Realizing arbitrary quantum operations on a mechanical oscillator

This PhD research project has been submitted for a funding request to “Quantum Information Center Sorbonne (QICS)”. The PhD candidate selected by the project leader will therefore participate in the project selection process (including a file and an interview) to obtain funding.

Abstract:

Quantum optomechanics and electromechanics is a fast growing field with promising applications in quantum information. Recently non-classical mechanical states have been realized. However, full control of a quantum mechanical mode, which is necessary for successful quantum information processing based on electromechanical systems, has yet to be demonstrated. This project aims to develop a novel quantum electromechanical device capable of obtaining full quantum control of a macroscopic mechanical resonator by integrating a phononic microcavity with a superconducting transmon qubit. We expect to achieve a very strong qubit-phonon coupling coefficient that will allow the realization of any quantum unitary operation on the phononic mode. This will have important applications in quantum information and quantum sensing. In addition this project opens the route to test the relevance of the quantum mechanics to the macroscopic world.

Objectives:

Quantum information processing with electromechanical devices requires full control over a non- classical mechanical state.

Although non-classical mechanical states have been recently demonstrated full control over these quantum mechanical states has yet to be achieved.

This project aims to develop a novel quantum electromechanical device, capable of obtaining full quantum control of a macroscopic mechanical resonator, based on a phononic cavity strongly coupled with a superconducting qubit.

This has the potential to pave the way towards successful quantum information processing based on electromechanical systems.

The main objectives of this project are to:
Integrate a phononic micropillar cavity with a transmon superconducting qubit.

Prepare arbitrary superpositions of phonon number states of the mechanical mode (including Fock and Schrodinger cat states).

Realize arbitrary quantum unitary operations on the mechanical mode.
This project will be done in collaboration with Benjamin Huard and Audrey Bienfait from ENS Lyon

Contact to submit your application :
Valia Voliotis, valia.voliotis@insp.jussieu.fr
Daniel Garcia Sanchez, daniel.garcia-sanchez@insp.upmc.fr