92 research outputs found
Magnetoresistance of single-domain ferromagnetic particles
We have performed magnetoresistance measurements on single-domain, submicron
elliptical Ni particles using nonmagnetic probes in a four probe geometry at
liquid helium temperatures. In the smallest particles, the magnetoresistance
shows sharp jumps which are associated with the switching of individual
domains. Using an anisotropic magnetoresistance model, we can reconstruct
hysteresis loops of the normalized magnetization. The remanent magnetization in
zero applied magnetic field is typically 15 percent less than the saturation
magnetization. This relaxation of the magnetization may be due to surface
effects or crystal grain structure in the particles.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
Narrow band microwave radiation from a biased single-Cooper-pair transistor
We show that a single-Cooper-pair transistor (SCPT) electrometer emits
narrow-band microwave radiation when biased in its sub-gap region. Photo
activation of quasiparticle tunneling in a nearby SCPT is used to
spectroscopically detect this radiation, in a configuration that closely mimics
a qubit-electrometer integrated circuit. We identify emission lines due to
Josephson radiation and radiative transport processes in the electrometer, and
argue that a dissipative superconducting electrometer can severely disrupt the
system it attempts to measure.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
Proximity effect thermometer for local temperature measurements on mesoscopic samples
Using the strong temperature dependent resistance of a normal metal wire in
proximity to a superconductor, we have been able to measure the local
temperature of electrons heated by flowing a dc current in a metallic wire to
within a few tens of millikelvin at low temperatures. By placing two such
thermometers at different parts of a sample, we have been able to measure the
temperature difference induced by a dc current flowing in the sample. This
technique may provide a flexible means of making quantitative thermal and
thermoelectric measurements on mesoscopic metallic samples
Quantum nondemolition measurement of a nonclassical state of a massive object
While quantum mechanics exquisitely describes the behavior of microscopic
systems, one ongoing challenge is to explore its applicability to systems of
larger size and mass. Unfortunately, quantum states of increasingly macroscopic
objects are more easily corrupted by unintentional measurements from the
classical environment. Additionally, even the intentional measurements from the
observer can further perturb the system. In optomechanics, coherent light
fields serve as the intermediary between the fragile mechanical states and our
inherently classical world by exerting radiation pressure forces and extracting
mechanical information. Here we engineer a microwave cavity optomechanical
system to stabilize a nonclassical steady-state of motion while independently,
continuously, and nondestructively monitoring it. By coupling the motion of an
aluminum membrane to two microwave cavities, we separately prepare and measure
a squeezed state of motion. We demonstrate a quantum nondemolition (QND)
measurement of sub-vacuum mechanical quadrature fluctuations. The techniques
developed here have direct applications in the areas of quantum-enhanced
sensing and quantum information processing, and could be further extended to
more complex quantum states.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figure
Phase-locking transition in a chirped superconducting Josephson resonator
By coupling a harmonic oscillator to a quantum system it is possible to
perform a dispersive measurement that is quantum non-demolition (QND), with
minimal backaction. A non-linear oscillator has the advantage of measurement
gain, but what is the backaction? Experiments on superconducting quantum bits
(qubits) coupled to a non-linear Josephson oscillator have thus far utilized
the switching of the oscillator near a dynamical bifurcation for sensitivity,
and have demonstrated partial QND measurement. The detailed backaction
associated with the switching process is complex, and may ultimately limit the
degree to which such a measurement can be QND. Here we demonstrate a new
dynamical effect in Josephson oscillators by which the bifurcation can be
accessed without switching. When energized with a frequency chirped drive with
an amplitude close to a sharp, phase-locking threshold, the oscillator evolves
smoothly in one of two diverging trajectories - a pointer for the state of a
qubit. The observed critical behavior agrees well with theory and suggests a
new modality for quantum state measurement.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure
Demonstration of efficient nonreciprocity in a microwave optomechanical circuit
The ability to engineer nonreciprocal interactions is an essential tool in
modern communication technology as well as a powerful resource for building
quantum networks. Aside from large reverse isolation, a nonreciprocal device
suitable for applications must also have high efficiency (low insertion loss)
and low output noise. Recent theoretical and experimental studies have shown
that nonreciprocal behavior can be achieved in optomechanical systems, but
performance in these last two attributes has been limited. Here we demonstrate
an efficient, frequency-converting microwave isolator based on the
optomechanical interactions between electromagnetic fields and a mechanically
compliant vacuum gap capacitor. We achieve simultaneous reverse isolation of
more than 20 dB and insertion loss less than 1.5 dB over a bandwidth of 5 kHz.
We characterize the nonreciprocal noise performance of the device, observing
that the residual thermal noise from the mechanical environments is routed
solely to the input of the isolator. Our measurements show quantitative
agreement with a general coupled-mode theory. Unlike conventional isolators and
circulators, these compact nonreciprocal devices do not require a static
magnetic field, and they allow for dynamic control of the direction of
isolation. With these advantages, similar devices could enable programmable,
high-efficiency connections between disparate nodes of quantum networks, even
efficiently bridging the microwave and optical domains.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figure
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