Quantum control of surface acoustic wave phonons

March 11, 2019

In a study published in Nature, researchers demonstrate precise, programmable quantum control is essential to a range of applications of surface acoustic waves in the quantum limit, including the coupling of disparate quantum systems.

Wigner functions W(α) of the SAW resonator quantum states. Top, experimental results; the (|0⟩+|1⟩)/2 – √ Wigner function is rotated by 90° to compensate for relative phase accumulation during the pulse sequence. Each pixel represents 255,000 repetitions. Bottom, result of the numerical model.

Scientific Achievement

A superconducting qubit is used to quantum control and measure quantum states of surface acoustic wave (SAW) phonons in a SAW resonator.

Significance and Impact

The work offers a straightforward approach to emit, detect, and manipulate quantum states of acoustic waves on the surface of solids.

Research Details

Method to integrate surface acoustic wave devices with superconducting qubits.
Qubit used to probe surface acoustic wave device microwave response at millikelvin temperatures.
Qubit can deterministically swap quantum excitation into SAW resonator and generate superposed quantum states.
Qubit can measure Wigner tomogram of SAW quantum states.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0719-5

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