SUPERGALAX - Highly sensitive detection of single microwave photons with coherent quantum network of superconducting qubits for searching galactic axions (DFM.AD003.330)
Thematic area
Physical sciences and technologies of matter
Project area
Materiali innovativi (DFM.AD003)Structure responsible for the research project
Institute for superconductors, oxides and other innovative materials and devices (SPIN)
Other structures collaborating in the research project
Project manager
MIKHAIL LISITSKIY
Phone number: +39 081 867 5333
Email: mikhail.lisitskiy@spin.cnr.it
Abstract
In the SUPERGALAX project, a novel approach to detect microwave single photons (~1-10 GHz) based on a coherent quantum network composed of a large number of strongly interacting superconducting qubits embedded in a low dissipative superconducting resonator is proposed . The dynamics of coherent superconducting qubits networks (SQNs) based on transmons and flux qubits are explored. The SQN interacting off-resonance with the incoming radiation, shows the collective alternative current Stark effect that can be measured even in the limit of single photon counting. By employment of the SQN of large number of qubits (N) and utilization of a collective mode established in the network, it is possible to exceed the standard quantum limit and reach the so-called Heisenberg limit of sensitivity which is proportional to 1/N instead of ~1/N in case of N non directly interacting qubits. With a view to evaluate the detection sensitivity, the experiments on SQNs with increasing number of qubits using different single photon sources will be done. The feasibility of the SQN detector for galactic dark matter axions search will be finally tested by axion conversion experiment in a magnetic field.
Goals
The aim of the project is to develop novel quantum limited superconducting qubits network (SQN) detector capable to reveal microwave (MW) single photons for a frequency of ~1-10 GHz with the Heisenberg limit of sensitivity and the quantum limit noise with a view to apply it to the QUAX (QUaerere AXion) experiment on search for galactic axions by means of normal "haloscopes"
1. Development of a single MW photon detector based on moderate size SQNs utilizing both transmons and flux qubits.
2. Development of the Parametric Down Conversion (PDC) MW photon source based on the Traveling Wave Josephson Parametric Amplifier (TW-JPA) with a clock frequency of few kHz
3. Integration of the PDC MW photon source with two single photon SQN detectors in a common setup to develop an heralded single photon source and to carry out the test of the detectors at single MW photons.
4. Installation of the SQN detector integrated with the single photon source as a calibration element in a He free refrigerator of the QUAX set-up.
5. Experimental study of feasibility of the single MW photon SQN detector for the "haloscope" type of axion searching using the axion conversion in a magnetic field.
Start date of activity
01/12/2019
Keywords
H2020, GA 863313, SUPERGALAX
Last update: 19/09/2024