Quantum terahertz electrodynamics and macroscopic quantum tunneling in layered superconductors

We derive a quantum field theory of Josephson plasma waves (JPWs) in layered superconductors, which describes two types of interacting JPW bosonic quanta (one heavy and one lighter). We propose a mechanism of enhancement of macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT) in stacks of intrinsic Josephson junctions. Because of the long-range interaction between junctions in layered superconductors, the calculated MQT escape rate Gamma has a nonlinear dependence on the number of junctions in the stack. We show that the crossover temperature between quantum and thermal escape increases when increasing the number of junctions. This allows us to quantitatively describe striking recent experiments in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta stacks.     

Effects of capacitive coupling on the escape rate in intrinsic Josephson junction stacks

We formulate a macroscopic quantum theory that can describe the macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT) in intrinsic Josephson junctions (IJJs). The capacitively coupled IJJ model is quantized in terms of the canonical quantization method. The multi-junction effect for the MQT to the first resistive branch is clarified. It is shown that the escape rate is greatly enhanced by the capacitive coupling between junctions.     

Macroscopic quantum tunneling induced by a spontaneous field in intrinsic Josephson junctions

We theoretically study macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT) in capacitively coupled Josephson junctions in the case that one of the junctions is in the finite voltage state. We find that the system can be mapped into a one dimensional model with a spontaneous periodic perturbation and calculate the MQT rate by using the time-dependent WKB method. Then the MQT rate is found to be resonantly enhanced and the enhancement of MQT rate is found even off the resonant point.     

Dynamical control of macroscopic quantum tunneling

We show that the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects are realizable for macroscopic quantum tunneling by current-bias modulation in Josephson junctions (and their analogs in atomic condensates).     

Aharonov-Casher-effect suppression of macroscopic tunneling of magnetic flux

We suggest a system in which the amplitude of macroscopic flux tunneling can be modulated via the Aharonov-Casher effect. The system is an rf SQUID with the Josephson junction replaced by a Bloch transistor--two junctions separated by a small superconducting island on which the charge can be induced by an external gate voltage. When the Josephson coupling energies of the junctions are equal and the induced charge is q = e, destructive interference between tunneling paths brings the flux tunneling rate to zero. The device may also be useful as a qubit for quantum computation.     

Macroscopic quantum tunneling in a d-wave high-TC Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 + delta superconductor

While Josephson-junction-like structures intrinsic to the layered cuprate high temperature superconductors offer an attractive stage for exploiting possible applications to new quantum technologies, the low energy quasiparticle excitations characteristically present in these d-wave superconductors may easily destroy the coherence required. Here we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of macroscopic quantum tunneling in the intrinsic Josephson junctions of a high temperature superconductor Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8 + delta), and find it to be characterized by a high classic-to-quantum crossover temperature and a relatively weak quasiparticle dissipation.     

宏观共振隧穿的新进展及其在量子信息处理中的应用(英文)

从量子力学诞生以来,关于宏观物体的运动是否遵循量子力学的辩论就一直没有停止过。上世纪八十年代初期以来,一系列在约瑟夫森结和超导量子干涉器件(SQUID)中观测到的实验结果,包括相位和磁通的宏观量子隧穿,能级量子化,宏观共振隧穿,和在微波驱动下的相干动力学过程对认为宏观物体的运动在满足一定条件下同样遵循量子力学规律的观点提供了强有力的实验证据。在众多已观察到的宏观量子现象中,宏观共振隧穿结合了能级分立和隧穿这两个最具特征的量子现象。由于宏观共振隧穿的观测无需使用高频电磁波激发,这就避免了实验结果也可以用经典物理解释的可能,所以在一个系统中观测到宏观共振隧穿可以说是展示该系统的量子属性的最有力证据。本文讨论近年来从理论和实验两方面理解耗散和磁通噪声对类似SQUID的双势阱系统宏观共振隧穿率和谱线形状的影响。评述宏观共振隧穿谱的测量在探寻、理解、克服超导磁通量子比特中的退相干机制并最终实现规模化量子计算方面的应用。     

Macroscopic quantum tunneling in "small" Josephson junctions in a magnetic field

We study the phenomenon of macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT) in small Josephson junctions (JJ) with an externally applied magnetic field. The latter results in the appearance of the Fraunhofer type modulation of the current density along the barrier. The problem of MQT for a pointlike JJ is reduced to the motion of the quantum particle in the washboard potential. In the case of a finite size JJ under consideration, this problem corresponds to a MQT in a potential which itself, besides the phase, depends on space variables. The general expression for the crossover temperature T0 between thermally activated and macroscopic quantum tunneling regimes and the escaping time tau(esc) have been calculated.     

Phase escape of current-biased Josephson junctions

Switching current distributions of an Nb/Al--AlO_x/Nb Josephson junction are measured in a temperature range from 25~mK to 800~mK. We analyse the phase escape properties by using the theory of Larkin and Ovchinnikov (LO) which takes discrete energy levels into account. Our results show that the phase escape can be well described by the LO approach for temperatures near and below the crossover from thermal activation to macroscopic quantum tunneling. These results are helpful for further study of macroscopic quantum phenomena in Josephson junctions where discrete energy levels need to be considered.     

宏观共振隧穿的新进展及其在量子信息处理中的应用

从量子力学诞生以来,关于宏观物体的运动是否遵循量子力学的辩论就一直没有停止过.上世纪八十年代初期以来,一系列在约瑟夫森结和超导最子干涉器件(SQUID)中观测到的实验结果,包括相位和磁通的宏观量子隧穿,能级量子化,宏观共振隧穿,和在微波驱动下的相干动力学过程对认为宏观物体的运动在满足一定条件下同样遵循量子力学规律的观点提供了强有力的实验证据.在众多已观察到的宏观量子现象中,宏观共振隧穿结合了能级分立和隧穿这两个最具特征的量子现象.由于宏观共振隧穿的观测无需使用高频电磁波激发,这就避免了实验结果也可以用经典物理解释的可能,所以在一个系统中观测到宏观共振隧穿可以说是展示该系统的量子属性的最有力证据.本文讨论近年来从理论和实验两方面理解耗散和磁通噪声对类似SQUID的双势阱系统宏观共振隧穿率和谱线形状的影响.评述宏观共振隧穿谱的测量在探寻、理解、克服超导磁通量子比特中的退相干机制并最终实现规模化量子计算方面的应用.     

Quantum cascade phenomenon in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+delta) single crystals

We study interlayer transport in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+delta) cuprates, which represent stacks of atomic scale intrinsic Josephson junctions. A series of resonant dips in conductance is observed at condition when bremsstrahlung and recombination bands in nonequilibrium spectrum of Josephson junctions overlap. The phenomenon is explained in terms of self-detection of a new type of collective strongly nonequilibrium state in natural atomic superlattices, bearing certain resemblance with operation of a quantum cascade laser. Conclusions are supported by in situ generation-detection experiments and by numerical simulations.     

Macroscopic quantum tunneling in d-wave YBa2Cu3O7-delta Josephson junctions

The escape rate from the zero voltage state in a superconducting Josephson junction (JJ) is determined by the temperature, but it saturates at low temperature due to macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT). Complications due to d-wave symmetry in a high temperature superconductor, like low energy quasiparticles and an unconventional current-phase relation, may influence the escape rate. We report, for the first time to our knowledge, the observation of MQT in a YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) grain boundary biepitaxial JJ. This proves that dissipation can be significantly reduced by a proper junction configuration, which is of significance for quantum coherence.     

On the classical model for microwave induced escape from a Josephson washboard potential

We revisit the interpretation of earlier low temperature experiments on Josephson junctions under the influence of applied microwaves. It was claimed that these experiments unambiguously established a quantum phenomenology with discrete levels in shallow wells of the washboard potential, and macroscopic quantum tunneling. We here apply the previously developed classical theory to a direct comparison with the original experimental observations, and we show that the experimental data can be accurately represented classically. Thus, our analysis questions the necessity of the earlier quantum mechanical interpretation.     

Dynamical tunneling in macroscopic systems

We investigate macroscopic dynamical quantum tunneling (MDQT) in the driven Duffing oscillator, characteristic for Josephson junction physics and nanomechanics. Under resonant conditions between stable coexisting states of such systems we calculate the tunneling rate. In macroscopic systems coupled to a heat bath, MDQT can be masked by driving-induced activation. We compare both processes, identify conditions under which tunneling can be detected with present day experimental means and suggest a protocol for its observation.     

Direct observation of tunneling and nonlinear self-trapping in a single bosonic Josephson junction

We report on the first realization of a single bosonic Josephson junction, implemented by two weakly linked Bose-Einstein condensates in a double-well potential. In order to fully investigate the nonlinear tunneling dynamics we measure the density distribution in situ and deduce the evolution of the relative phase between the two condensates from interference fringes. Our results verify the predicted nonlinear generalization of tunneling oscillations in superconducting and superfluid Josephson junctions. Additionally, we confirm a novel nonlinear effect known as macroscopic quantum self-trapping, which leads to the inhibition of large amplitude tunneling oscillations.     

Josephson-junction qubits: entanglement and coherence

We review briefly the problems that are driving the search for a quantum computer. These include, primarily, methods for encryption and decryption based on Shor’s algorithm for factoring large integers and the use of Pell’s equation for encryption. We also outline some of the approaches that have been suggested for implementing a quantum computer and then focus on Josephson-junction systems as qubits. We have been investigating the current-biased Josephson junction for this application, a suggestion we made about 2 years ago. We have studied macroscopic quantum tunneling and energy level spectroscopy, using microwaves, in single junctions and recently we have begun measurements of the two-quantum bit (qubit) system, i.e. two capacitively coupled junctions. Theoretical studies of energy levels and their dynamic evolution are also in progress. In the present report we discuss the basics of single Josephson junctions and compare their potential as qubits with the potentials of other systems. We also discuss our future plans to obtain greater isolation of the junctions from sources of decoherence and to develop realistic qubits. An important first step must be to exhibit quantum entanglement and measure coherence times. Then it must be shown that the states of the qubits can be initialized, that gate operations can be performed, and that the results can be read out.     

Macroscopic resonant tunneling in an rf-SQUID flux qubit

We have observed the macroscopic resonant tunneling of magnetic flux between macroscopically distinct quantum states in a superconducting flux qubit.The dependences of the macroscopic resonant tunneling on the barrier height of the potential well,the flux bias and the initial state are investigated.Detailed measurements of the tunneling rate as a function of the flux bias reveal the feature of the quantum noise in the superconducting flux qubit.     

Shot-noise-driven escape in hysteretic Josephson junctions

We have measured the influence of shot noise on hysteretic Josephson junctions initially in the macroscopic quantum tunneling regime. The escape threshold current into the resistive state decreases monotonically with increasing average current through the scattering conductor, which is another tunnel junction. Escape is predominantly determined by excitation due to the wideband shot noise. This process is equivalent to thermal activation (TA) over the barrier at effective temperatures up to about 4 times the critical temperature of the superconductor. The presented TA model is in excellent agreement with the experimental results.     

Quasiparticle dissipation in the measurement process of phase qubit using high- superconductors

We discuss how to make use of high-T_c d-wave Josephson junctions in the construction of a phase qubit. We especially focus on the effect of the quasiparticle dissipation and the zero energy bound state on the macroscopic quantum tunneling which corresponds to the final measurement process of the d-wave phase qubit.     

Observation of macroscopic quantum tunneling in a single Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta surface intrinsic Josephson junction

We report on the first unambiguous observation of macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT) in a single submicron Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8+delta) surface intrinsic Josephson junction (IJJ) by measuring its temperature-dependent switching current distribution. All relevant junction parameters were determined in situ in the classical regime and were used to predict the behavior of the IJJ in the quantum regime via MQT theory. Experimental results agree quantitatively with the theoretical predictions, thus confirming the MQT picture. Furthermore, the data also indicate that the surface IJJ, where the current flows along the c axis of the crystal, has the conventional sinphi current-phase relationship.