arXiv · 1509.03961
Coherent manipulation of Andreev states in superconducting atomic contacts
Abstract
Coherent control of quantum states has been demonstrated in a variety of superconducting devices. In all these devices, the variables that are manipulated are collective electromagnetic degrees of freedom: charge, superconducting phase, or flux. Here, we demonstrate the coherent manipulation of a quantum system based on Andreev bound states, which are microscopic quasiparticle states inherent to superconducting weak links. Using a circuit quantum electrodynamics setup we perform single-shot readout of this "Andreev qubit". We determine its excited state lifetime and coherence time to be in the microsecond range. Quantum jumps and parity switchings are observed in continuous measurements. In addition to possible quantum information applications, such Andreev qubits are a testbed for the physics of single elementary excitations in superconductors.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
C. Janvier, L. Tosi, L. Bretheau, Ç. Ö. Girit, M. Stern, P. Bertet, P. Joyez, D. Vion, D. Esteve, M. F. Goffman, H. Pothier, C. Urbina. 2015-09-14. Coherent manipulation of Andreev states in superconducting atomic contacts. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aab2179
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.