The ability to engineer different types of quantum mechanical objects allows us to take advantage of their unique properties and create useful hybrid technologies. A central goal of the emerging field of quantum acoustics is the ability to create complex quantum states of macroscopic mechanical objects, which can have applications as quantum memories or transducers. In particular, coupling motion to nonlinear quantum systems opens up the possibility of creating, storing, and manipulating non-Gaussian mechanical states. I will describe our recent experiments involving a high frequency bulk acoustic wave resonator strongly coupled to a superconducting qubit using piezoelectricity. We use this device to demonstrate quantum operations on the coupled qubit-phonon system, including the creation and measurement of quantum mechanical states such as phonon Fock states. I will also describe some prospects for building even more complex hybrid quantum systems, such as incorporating Brillouin optomechanical devices for microwave to optical transduction.


Seminar, September 18, 2019, 12:00. ICFO’s Seminar Room

Hosted by Prof. Darrick Chang