critical current, while narrow nanowires below 100 nm provide efficient single photon detection. A theoretical model is proposed to determine the different detection regimes and to calculate the corresponding internal quantum efficiency. The predicted saturation of the internal quantum efficiency in the single photon regime agrees well with plateau behavior observed at high bias currents.

10-Qubit Entanglement and Parallel Logic Operations with a Superconducting Circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Chao; Xu, Kai; Liu, Wuxin; Yang, Chui-ping; Zheng, Shi-Biao; Deng, Hui; Xie, Qiwei; Huang, Keqiang; Guo, Qiujiang; Zhang, Libo; Zhang, Pengfei; Xu, Da; Zheng, Dongning; Zhu, Xiaobo; Wang, H.; Chen, Y.-A.; Lu, C.-Y.; Han, Siyuan; Pan, Jian-Wei

2017-11-01

Here we report on the production and tomography of genuinely entangled Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states with up to ten qubits connecting to a bus resonator in a superconducting circuit, where the resonator-mediated qubit-qubit interactions are used to controllably entangle multiple qubits and to operate on different pairs of qubits in parallel. The resulting 10-qubit density matrix is probed by quantum state tomography, with a fidelity of 0.668 ±0.025 . Our results demonstrate the largest entanglement created so far in solid-state architectures and pave the way to large-scale quantum computation.

Stabilizing Entanglement via Symmetry-Selective Bath Engineering in Superconducting Qubits.

PubMed

Kimchi-Schwartz, M E; Martin, L; Flurin, E; Aron, C; Kulkarni, M; Tureci, H E; Siddiqi, I

2016-06-17

Bath engineering, which utilizes coupling to lossy modes in a quantum system to generate nontrivial steady states, is a tantalizing alternative to gate- and measurement-based quantum science. Here, we demonstrate dissipative stabilization of entanglement between two superconducting transmon qubits in a symmetry-selective manner. We utilize the engineered symmetries of the dissipative environment to stabilize a target Bell state; we further demonstrate suppression of the Bell state of opposite symmetry due to parity selection rules. This implementation is resource efficient, achieves a steady-state fidelity F=0.70, and is scalable to multiple qubits.

10-Qubit Entanglement and Parallel Logic Operations with a Superconducting Circuit.

PubMed

Song, Chao; Xu, Kai; Liu, Wuxin; Yang, Chui-Ping; Zheng, Shi-Biao; Deng, Hui; Xie, Qiwei; Huang, Keqiang; Guo, Qiujiang; Zhang, Libo; Zhang, Pengfei; Xu, Da; Zheng, Dongning; Zhu, Xiaobo; Wang, H; Chen, Y-A; Lu, C-Y; Han, Siyuan; Pan, Jian-Wei

2017-11-03

Here we report on the production and tomography of genuinely entangled Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states with up to ten qubits connecting to a bus resonator in a superconducting circuit, where the resonator-mediated qubit-qubit interactions are used to controllably entangle multiple qubits and to operate on different pairs of qubits in parallel. The resulting 10-qubit density matrix is probed by quantum state tomography, with a fidelity of 0.668±0.025. Our results demonstrate the largest entanglement created so far in solid-state architectures and pave the way to large-scale quantum computation.

Measurement of the entanglement of two superconducting qubits via state tomography.

PubMed

Steffen, Matthias; Ansmann, M; Bialczak, Radoslaw C; Katz, N; Lucero, Erik; McDermott, R; Neeley, Matthew; Weig, E M; Cleland, A N; Martinis, John M

2006-09-08

Demonstration of quantum entanglement, a key resource in quantum computation arising from a nonclassical correlation of states, requires complete measurement of all states in varying bases. By using simultaneous measurement and state tomography, we demonstrated entanglement between two solid-state qubits. Single qubit operations and capacitive coupling between two super-conducting phase qubits were used to generate a Bell-type state. Full two-qubit tomography yielded a density matrix showing an entangled state with fidelity up to 87%. Our results demonstrate a high degree of unitary control of the system, indicating that larger implementations are within reach.

Quantum corral effects on competing orders and electronic states in chiral d + id or f-wave superconductors.

PubMed

Zuo, Xian-Jun

2018-03-07

Self-consistent calculations are performed to characterize the quantum corral effects on the electronic states of chiral d + id or f-wave superconductors in this paper. A variety of spatial structures of competing orders are revealed in the presence of ferromagnetic nano-corrals, and superconducting islands are found to be absent in the case of small corrals while being seen for large corrals. Compared with the local suppression of superconductivity by a magnetic impurity inside the corral, surprisingly, an additional remarkable feature, i.e., obvious oscillations or enhancement of superconductivity around a non-magnetic impurity, is observed inside the magnetic corral. This is important in view of applications, especially in view of the demand for devices to locally produce strong superconductivity. Meanwhile, the charge density displays obvious modulations due to quantum confinement but in contrast, the spin density pattern exhibits its robustness against the corral effect. Furthermore, we explore the local density of states so as to be directly checked by experiments. We demonstrate that a magnetic corral can suppress the formation of quasi-particle bound states induced by an impurity inside the corral in the chiral d + id state while the f-wave case shows different behaviors. These results also propose a new route to make a distinction between the two competing pairing states in triangular-lattice superconductors.

Quantum Critical Quasiparticle Scattering within the Superconducting State of CeCoIn_{5}.

PubMed

Paglione, Johnpierre; Tanatar, M A; Reid, J-Ph; Shakeripour, H; Petrovic, C; Taillefer, Louis

2016-07-01

The thermal conductivity κ of the heavy-fermion metal CeCoIn_{5} was measured in the normal and superconducting states as a function of temperature T and magnetic field H, for a current and field parallel to the [100] direction. Inside the superconducting state, when the field is lower than the upper critical field H_{c2}, κ/T is found to increase as T→0, just as in a metal and in contrast to the behavior of all known superconductors. This is due to unpaired electrons on part of the Fermi surface, which dominate the transport above a certain field. The evolution of κ/T with field reveals that the electron-electron scattering (or transport mass m^{⋆}) of those unpaired electrons diverges as H→H_{c2} from below, in the same way that it does in the normal state as H→H_{c2} from above. This shows that the unpaired electrons sense the proximity of the field-tuned quantum critical point of CeCoIn_{5} at H^{⋆}=H_{c2} even from inside the superconducting state. The fact that the quantum critical scattering of the unpaired electrons is much weaker than the average scattering of all electrons in the normal state reveals a k-space correlation between the strength of pairing and the strength of scattering, pointing to a common mechanism, presumably antiferromagnetic fluctuations.

Interface-Induced Zeeman-Protected Superconductivity in Ultrathin Crystalline Lead Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yi; Wang, Ziqiao; Zhang, Xuefeng; Liu, Chaofei; Liu, Yongjie; Zhou, Zhimou; Wang, Junfeng; Wang, Qingyan; Liu, Yanzhao; Xi, Chuanying; Tian, Mingliang; Liu, Haiwen; Feng, Ji; Xie, X. C.; Wang, Jian

2018-04-01

Two-dimensional (2D) superconducting systems are of great importance for exploring exotic quantum physics. The recent development of fabrication techniques has stimulated studies of high-quality single-crystalline 2D superconductors, where intrinsic properties give rise to unprecedented physical phenomena. Here, we report the observation of Zeeman-type spin-orbit interaction protected superconductivity (Zeeman-protected superconductivity) in 4-monolayer (ML) to 6-ML crystalline Pb films grown on striped incommensurate Pb layers on Si(111) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. An anomalously large in-plane critical field far beyond the Pauli limit is detected, which can be attributed to the Zeeman-protected superconductivity due to the in-plane inversion symmetry breaking at the interface. Our work demonstrates that, in superconducting heterostructures, the interface can induce Zeeman-type spin-orbit interactions and modulate the superconductivity.

Unconventional Electron Pairing and Topological Superconductivity in Proximitized HgTe Quantum Wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Hechen; Hart, Sean; Kosowsky, Michael; Ben-Shach, Gilad; Leubner, Philipp; Brüne, Christoph; Buhmann, Hartmut; Molenkamp, Laurens; Halperin, Bertrand; Yacoby, Amir

Coupling s-wave superconductors to systems with exotic Fermi surface spin textures has been recently proposed as a way to manipulate the nature of the paired state, in some cases even leading to a topological phase transition. Recently, we studied the behavior of Fraunhofer interference in HgTe quantum well-based Josephson junctions, in the presence of a magnetic field applied in the plane of the quantum well. Here we theoretically analyze our system and compare the predicted behavior to our experimental results. We find that the in-plane magnetic field tunes the momentum of Cooper pairs in the quantum well, directly reflecting the response of the spin-dependent Fermi surfaces. This momentum tuning depends crucially on the type of spin-orbit coupling in the system. In the high electron density regime, the induced superconductivity evolves with electron density in agreement with our model based on the Hamiltonian of Bernevig, Hughes and Zhang. This agreement provides a quantitative value for g/vF, where g is the effective g-factor and vF is the Fermi velocity. Our new understanding of the interplay between spin physics and superconductivity introduces a way to spatially engineer the order parameter from singlet to triplet pairing, and in general allows investigation of electronic spin texture at the Fermi surface of materials. NSF DMR-1206016; STC Center for Integrated Quantum Materials under NSF Grant No. DMR-1231319; NSF GRFP under Grant DGE1144152, Microsoft Corporation Project Q.

Calculation of the superconducting transition temperature of a graphene layer doped with titanium and palladium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vazquez, Gerardo; Magana, Fernando; Salas-Torres, Osiris

We explore the structural interactions between graphene and transition metals such as palladium (Pd) and titanium (Ti) and the possibility of inducing superconductivity in a graphene sheet in two cases, one by doping its surface with palladium atoms sit on the center of the hexagons of the graphene layer and other by covering the graphene layer with two layers of titanium metal atoms. The results here were obtained from first-principles density functional theory in the local density approximation. The Quantum-Espresso package was used with norm conserving pseudopotentials. All of the structures considered were relaxed to their minimum energy configuration. Phonon frequencies were calculated using the linear-response technique on several phonon wave-vector mesh. The electron-phonon coupling parameter was calculated with several electron momentum k-mesh. The superconducting critical temperature was estimated using the Allen-Dynes formula with μ* = 0.1 - 0.15. We note that palladium and titanium are good candidate materials to show a metal-to-superconductor transition. We thank Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, partial financial support by Grant IN-106514 and we also thank Miztli Super-Computing center the technical assistance.

Quantum Hall effect in epitaxial graphene with permanent magnets.

PubMed

Parmentier, F D; Cazimajou, T; Sekine, Y; Hibino, H; Irie, H; Glattli, D C; Kumada, N; Roulleau, P

2016-12-06

We have observed the well-kown quantum Hall effect (QHE) in epitaxial graphene grown on silicon carbide (SiC) by using, for the first time, only commercial NdFeB permanent magnets at low temperature. The relatively large and homogeneous magnetic field generated by the magnets, together with the high quality of the epitaxial graphene films, enables the formation of well-developed quantum Hall states at Landau level filling factors v = ±2, commonly observed with superconducting electro-magnets. Furthermore, the chirality of the QHE edge channels can be changed by a top gate. These results demonstrate that basic QHE physics are experimentally accessible in graphene for a fraction of the price of conventional setups using superconducting magnets, which greatly increases the potential of the QHE in graphene for research and applications.

Probing the quantum coherence of a nanomechanical resonator using a superconducting qubit: II. Implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blencowe, M. P.; Armour, A. D.

2008-09-01

We describe a possible implementation of the nanomechanical quantum superposition generation and detection scheme described in the preceding, companion paper (Armour A D and Blencowe M P 2008 New. J. Phys. 10 095004). The implementation is based on the circuit quantum electrodynamics (QED) set-up, with the addition of a mechanical degree of freedom formed out of a suspended, doubly-clamped segment of the superconducting loop of a dc SQUID located directly opposite the centre conductor of a coplanar waveguide (CPW). The relative merits of two SQUID based qubit realizations are addressed, in particular a capacitively coupled charge qubit and inductively coupled flux qubit. It is found that both realizations are equally promising, with comparable qubit-mechanical resonator mode as well as qubit-microwave resonator mode coupling strengths.

Demonstration of Johnson noise thermometry with all-superconducting quantum voltage noise source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yamada, Takahiro, E-mail: yamada-takahiro@aist.go.jp; Urano, Chiharu; Maezawa, Masaaki

We present a Johnson noise thermometry (JNT) system based on an integrated quantum voltage noise source (IQVNS) that has been fully implemented using superconducting circuit technology. To enable precise measurement of Boltzmann's constant, an IQVNS chip was designed to produce intrinsically calculable pseudo-white noise to calibrate the JNT system. On-chip real-time generation of pseudo-random codes via simple circuits produced pseudo-voltage noise with a harmonic tone interval of less than 1 Hz, which was one order of magnitude finer than the harmonic tone interval of conventional quantum voltage noise sources. We estimated a value for Boltzmann's constant experimentally by performing JNT measurementsmore » at the temperature of the triple point of water using the IQVNS chip.« less

Circulation and Directional Amplification in the Josephson Parametric Converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatridge, Michael

Nonreciprocal transport and directional amplification of weak microwave signals are fundamental ingredients in performing efficient measurements of quantum states of flying microwave light. This challenge has been partly met, as quantum-limited amplification is now regularly achieved with parametrically-driven, Josephson-junction based superconducting circuits. However, these devices are typically non-directional, requiring external circulators to separate incoming and outgoing signals. Recently this limitation has been overcome by several proposals and experimental realizations of both directional amplifiers and circulators based on interference between several parametric processes in a single device. This new class of multi-parametrically driven devices holds the promise of achieving a variety of desirable characteristics simultaneously- directionality, reduced gain-bandwidth constraints and quantum-limited added noise, and are good candidates for on-chip integration with other superconducting circuits such as qubits.

One-step generation of continuous-variable quadripartite cluster states in a circuit QED system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhi-peng; Li, Zhen; Ma, Sheng-li; Li, Fu-li

2017-07-01

We propose a dissipative scheme for one-step generation of continuous-variable quadripartite cluster states in a circuit QED setup consisting of four superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators and a gap-tunable superconducting flux qubit. With external driving fields to adjust the desired qubit-resonator and resonator-resonator interactions, we show that continuous-variable quadripartite cluster states of the four resonators can be generated with the assistance of energy relaxation of the qubit. By comparison with the previous proposals, the distinct advantage of our scheme is that only one step of quantum operation is needed to realize the quantum state engineering. This makes our scheme simpler and more feasible in experiment. Our result may have useful application for implementing quantum computation in solid-state circuit QED systems.

Broadband active electrically small superconductor antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kornev, V. K.; Kolotinskiy, N. V.; Sharafiev, A. V.; Soloviev, I. I.; Mukhanov, O. A.

2017-10-01

A new type of broadband active electrically small antenna (ESA) based on superconducting quantum arrays (SQAs) has been proposed and developed. These antennas are capable of providing both sensing and amplification of broadband electromagnetic signals with a very high spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR)—up to 100 dB (and even more)—with high sensitivity. The frequency band can range up to tens of gigahertz, depending on Josephson junction characteristic frequency, set by fabrication. In this paper we review theoretical and experimental studies of SQAs and SQA-based antenna prototypes of both transformer and transformer-less types. The ESA prototypes evaluated were fabricated using a standard Nb process with critical current density 4.5 kA cm-2. Measured device characteristics, design issues and comparative analysis of various ESA types, as well as requirements for interfaces, are reviewed and discussed.

Fidelity study of superconductivity in extended Hubbard models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plonka, N.; Jia, C. J.; Wang, Y.; Moritz, B.; Devereaux, T. P.

2015-07-01

The Hubbard model with local on-site repulsion is generally thought to possess a superconducting ground state for appropriate parameters, but the effects of more realistic long-range Coulomb interactions have not been studied extensively. We study the influence of these interactions on superconductivity by including nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor extended Hubbard interactions in addition to the usual on-site terms. Utilizing numerical exact diagonalization, we analyze the signatures of superconductivity in the ground states through the fidelity metric of quantum information theory. We find that nearest and next-nearest neighbor interactions have thresholds above which they destabilize superconductivity regardless of whether they are attractive or repulsive, seemingly due to competing charge fluctuations.

Preparation and measurement of three-qubit entanglement in a superconducting circuit.

PubMed

Dicarlo, L; Reed, M D; Sun, L; Johnson, B R; Chow, J M; Gambetta, J M; Frunzio, L; Girvin, S M; Devoret, M H; Schoelkopf, R J

2010-09-30

Traditionally, quantum entanglement has been central to foundational discussions of quantum mechanics. The measurement of correlations between entangled particles can have results at odds with classical behaviour. These discrepancies grow exponentially with the number of entangled particles. With the ample experimental confirmation of quantum mechanical predictions, entanglement has evolved from a philosophical conundrum into a key resource for technologies such as quantum communication and computation. Although entanglement in superconducting circuits has been limited so far to two qubits, the extension of entanglement to three, eight and ten qubits has been achieved among spins, ions and photons, respectively. A key question for solid-state quantum information processing is whether an engineered system could display the multi-qubit entanglement necessary for quantum error correction, which starts with tripartite entanglement. Here, using a circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture, we demonstrate deterministic production of three-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states with fidelity of 88 per cent, measured with quantum state tomography. Several entanglement witnesses detect genuine three-qubit entanglement by violating biseparable bounds by 830 ± 80 per cent. We demonstrate the first step of basic quantum error correction, namely the encoding of a logical qubit into a manifold of GHZ-like states using a repetition code. The integration of this encoding with decoding and error-correcting steps in a feedback loop will be the next step for quantum computing with integrated circuits.

A twofold quantum delayed-choice experiment in a superconducting circuit

PubMed Central

Liu, Ke; Xu, Yuan; Wang, Weiting; Zheng, Shi-Biao; Roy, Tanay; Kundu, Suman; Chand, Madhavi; Ranadive, Arpit; Vijay, Rajamani; Song, Yipu; Duan, Luming; Sun, Luyan

2017-01-01

Wave-particle complementarity lies at the heart of quantum mechanics. To illustrate this mysterious feature, Wheeler proposed the delayed-choice experiment, where a quantum system manifests the wave- or particle-like attribute, depending on the experimental arrangement, which is made after the system has entered the interferometer. In recent quantum delayed-choice experiments, these two complementary behaviors were simultaneously observed with a quantum interferometer in a superposition of being closed and open. We suggest and implement a conceptually different quantum delayed-choice experiment by introducing a which-path detector (WPD) that can simultaneously record and neglect the system’s path information, but where the interferometer itself is classical. Our experiment is realized with a superconducting circuit, where a cavity acts as the WPD for an interfering qubit. Using this setup, we implement the first twofold delayed-choice experiment, which demonstrates that the system’s behavior depends not only on the measuring device’s configuration that can be chosen even after the system has been detected but also on whether we a posteriori erase or mark the which-path information, the latter of which cannot be revealed by previous quantum delayed-choice experiments. Our results represent the first demonstration of both counterintuitive features with the same experimental setup, significantly extending the concept of quantum delayed-choice experiment. PMID:28508079

Demonstration of quantum advantage in machine learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ristè, Diego; da Silva, Marcus P.; Ryan, Colm A.; Cross, Andrew W.; Córcoles, Antonio D.; Smolin, John A.; Gambetta, Jay M.; Chow, Jerry M.; Johnson, Blake R.

2017-04-01

The main promise of quantum computing is to efficiently solve certain problems that are prohibitively expensive for a classical computer. Most problems with a proven quantum advantage involve the repeated use of a black box, or oracle, whose structure encodes the solution. One measure of the algorithmic performance is the query complexity, i.e., the scaling of the number of oracle calls needed to find the solution with a given probability. Few-qubit demonstrations of quantum algorithms, such as Deutsch-Jozsa and Grover, have been implemented across diverse physical systems such as nuclear magnetic resonance, trapped ions, optical systems, and superconducting circuits. However, at the small scale, these problems can already be solved classically with a few oracle queries, limiting the obtained advantage. Here we solve an oracle-based problem, known as learning parity with noise, on a five-qubit superconducting processor. Executing classical and quantum algorithms using the same oracle, we observe a large gap in query count in favor of quantum processing. We find that this gap grows by orders of magnitude as a function of the error rates and the problem size. This result demonstrates that, while complex fault-tolerant architectures will be required for universal quantum computing, a significant quantum advantage already emerges in existing noisy systems.

A twofold quantum delayed-choice experiment in a superconducting circuit.

PubMed

Liu, Ke; Xu, Yuan; Wang, Weiting; Zheng, Shi-Biao; Roy, Tanay; Kundu, Suman; Chand, Madhavi; Ranadive, Arpit; Vijay, Rajamani; Song, Yipu; Duan, Luming; Sun, Luyan

2017-05-01

Wave-particle complementarity lies at the heart of quantum mechanics. To illustrate this mysterious feature, Wheeler proposed the delayed-choice experiment, where a quantum system manifests the wave- or particle-like attribute, depending on the experimental arrangement, which is made after the system has entered the interferometer. In recent quantum delayed-choice experiments, these two complementary behaviors were simultaneously observed with a quantum interferometer in a superposition of being closed and open. We suggest and implement a conceptually different quantum delayed-choice experiment by introducing a which-path detector (WPD) that can simultaneously record and neglect the system's path information, but where the interferometer itself is classical. Our experiment is realized with a superconducting circuit, where a cavity acts as the WPD for an interfering qubit. Using this setup, we implement the first twofold delayed-choice experiment, which demonstrates that the system's behavior depends not only on the measuring device's configuration that can be chosen even after the system has been detected but also on whether we a posteriori erase or mark the which-path information, the latter of which cannot be revealed by previous quantum delayed-choice experiments. Our results represent the first demonstration of both counterintuitive features with the same experimental setup, significantly extending the concept of quantum delayed-choice experiment.

Flexible superconducting Nb transmission lines on thin film polyimide for quantum computing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuckerman, David B.; Hamilton, Michael C.; Reilly, David J.; Bai, Rujun; Hernandez, George A.; Hornibrook, John M.; Sellers, John A.; Ellis, Charles D.

2016-08-01

We describe progress and initial results achieved towards the goal of developing integrated multi-conductor arrays of shielded controlled-impedance flexible superconducting transmission lines with ultra-miniature cross sections and wide bandwidths (dc to >10 GHz) over meter-scale lengths. Intended primarily for use in future scaled-up quantum computing systems, such flexible thin-film niobium/polyimide ribbon cables could provide a physically compact and ultra-low thermal conductance alternative to the rapidly increasing number of discrete coaxial cables that are currently used by quantum computing experimentalists to transmit signals between the several low-temperature stages (from ˜4 K down to ˜20 mK) of a dilution refrigerator. We have concluded that these structures are technically feasible to fabricate, and so far they have exhibited acceptable thermo-mechanical reliability. S-parameter results are presented for individual 2-metal layer Nb microstrip structures having 50 Ω characteristic impedance; lengths ranging from 50 to 550 mm were successfully fabricated. Solderable pads at the end terminations allowed testing using conventional rf connectors. Weakly coupled open-circuit microstrip resonators provided a sensitive measure of the overall transmission line loss as a function of frequency, temperature, and power. Two common microelectronic-grade polyimide dielectrics, one conventional and the other photo-definable (PI-2611 and HD-4100, respectively) were compared. Our most striking result, not previously reported to our knowledge, was that the dielectric loss tangents of both polyimides, over frequencies from 1 to 20 GHz, are remarkably low at deep cryogenic temperatures, typically 100× smaller than corresponding room temperature values. This enables fairly long-distance (meter-scale) transmission of microwave signals without excessive attenuation, and also permits usefully high rf power levels to be transmitted without creating excessive dielectric heating. We observed loss tangents as low as 2.2 × 10-5 at 20 mK, although losses increased somewhat at very low rf power levels, similar to the well-known behavior of amorphous inorganic dielectrics such as SiO2. Our fabrication techniques could be extended to more complex structures such as multiconductor cables, embedded microstrip, 3-metal layer stripline or rectangular coax, and integrated attenuators and thermalization structures.

Observing single quantum trajectories of a superconducting quantum bit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murch, K. W.; Weber, S. J.; Macklin, C.; Siddiqi, I.

2013-10-01

The length of time that a quantum system can exist in a superposition state is determined by how strongly it interacts with its environment. This interaction entangles the quantum state with the inherent fluctuations of the environment. If these fluctuations are not measured, the environment can be viewed as a source of noise, causing random evolution of the quantum system from an initially pure state into a statistical mixture--a process known as decoherence. However, by accurately measuring the environment in real time, the quantum system can be maintained in a pure state and its time evolution described by a `quantum trajectory' determined by the measurement outcome. Here we use weak measurements to monitor a microwave cavity containing a superconducting quantum bit (qubit), and track the individual quantum trajectories of the system. In this set-up, the environment is dominated by the fluctuations of a single electromagnetic mode of the cavity. Using a near-quantum-limited parametric amplifier, we selectively measure either the phase or the amplitude of the cavity field, and thereby confine trajectories to either the equator or a meridian of the Bloch sphere. We perform quantum state tomography at discrete times along the trajectory to verify that we have faithfully tracked the state of the quantum system as it diffuses on the surface of the Bloch sphere. Our results demonstrate that decoherence can be mitigated by environmental monitoring, and validate the foundation of quantum feedback approaches based on Bayesian statistics. Moreover, our experiments suggest a new means of implementing `quantum steering'--the harnessing of action at a distance to manipulate quantum states through measurement.