Generation and Quantum Control of On-chip Microwave Phonons
Abstract
Quantum technologies have foreseen their high potentials in solving computational problems, such as breaking RSA encryption, which are not feasible by classical computers, and addressing the increasing demands in computations. However, the number of quantum bits (qubits) required to solve practical problems is still orders of magnitude beyond the current implementations of quantum computers using optical and electromagnetic techniques. While extensive efforts are being made to address the engineering and fundamental challenges in scaling up photonic and superconducting quantum computing platforms, these might not be the only solutions. In this program, we will study and establish the new microwave phononic platform for basic research in quantum phononics and fundamental understanding of the scalability of integrated quantum systems. Microwave phonons that will be studied in this program are gigahertz mechanical vibrations in solid materials, also known as acoustic waves. Microwave phonons are propagating at a much slower velocity than electromagnetic waves, and thus they can bring together the benefits of gigahertz frequencies for strong nonlinearity and micron-scale wavelengths for good confinement and efficient routing on chip. Towards the ultimate goal of a scalable integrated quantum computing, we will use micro/nano phononic devices integrated on a single chip to study the generation and quantum control of microwave phonons. The microwave phonons will be confined and guided on chip by phononic waveguides. We will use lithium niobate as the material platform to provide desired nonlinearity. As a fundamental for phononic quantum systems, we will first study the generation of single microwave phonons using the ÀÀ(ÀÀ) nonlinearities of lithium niobate. The entangled phonon pairs will be generated through the down conversion of a microwave pump signal. The frequency and the spectral linewidth of the generated phonons can be designed by engineering the phase matching conditions. Then, we will study the control of on-chip propagating microwave phonons using electrical fields. We will explore a full control on all degrees of freedom of microwave phonons, including phase, amplitude, and frequency, and further explore the quantum gates on single phonons. Next, we will study the capability of phononic platforms for quantum information sciences, by theoretically and computationally exploring quantum sampling and universal quantum computation using our phononic platform. Quantum inverse design for phononic devices and circuits will also be explored to unlock the full potential of the integrated quantum phononics. The research approaches will include theory development, design, modeling, simulations, fabrication, experimental characterizations, and data analysis. The knowledge and technologies of quantum phononic devices and systems and the methodology established for investigating integrated quantum systems will enhance the research capabilities at Virginia Tech for future contribution to national security functions of DoD and participate in DoD research programs and activities, especially in the areas of quantum information sciences (QIS). Beyond research, this program will provide educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at Virginia Tech to study and work on the cutting-edge technologies in QIS. The students will be able to participate in research activities and be exposed to the leading tools and equipment for QIS. Meanwhile, the PI and Co-PI will integrate the intriguing research results into undergraduate and graduate-level courses for attracting potential students in STEM fields, especially, in research areas related to QIS.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 24, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF2310235
Entities
People
- Linbo Shao
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Virginia Tech