C2QA Quantum Thursday - Robert Schoelkopf

Peter Shor’s discovery of a quantum algorithm for factoring numbers spurred worldwide interest in making artificial quantum systems that could be used for quantum computing. At Yale, we started with a basic question: could a manmade, macroscopic device like an integrated circuit actually be coaxed into following the rules that hold sway over the quantum domain, allowing us to control phenomena like superposition and entanglement in an electronic device? Over the years, we have learned how to translate the concepts in atomic physics and quantum optics into a new type of quantum electrical engineering, or circuit quantum electrodynamics. Circuit QED has been a very useful paradigm for improving our ability to build quantum bits out of superconducting device, to improve our ability to control and measure them, and to realize quantum gates and algorithms. In this talk I will explain how we have taught circuits to act like single atoms and photons, and comment on the plans for the C2QA center to further advance the field.