Charge Qubit Storage and Its Engineered Decoherence via Microwave Cavity

We study the entanglement of the superconducting charge qubit with the quantized electromagnetic field in a microwave cavity. It can be controlled dynamically by a classical external field threading the SQUID within the charge qubit. Utilizing the controllable quantum entanglement, we can demonstrate the dynamic process of the quantum storage of information carried by charge qubit. On the other hand, based on this engineered quantum entanglement, we can also demonstrate a progressive decoherence of charge qubit with quantum jump due to the coupling with the cavity field in quasi-classical state.     

Towards a spin-ensemble quantum memory for superconducting qubits

This article reviews efforts to build a new type of quantum device, which combines an ensemble of electronic spins with long coherence times, and a small-scale superconducting quantum processor. The goal is to store over long times arbitrary qubit states in orthogonal collective modes of the spin-ensemble, and to retrieve them on-demand. We first present the protocol devised for such a multi-mode quantum memory. We then describe a series of experimental results using NV (as in nitrogen vacancy) center spins in diamond, which demonstrate its main building blocks: the transfer of arbitrary quantum states from a qubit into the spin ensemble, and the multi-mode retrieval of classical microwave pulses down to the single-photon level with a Hahn-echo like sequence. A reset of the spin memory is implemented in-between two successive sequences using optical repumping of the spins.     

Quantum logic gates operation using SQUID qubits in bimodal cavity

We present a scheme to realize the basic two-qubit logic gates such as the quantum phase gate and SWAP gate using a detuned microwave cavity interacting with three-level superconducting-quantum-interference-device (SQUID) qubit(s), by placing SQUID(s) in a two-mode microwave cavity and using adiabatic passage methods. In this scheme, the two logical states of the qubit are represented by the two lowest levels of the SQUID, and the cavity fields are treated as quantized. Compared with the previous method, the complex procedures of adjusting the level spacing of the SQUID and applying the resonant microwave pulse to the SQUID to create transformation are not required. Based on superconducting device with relatively long decoherence time and simplified operation procedure, the gates operate at a high speed, which is important in view of decoherence.     

Single-qubit optical quantum fingerprinting

We analyze and demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of linear optical single-qubit fingerprinting over its classical counterpart. For one-qubit fingerprinting of two-bit messages, we prepare "tetrahedral" qubit states experimentally and show that they meet the requirements for quantum fingerprinting to exceed the classical capability. We prove that shared entanglement permits 100% reliable quantum fingerprinting, which will outperform classical fingerprinting even with arbitrary amounts of shared randomness.     

Quantum trajectories of superconducting qubits

In this review, we discuss recent experiments that investigate how the quantum sate of a superconducting qubit evolves during measurement. We provide a pedagogical overview of the measurement process, when the qubit is dispersively coupled to a microwave frequency cavity, and the qubit state is encoded in the phase of a microwave tone that probes the cavity. A continuous measurement record is used to reconstruct the individual quantum trajectories of the qubit state, and quantum state tomography is performed to verify that the state has been tracked accurately. Furthermore, we discuss ensembles of trajectories, time-symmetric evolution, two-qubit trajectories, and potential applications in measurement-based quantum error correction.     

Spin-dependent forces on trapped ions for phase-stable quantum gates and entangled states of spin and motion

Favored schemes for trapped-ion quantum logic gates use bichromatic laser fields to couple internal qubit states with external motion through a "spin-dependent force." We introduce a new degree of freedom in this coupling that reduces its sensitivity to phase decoherence. We demonstrate bichromatic spin-dependent forces on a single trapped 111Cd+ ion, and show that phase coherence of the resulting entangled states of spin and motion depends critically upon the spectral arrangement of the optical fields. This applies directly to the operation of entangling gates on multiple ions.     

Hybrid quantum processors: molecular ensembles as quantum memory for solid state circuits

We investigate a hybrid quantum circuit where ensembles of cold polar molecules serve as long-lived quantum memories and optical interfaces for solid state quantum processors. The quantum memory realized by collective spin states (ensemble qubit) is coupled to a high-Q stripline cavity via microwave Raman processes. We show that, for convenient trap-surface distances of a few microm, strong coupling between the cavity and ensemble qubit can be achieved. We discuss basic quantum information protocols, including a swap from the cavity photon bus to the molecular quantum memory, and a deterministic two qubit gate. Finally, we investigate coherence properties of molecular ensemble quantum bits.     

Classical and quantum communication without a shared reference frame

We show that communication without a shared reference frame is possible using entangled states. Both classical and quantum information can be communicated with perfect fidelity without a shared reference frame at a rate that asymptotically approaches one classical bit or one encoded qubit per transmitted qubit. We present an optical scheme to communicate classical bits without a shared reference frame using entangled photon pairs and linear optical Bell state measurements.     

Realization of a minimal disturbance quantum measurement

We report the first experimental realization of an "optimal" quantum device able to perform a minimal disturbance measurement on polarization encoded qubits saturating the theoretical boundary established between the classical knowledge acquired of any input state, i.e., a "classical guess," and the fidelity of the same state after disturbance due to measurement. The device has been physically realized by means of a linear optical qubit manipulation, postselection measurement, and a classical feed-forward process.     

Preparation of Cluster States of Atomic Qubits in Cavity QED

We propose an optical scheme to generate cluster states of atomic qubits, with each trapped in separate optical cavity, via atom-cavity-laser interaction. The quantum information of each qubit is encoded on the degenerate ground states of the atom, hence the entanglement between them is relatively stable against spontaneous emission. A single-photon source and two classical fields are employed in the present scheme. By controlling the sequence and time of atom-cavity-laser interaction, we show that the atomic cluster states can be produced deterministically.     

量子微波制备方法与实验研究进展

量子微波信号既保留了经典微波信号的空间远距离传播能力,又具有非经典的量子特性,为微波频段量子通信、量子导航及量子雷达等基于大尺度动态空间环境无线传输的量子信息技术提供了可资利用的重要信号源.按照腔量子电动力学系统、超导电路量子电动力学系统和腔–光(电)–力学系统三大类型实验平台,归纳、分析了微波单光子、纠缠微波光子以及压缩微波场和纠缠微波场的产生原理、方法和相关典型实验的进展,并探讨了非经典微波场在量子导航等自由空间传输系统应用中需重点解决的若干关键问题.     

Phase and amplitude control of switching from positive to negative dispersion in superconducting quantum circuits

We study the absorption and dispersion properties of the three-level Δ$\Delta$-type superconducting fluxonium circuit, in which each atomic transition is respectively driven by a coherent classical field. The results show that the absorption and dispersion spectra depend strongly on the relative phase and intensities of the applied fields. When the relative phase is changed from π$\pi$/2 to 3π$\pi$/2, the switching from positive to negative dispersion arises, which can also be obtained via adjusting the relative intensities of the classical fields. Our scheme shows that the dispersion switching effect could be achievable for microwave pulse interacting with the superconducting fluxonium qubit.     

Controllable cross-Kerr interaction between microwave photons in circuit quantum electrodynamics

We propose a scheme to enable a controllable cross-Kerr interaction between microwave photons in a circuit quantum electrodynamics(QED) system.In this scheme we use two transmission-line resonators(TLRs) and one superconducting quantum interference device(SQUID) type charge qubit,which acts as an artificial atom.It is shown that in the dispersive regime of the circuit-QED system,a controllable cross-Kerr interaction can be obtained by properly preparing the initial state of the qubit,and a large cross-phase shift between two microwave fields in the two TLRs can then be reached.Based on this cross-Kerr interaction,we show how to create a macroscopic entangled state between the two TLRs.     

Density matrix tomography through sequential coherent optical rotations of an exciton qubit in a single quantum dot

We demonstrate single qubit density matrix tomography in a single semiconductor quantum dot system through consecutive phase sensitive rotations of the qubit via ultrafast coherent optical excitations. The result is important for quantifying gate operations in quantum information processing in the quantum dot systems as well as demonstrating consecutive arbitrary qubit rotations.     

Decoherence in josephson phase qubits from junction resonators

Although Josephson junction qubits show great promise for quantum computing, the origin of dominant decoherence mechanisms remains unknown. Improving the operation of a Josephson junction based phase qubit has revealed microscopic two-level systems or resonators within the tunnel barrier that cause decoherence. We report spectroscopic data that show a level splitting characteristic of coupling between a two-state qubit and a two-level system. Furthermore, we show Rabi oscillations whose "coherence amplitude" is significantly degraded by the presence of these spurious microwave resonators. The discovery of these resonators impacts the future of Josephson qubits as well as existing Josephson technologies.     

Scalable preparation of three-atom and four-atom W states via atom-cavity-laser interaction

We propose the optical generation of W states for three atomic and four atomic qubits, with each qubit trapped in a separate cavity and coupled to the cavity laser. A single-photon source and two classical fields are employed in the present scheme. By encoding the quantum information of each qubit on the degenerate ground states of the atom, we obtain the atomic entanglement that is relatively stable against spontaneous emission. It is demonstrated that the three- and four-atomic W states can be produced deterministically via a proper manipulation of the atom-cavity interaction sequence and time. Generalization of the present scheme to prepare multi-atomic W states is also discussed.     

Quantum coherent versus classical coherent light

The paper shows that the Wigner distribution function of quantum optical coherent states, or of a superposition of such states, can be produced and measured with a classical optical set-up using classical coherent light fields. This measurement cannot be done directly in quantum optics since the quantum phase space variables correspond to non-commuting operators. As an example, the Wigner distribution function of Schrödinger cat states of light has been measured. It is also shown that the possibility of measuring the Wigner distribution function of quantum coherent states with classical coherent fields is unique in the sense that it cannot be extended to other quantum states, not even to the incoherent limit of the superposition of coherent states.     

Excitonic Rabi oscillations in a quantum dot: local field impact

The influence of local fields on the excitonic Rabi oscillations in an isolated, arbitrary shaped quantum dot (QD) has been theoretically investigated. QD interaction with both a classical electromagnetic field and quantum light has been considered. In the classical light, time harmonic and ultrashort pulse excitations are analyzed. The general formalism has been formulated for quantum light and applied to the case of a Fock qubit. Noticeable modification of the Rabi oscillation dynamics induced by the local fields is predicted to be observable in QDs exposed to both classical and quantum light. In particular, the bifurcation and anharmonism in the Rabi oscillations have been revealed under time harmonic excitation and a dependence of the Rabi oscillation period on the QD depolarization has been obtained.     

Quantum information processing and metrology with color centers in diamonds

The Nitrogen Vacancy （NV） center is becoming a promising qubit for quantum information processing. The defect has a long coherence time at room temperature and it allows spin state initialized and read out by laser and manipulated by microwave pulses. It has been utilized as a ultra sensi- tive probe for magnetic fields and remote spins as well. Here, we review the recent progresses in experimental demonstrations based on NV centers. We first introduce our work on implementation of the Deutsch- Jozsa algorithm with a single electronic spin in diamond. Then the quantum nature of the bath around the center spin is revealed and continuous wave dynamical decoupling has been demonstrated. By applying dynamical decoupling, a multi-pass quantum metrology protocol is realized to enhance phase estimation. In the final, we demonstrated NV center can be regarded as a ultra-sensitive sensor spin to implement nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） imaging at nanoscale.     

腔QED中超导量子干涉仪概率克隆机的物理实现

提出一个量子概率克隆机的物理实现方案,该方案首先将高Q腔中的两个超导量子干涉仪分别作为初始比特和目标比特,腔模作为测量比特,通过腔模和经典微波脉冲与超导量子干涉仪的多种相互作用实现量子概率克隆机的幺正演化;然后将腔模态映射到另一个超导量子干涉仪上,通过对该超导量子干涉仪磁通量的测量完成状态坍缩,从而以最优的成功概率实现量子态的精确克隆.本方案采用双光子拉曼共振过程加快单比特门的操作速率,并且总操作时间远小于自发辐射和腔模衰变时间,因而在实验上是可行的.