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arXiv · 2602.13736

Quantum dynamics of microwave photons in synthetic frequency dimension

Zheshu Xie·Luojia Wang·Jiawei Qiu·Libo Zhang·Yuxuan Zhou·Ziyu Tao·Wenhui Huang·Yongqi Liang·Jiajian Zhang·Yuanzhen Chen·Song Liu·Jingjing Niu·Yang Liu·Youpeng Zhong·Luqi Yuan·Dapeng Yu
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Abstract

Synthetic frequency dimension offers a powerful approach to simulate lattice models and control photon dynamics. However, extending this concept into the quantum regime, particularly at the single-photon level, has remained challenging in photonic platforms. Here, we demonstrate quantum-state initialization and detection of single-photon evolutions within a synthetic frequency lattice by integrating a superconducting qubit with a 16-meter aluminum coaxial cable. A tunable superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)-based modulator is employed to synthesize lattice couplings and artificial gauge fields. We observe single-photon quantum random walks and Bloch oscillations, as well as nonadiabatic, unidirectional frequency conversion under rapid temporal modulation of the lattice Hamiltonian, together with band-structure measurements. The lattice connectivity can be readily reconfigured to construct higher-dimensional lattices using multiple drive tones. Our results establish superconducting quantum circuits as a versatile platform for programmable Hamiltonians and extensible synthetic lattices with flexible single-photon control.

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Zheshu Xie, Luojia Wang, Jiawei Qiu, Libo Zhang, Yuxuan Zhou, Ziyu Tao, Wenhui Huang, Yongqi Liang, Jiajian Zhang, Yuanzhen Chen, Song Liu, Jingjing Niu, Yang Liu, Youpeng Zhong, Luqi Yuan, Dapeng Yu. 2026-02-14. Quantum dynamics of microwave photons in synthetic frequency dimension. https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.13736

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