60 research outputs found
Towards the Heisenberg limit in microwave photon detection by a qubit array
Using an analytically solvable model, we show that a qubit array-based
detector allows to achieve the fundamental Heisenberg limit in detecting single
photons. In case of superconducting qubits, this opens new opportunities for
quantum sensing and communications in the important microwave range.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure
Two-qubit parametric amplifier: large amplification of weak signals
Using numerical simulations, we show that two coupled qubits can amplify a
weak signal about hundredfold. This can be achieved if the two qubits are
biased simultaneously by this weak signal and a strong pump signal, both of
which having frequencies close to the inter-level transitions in the system.
The weak signal strongly affects the spectrum generated by the strong pumping
drive by producing and controlling mixed harmonics with amplitudes of the order
of the main harmonic of the strong drive. We show that the amplification is
robust with respect to noise, with an intensity of the order of the weak
signal. When deviating from the optimal regime (corresponding to strong qubit
coupling and a weak-signal frequency equal to the inter-level transition
frequency) the proposed amplifier becomes less efficient, but it can still
considerably enhance a weak signal (by several tens). We therefore propose to
use coupled qubits as a combined parametric amplifier and frequency shifter.Comment: 6 figure
Dynamic manipulation of mechanical resonators in the high amplitude regime through optical backaction
Cavity optomechanics enables active manipulation of mechanical resonators
through backaction cooling and amplification. This ability to control
mechanical motion with retarded optical forces has recently spurred a race
towards realizing a mechanical resonator in its quantum ground state. Here,
instead of quenching optomechanical motion, we demonstrate high amplitude
operation of nanomechanical resonators by utilizing a highly efficient phonon
generation process. In this regime, the nanomechanical resonators gain
sufficient energy from the optical field to overcome the large energy barrier
of a double well potential, leading to nanomechanical slow-down and zero
frequency singularity, as predicted by early theories . Besides fundamental
studies and interests in parametric amplification of small forces,
optomechanical backaction is also projected to open new windows for studying
discrete mechanical states, and to foster applications. Here we realize a
non-volatile mechanical memory element, in which bits are written and reset via
optomechanical backaction by controlling the mechanical damping across the
barrier. Our study casts a new perspective on the energy dynamics in coupled
mechanical resonator - cavity systems and enables novel functional devices that
utilize the principles of cavity optomechanics.Comment: 22 pages, 5 figure
- …