Single-shot single-gate RF spin readout in silicon

For solid-state spin qubits, single-gate RF readout can help minimise the number of gates required for scale-up to many qubits since the readout sensor can integrate into the existing gates required to manipulate the qubits (Veldhorst 2017, Pakkiam 2018). However, a key requirement for a scalable quantum computer is that we must be capable of resolving the qubit state within single-shot, that is, a single measurement (DiVincenzo 2000). Here we demonstrate single-gate, single-shot readout of a singlet-triplet spin state in silicon, with an average readout fidelity of $82.9\%$ at a $3.3~\text{kHz}$ measurement bandwidth. We use this technique to measure a triplet $T_-$ to singlet $S_0$ relaxation time of $0.62~\text{ms}$ in precision donor quantum dots in silicon. We also show that the use of RF readout does not impact the maximum readout time at zero detuning limited by the $S_0$ to $T_-$ decay, which remained at approximately $2~\text{ms}$. This establishes single-gate sensing as a viable readout method for spin qubits

Geometric phase and o-mode blue shift in a chiral anisotropic medium inside a Fabry-P\'erot cavity

Anomalous spectral shift of transmission peaks is observed in a Fabry--P\'erot cavity filled with a chiral anisotropic medium. The effective refractive index value resides out of the interval between the ordinary and the extraordinary refractive indices. The spectral shift is explained by contribution of a geometric phase. The problem is solved analytically using the approximate Jones matrix method, numerically using the accurate Berreman method and geometrically using the generalized Mauguin--Poincar\'e rolling cone method. The $o$-mode blue shift is measured for a 4-methoxybenzylidene-4'-$n$-butylaniline twisted--nematic layer inside the Fabry--P\'erot cavity. The twist is electrically induced due to the homeoplanar--twisted configuration transition in an ionic-surfactant-doped liquid crystal layer. Experimental evidence confirms the validity of the theoretical model.Comment: the text is available both in English (Timofeev2015en.tex) and in Russian (download: other formats - source - Timofeev2015ru.tex, Timofeev2015rus.pdf

Brownian refrigeration by hybrid tunnel junctions

Voltage fluctuations generated in a hot resistor can cause extraction of heat from a colder normal metal electrode of a hybrid tunnel junction between a normal metal and a superconductor. We extend the analysis presented in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 210604 (2007)] of this heat rectifying system, bearing resemblance to a Maxwell's demon. Explicit analytic calculations show that the entropy of the total system is always increasing. We then consider a single electron transistor configuration with two hybrid junctions in series, and show how the cooling is influenced by charging effects. We analyze also the cooling effect from nonequilibrium fluctuations instead of thermal noise, focusing on the shot noise generated in another tunnel junction. We conclude by discussing limitations for an experimental observation of the effect.Comment: 16 pages, 16 figure

Adiabatic nonlinear waves with trapped particles: II. Wave dispersion

A general nonlinear dispersion relation is derived in a nondifferential form for an adiabatic sinusoidal Langmuir wave in collisionless plasma, allowing for an arbitrary distribution of trapped electrons. The linear dielectric function is generalized, and the nonlinear kinetic frequency shift $\omega_{\rm NL}$ is found analytically as a function of the wave amplitude $a$. Smooth distributions yield $\omega_{\rm NL} \propto \sqrt{a}$, as usual. However, beam-like distributions of trapped electrons result in different power laws, or even a logarithmic nonlinearity, which are derived as asymptotic limits of the same dispersion relation. Such beams are formed whenever the phase velocity changes, because the trapped distribution is in autoresonance and thus evolves differently from the passing distribution. Hence, even adiabatic $\omega_{\rm NL}(a)$ is generally nonlocal.Comment: submitted together with Papers I and II

Scattering properties of singular and aggregate atmospheric hexagonal ice particles

This paper presents the results of calculating and analyzing the light scattering matrix of aggregates of atmospheric hexagonal ice particles located in cirrus clouds. Two types of basic particle shapes for aggregates are considered: a hexagonal column and a hexagonal plate. For both forms, two types of particle arrangement in aggregates were chosen: compact and non-compact. As a result, 4 sets of aggregates were built: compact hexagonal columns, non-compact hexagonal columns, compact hexagonal plates, and non-compact hexagonal plates. Each set consists of 9 aggregates differing in the number of particles in them, and the particles in each individual aggregate have the same shape and size, but different spatial orientation. The light scattering matrices for all aggregates were calculated for the case of arbitrary orientation in the geometric optics approximation. Dependences of the first element of the matrix on the number of particles in aggregate, with different types of particle arrangement, and for two types of shapes are give