Coherent oscillations in a superconducting multi-level quantum system

We have observed coherent time evolution of states in a multi-level quantum system, formed by a current-biased dc SQUID. The manipulation of the quantum states is achieved by resonant microwave pulses of flux. The number of quantum states participating in the coherent oscillations increases with increasing microwave power. Quantum measurement is performed by a nanosecond flux pulse which projects the final state onto one of two different voltage states of the dc SQUID, which can be read out

One-Shot Quantum Measurement Using a Hysteretic dc SQUID

We propose a single shot quantum measurement to determine the state of a Josephson charge quantum bit (qubit). The qubit is a Cooper pair box and the measuring device is a two junction superconducting quantum interference device (dc SQUID). This coupled system exhibits a close analogy with a Rydberg atom in a high Q cavity, except that in the present device we benefit from the additional feature of escape from the supercurrent state by macroscopic quantum tunneling, which provides the final readout. We test the feasibility of our idea against realistic experimental circuit parameters and by analyzing the phase fluctuations of the qubit.Peer reviewe

Observation of the underscreened Kondo effect in a molecular transistor

We present the first quantitative experimental evidence for the underscreened Kondo effect, an incomplete compensation of a quantized magnetic moment by conduction electrons, as originally proposed by Noziegraveres and Blandin. The device consists of an even charge spin S=1 molecular quantum dot, obtained by electromigration of C-60 molecules into gold nanogaps and operated in a dilution fridge. The persistence of logarithmic singularities in the low temperature conductance is demonstrated by a comparison to the fully screened configuration obtained in odd charge spin S=1/2 Coulomb diamonds. We also discover an extreme sensitivity of the underscreened Kondo resonance to the magnetic field that we confirm on the basis of numerical renormalization group calculations

Evidence of two-dimensional macroscopic quantum tunneling of a current-biased DC-SQUID

The escape probability out of the superconducting state of a hysteretic DC-SQUID has been measured at different values of the applied magnetic flux. At low temperature, the escape current and the width of the probability distribution are temperature independent but they depend on flux. Experimental results do not fit the usual one-dimensional (1D) Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling (MQT) law but are perfectly accounted for by the two-dimensional (2D) MQT behaviour as we propose here. Near zero flux, our data confirms the recent MQT observation in a DC-SQUID \cite{Li02}.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures Accepted to PR

Using a quantum dot as a high-frequency shot noise detector

We present the experimental realization of a Quantum Dot (QD) operating as a high-frequency noise detector. Current fluctuations produced in a nearby Quantum Point Contact (QPC) ionize the QD and induce transport through excited states. The resulting transient current through the QD represents our detector signal. We investigate its dependence on the QPC transmission and voltage bias. We observe and explain a quantum threshold feature and a saturation in the detector signal. This experimental and theoretical study is relevant in understanding the backaction of a QPC used as a charge detector.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review Letter

First experimental evidence of one-dimensional plasma modes in superconducting thin wires

We have studied niobium superconducting thin wires deposited onto a SrTiO$_{3}$ substrate. By measuring the reflection coefficient of the wires, resonances are observed in the superconducting state in the 130 MHz to 4 GHz range. They are interpreted as standing wave resonances of one-dimensional plasma modes propagating along the superconducting wire. The experimental dispersion law, $\omega$ versus $q$, presents a linear dependence over the entire wave vector range. The modes are softened as the temperature increases close the superconducting transition temperature. Very good agreement are observed between our data and the dispersion relation predicted by Kulik and Mooij and Sch\"on.Comment: Submitted to Physical review Letter

Caracterização de produtores de leite orgânico e em transição agroecológica do Distrito Federal e Regiões Integradas do entorno - Brasil.

Foi elaborada uma pesquisa de campo utilizando o instrumento de diagnóstico rápido participativo-DRP, desenvolvido para colher informações relacionadas a produção de leite orgânico e em transição agroecológica a fim de caracterizar unidades familiares na região do Distrito Federal e integrada do entorno (DF-RIDE), Brasil. Com estas ações foi possível mapear os produtores na atividade, como também identificar gargalos da produção a partir dos índices estimados, e relacioná-los com a importância da conservação das pastagens por meio de parâmetros econômicos e técnicos das unidades produtivas da região enfatizando e relacionando-as com o manejo de pastagens agroecológicas nesses sistemas de produção. O instrumento utilizado auxiliou o produtor de leite a melhor observar suas atividades técnicas e econômicas, promovendo melhorias na gestão da propriedade. Foi possível ainda construir de forma participativa, métodos alternativos para melhorar o manejo de pastagens. Abstract: Was elaborate field research using the instrument of participatory rapid diagnosis-DRP, developed to gather information related to organic milk production and agroecological transition and characterize family units in the Federal District and surroundings integrated region (DF-RIDE), Brazil. With these actions was possible to map producers in activity, as well as identify bottlenecks of production from the estimated indices, and relates them with the importance of the pastures conservation, through economic and technical parameters of the productive units in the region emphasizing and relating it to the management of pastures in agroecological production systems. The instrument used assisted the milk producer to better observe their technical and economic activities, promoting improvements in the management of the property. It was still possible to build in a participative manner, alternative methods to improve pasture management