Andrew Cleland

Affiliation: The University of Chicago

Research Interests: quantum computing, quantum communication, nanomechanics, microfluidics
Title: Quantum control of surface acoustic wave phonons
Abstract: One of the most transformational outcomes promised by research in quantum information is a quantum computer that is exponentially faster than any classical computer. Current state-of-the-art quantum devices have not reached the level of complexity needed to demonstrate this capability, and alternative approaches may enable shortcut routes to achieve this exciting goal. Phonons, representing the collective motion of large numbers of atoms, present an intriguing, completely solid-state approach to quantum information using mobile qubits. Recent developments have shown that phonons can be used as carriers of quantum states, with properties very similar to photons. In this talk I will describe recent results, where we use superconducting qubits for the on-demand generation, storage, and detection of individual microwave-frequency phonons in an acoustic resonator; use phonons to transmit quantum states and generate quantum entanglement; demonstrate a single-phonon interferometer and a quantum information process known as “quantum erasure”; and most recently demonstrate the acoustic Hong-Ou-Mandel effect with phonons, illustrating the wave-particle duality fundamental to quantum mechanics. Interestingly, this last development points to the possible development of a phonon-based architecture for quantum computing.