Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Quantum information is a fast developing area of research, at the intersection of science and engineering. This research combines fundamental investigations into the nature of information and practical applications in quantum computing and quantum simulation. We request funding for the purchase of a ultrafast arbitrary waveform generator for experiments in quantum physics and engineering. This equipment is used to generate electrical signals needed to control the dynamics of quantum systems. It will enable a variety of experiments at the forefront of quantum information, done with superconducting quantum devices. These devices are one of the most promising candidates for quantum computing. In the field of quantum computing, the equipment will be used to control the state of the basic units of quantum computer, the quantum bits, in ways that were not possible in the past, with direct prospects for improving the fidelity of quantum gates a critical aspect of quantum computing. In addition, this system will allow exploration of a generalization of quantum computing based on multi-level systems. Another area of research is quantum simulation, where this system will be applied to experimentally study the paradigmatic spin-boson model, a widely used quantum model for open systems interacting with their environment, and quantum field theory models. A different avenue is the development of fundamental tests of relativistic quantum information, a new field that explores the role of relativistic concepts in quantum information, and has been experimentally largely unexplored. The requested equipment will be at the core of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary training program. The use of this instrument will provide students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff members with the opportunity to learn advanced techniques in digital and analog fast electronics. In addition, the experiments enabled by this equipment will allow students to learn techniques of microfabrication, software development, numerical simulations, vacuum, mechanical design, and cryogenics, as well as theoretical background in quantum information, condensed matter, and quantum optics. These skills are applicable to a broad spectrum of areas in industry, in the fields of electronics, optics, telecommunications, and quantum computing, as well as to many academic research fields.