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Frekvens- och tidskorrelationer hos mikrovåg fotoner genererade av supraledande parametriska förstärkarkrets

Jai Anand Iyer

Published Jan 1, 2026• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

This thesis investigates quantum correlations in microwave fields generated by superconducting parametric amplifier circuits with the ultimate goal of realizing measurement-based continuous variable quantum computing. We model the Josephson Parametric Amplifier (JPA) and kinetic inductance parametric amplifier (KIPA) within a Hamiltonian framework in which inductance modulation generates the universal squeezing Hamiltonian. We derive closed-form expressions for the two-mode covariance matrix of the output field and characterize squeezing as a function of pump strength, external coupling, and internal loss. We obtain a maximum squeezing condition, showing that it is achieved when the parametric drive strength equals half the external dissipation rate, and that it is significantly degraded by internal loss. We then elucidate the connection between the frequency-domain covariance matrix and the time-domain autocorrelation functions via an inverse Fourier transform, and we identify a divergence of the correlation time as the parametric drive approaches the instability threshold. This divergence or critical slowing-down is demonstrated theoretically through simulations and verified experimentally using a KIPA.

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Quantum Feedback and Traveling-wave Parametric Amplification in Superconducting Circuits - eScholarship

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Feedback control in classical systems is an indispensable, ubiquitous tool. The theoretical basis for achieving optimal classical control is well understood, and crucially relies on a very classical assumption: that measurements of the state of a system under control need not perturb that state. In a quantum context this assumption is fundamentally invalid. Although many aspects of the theory of quantum feedback control are relatively well developed, the technological basis for feedback control of a single quantum system has only very recently matured. We demonstrate the experimental realization of a quantum feedback control protocol, perpetually stabilizing the coherent Rabi oscillations of a superconducting qubit. This is the first utilization of quantum feedback control for stabilizing a dynamical process, and the first application of quantum feedback in a solid-state system of any kind. This demonstration comprises the first half of this thesis. The feedback protocol is predicated on the ability to make high-fidelity quantum measurements, which are enabled by quantum-limited Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs). The design and realization of the novel Josephson traveling-wave parametric amplifier (JTWPA) comprises the second half of this thesis. The JTWPA achieves order-of-magnitude improvements over state of the art JPAs in bandwidth and signal power handling while providing quantum-limited noise performance, potentially enabling the simultaneous readout of dozens of superconducting qubits and the generation of broadband multi-mode squeezing in the microwave domain.

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This thesis investigates quantum correlations in microwave fields generated by superconducting parametric amplifier circuits with the ultimate goal of realizing measurement-based continuous variable quantum computing. We model the Josephson Parametric Amplifier (JPA) and kinetic inductance parametric amplifier (KIPA) within a Hamiltonian framework in which inductance modulation generates the universal squeezing Hamiltonian. We derive closed-form expressions for the two-mode covariance matrix of the output field and characterize squeezing as a function of pump strength, external coupling, and internal loss. We obtain a maximum squeezing condition, showing that it is achieved when the parametric drive strength equals half the external dissipation rate, and that it is significantly degraded by internal loss. We then elucidate the connection between the frequency-domain covariance matrix and the time-domain autocorrelation functions via an inverse Fourier transform, and we identify a divergence of the correlation time as the parametric drive approaches the instability threshold. This divergence or critical slowing-down is demonstrated theoretically through simulations and verified experimentally using a KIPA.
This thesis demonstrates the experimental generation of two-dimensional Continuous Variable (CV) cluster states in a superconducting microwave frequency comb using parametric pumping. We develop the Pump Projection Method (PPM) to solve the inverse parametric problem: given a target multimode correlation structure, we determine the required pump configuration by exploiting the orthogonality of elementary coupling matrices in Hilbert-Schmidt space. We experimentally generate square-lattice and honeycomb-lattice cluster states with up to several tens of modes, verified through nullifier measurements showing squeezing below the vacuum level. The states exhibit scalability with respect to mode number and robustness against frequency spacing variations. A dissipative model explains the optimal pumping regime, while hidden entanglement analysis confirms negligible unwanted correlations. These results establish a systematic framework for engineering programmable multimode entanglement in superconducting circuits, providing a versatile platform for Measurement-Based Quantum Computation (MBQC) in the microwave domain.
The creation of high-quality cluster states in superconducting microwave circuits is a relevant ingredient in continuous-variable quantum computing. Although large-scale cluster states have been established in optical systems, dissipation prevents their direct applicability to the microwave realm. Recent improvements in superconducting parametric circuits, in particular Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPA) and traveling wave parametric amplifiers (TWPA), have permitted substantial progress in producing entangled states using microwave photons. In this paper, we examine experimentally and theoretically the effects of numerous parametric pump tones on the degree of two-mode squeezing in a quantum circuit and apply it to the JPA. We find that additional pumps diminish the initial two-mode correlations achieved with a single pump by redistributing it among a larger network of modes and by introducing entanglement with additional idler frequencies. Taking into account the actual heterodyne measurement conditions, the experimental results are consistent with theoretical expectations.
In this thesis I present different experiments on superconducting circuits exploring parametric interactions with external signals and the vacuum in the microwave regime. These parametric processes are the result of the periodic modulation of a property of a system which results in different interactions. The systems used in this thesis are circuits where the nonlinear inductance of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) is parametrically driven.I present the first experimental observation of the dynamical Casimir effect (DCE), since it was predicted in 1970. The DCE is an interaction between the vacuum and a periodically modulated boundary condition of the electromagnetic field, here implemented by a flux-tuned SQUID. In essence the modulated boundary will parametrically amplify the vacuum fluctuations which results in the pairwise generation of photons over a broad frequency range. I have characterized the system and measured the statistical properties of the emitted radiation to show that the radiation exhibits two-mode squeezing.Next, I present measurements on a superconducting multimode resonator containing a SQUID. I show that it is possible to get parametric amplification by driving the SQUID at either twice the frequency of one of the modes or by driving it at the sum of two mode frequencies. In both cases I show that it is possible to reach quantum-limited noise performance.In the same system I also demonstrate frequency conversion which occurs when the system is pumped at the difference frequency between two modes. Microwave photons are coherently transferred from one mode to the other. I show that the coupling strength depends linearly on the applied pump amplitude.The thesis also contains a linearized theoretical model to describe and analyze the flux-pumped SQUID. The model describes an equivalent circuit element called the pumpistor, with an impedance which depends on the pump phase. I show that under specific conditions the impedance becomes real and negative allowing pump power to be injected into the circuit, providing gain.Finally I also present a demonstration of an on-chip Mach-Zehnder interferometer. This experiment uses the tunability of the SQUID to provide a controllable phase shift in one of the interferometer arms. The transmission through the device can be modulated with a maximum change of 45 dB.
Continuous variable entanglement between two modes of a radiation field is usually studied at optical frequencies. Here we demonstrate experiments that show the entanglement between microwave photons of different energy in a broadband squeezed beam. We use a Josephson parametric amplifier to generate the two-mode correlated state and detect all four quadrature components simultaneously in a two-channel heterodyne setup using amplitude detectors. Analyzing two-dimensional phase space histograms for all possible pairs of quadratures allows us to determine the full covariance matrix, which is in good agreement with the one expected for a two-mode squeezed state.
Entangled microwave photons form a fundamental resource for quantum information processing and sensing with continuous variables. We use a low-loss Josephson metamaterial comprising superconducting, non-linear, asymmetric inductive elements to generate frequency-entangled photons from vacuum fluctuations at a rate of 2 giga entangled bits per second spanning over 4 GHz bandwidth. The device is operated as a traveling wave parametric amplifier under Kerr-relieving biasing conditions. Furthermore, we realize the first successfully demonstration of single-mode squeezing in such devices -- 3.1±0.73.1\pm0.73.1±0.7\,dB below the zero-point level at half of modulation frequency.
Feedback control in classical systems is an indispensable, ubiquitous tool. The theoretical basis for achieving optimal classical control is well understood, and crucially relies on a very classical assumption: that measurements of the state of a system under control need not perturb that state. In a quantum context this assumption is fundamentally invalid. Although many aspects of the theory of quantum feedback control are relatively well developed, the technological basis for feedback control of a single quantum system has only very recently matured. We demonstrate the experimental realization of a quantum feedback control protocol, perpetually stabilizing the coherent Rabi oscillations of a superconducting qubit. This is the first utilization of quantum feedback control for stabilizing a dynamical process, and the first application of quantum feedback in a solid-state system of any kind. This demonstration comprises the first half of this thesis. The feedback protocol is predicated on the ability to make high-fidelity quantum measurements, which are enabled by quantum-limited Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs). The design and realization of the novel Josephson traveling-wave parametric amplifier (JTWPA) comprises the second half of this thesis. The JTWPA achieves order-of-magnitude improvements over state of the art JPAs in bandwidth and signal power handling while providing quantum-limited noise performance, potentially enabling the simultaneous readout of dozens of superconducting qubits and the generation of broadband multi-mode squeezing in the microwave domain.