Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics

Graduate / Professional

Circuit quantum electrodynamics, or circuit QED, is the field of quantum optics with microwave photons, and is the basis of most solid-state quantum computing technologies. In the microwave domain, we can engineer the properties of “artificial atoms” constructed from circuits containing Josephson junctions and couple them strongly to stationary photons trapped in a cavity or resonant circuit and to traveling photons in a waveguide or transmission line. With this approach, one can access regions of strong coupling between “light” and “matter” that are not accessible in atomic physics. This course is an introduction to the concepts and techniques of circuit QED, aimed for the beginning graduate student or advanced undergraduate with a solid background in classical electricity and magnetism and also basic quantum mechanics. The course is intended to provide an important base of knowledge that can prepare the student for research in quantum information processing with superconducting circuits. Topics to be covered include the basics of superconducting qubits, the Jaynes-Cummings model and the strong dispersive regime, and the use of light-matter interactions for measurement, control, and quantum computing with quantum circuits. Extra work for graduate students: The last homework set is optional for undergrads and required for grads. Prerequisites: one semester QM and one semester E&M at advanced undergrad or higher. TTh 2:35pm-3:50pm