Superconducting Quantum Devices: SQUIDs, QuBits, and Quantum-Limited Amplifiers

summer term 2017
Lecturer: Dr. Sebastian Kempf
Link to LSF
22 participants

Introduction

Superconducting quantum devices (SQDs) are electrical circuits utilizing the unique features of superconductivity such as dissipationless direct current flow, ideal diamagnetism, magnetic flux quantization and Cooper pair tunneling. SQDs can nowadays be reliable fabricated using advanced thin-film technologies and allow building macroscopic systems such as artificial atoms that behave entirely quantum-mechanically. The scalability, reproducibility and controllability of these systems facilitate to study complex quantum mechanical systems while having the unique possibility to adjust key system parameters such as coupling strengths, operation frequencies or energy scales. SQDs are therefore an outstanding experimental playground for investigating new physics under well-defined boundary conditions. Besides this, SQDs are used as most sensitive devices for measuring or amplifying different physical quantities and are hotly tipped as very promising candidates for establishing quantum computers.
This lecture gives a comprehensive introduction into the physics and applications of superconducting quantum devices. In particular, we discuss the physics of Josephson tunneling junctions which are of similar importance for SQDs than transistors for modern semiconductor circuits. We cover superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) that are presently the most sensitive wideband devices for measuring various physical quantities such as voltage, current or magnetic field that can be naturally converted into magnetic flux. We discuss different kinds of superconducting Qubits and give an introduction into quantum computing using SQDs. Finally, we deal with SQD-based quantum-limited amplifiers that are presently the only devices overcoming existing noise limits of conventional semiconductor electronics.

Formalities

There are no tutorials. Every second week an exercise sheet is distributed containing excersises that have to be solved at home. Handing in of the solutions is within the lecture two weeks after distribution.

Credit points (2CPs) will be assigned due to

  • attendance in the lecture which will be proved by signing an attendance list every week
  • reaching at least 60% of the points that can be achieved on the exercise sheets.

Tutorials

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Superconducting Quantum Devices: SQUIDs, QuBits, and Quantum-Limited Amplifiers
summer term 2017
Kempf
Link zum LSF
22 participants