Slowing Down Microwave Photons with Superconducting Qubits

Explore the cutting-edge research on controlling electromagnetic wave propagation and developing quantum memories using superconducting circuits in this 58-minute lecture by Alexey Ustinov from PCS Institute for Basic Science. Delve into recent experiments with arrays of eight frequency-tunable transmon qubits coupled to a one-dimensional waveguide. Discover how bringing qubits to a common resonance frequency leads to the formation of super- and subradiant states and the emergence of a bandgap. Learn about the groundbreaking demonstration of slowing down electromagnetic waves in qubit arrays, with time-resolved experiments showing group velocities reduced by a factor of about 1500 in the single-photon regime. Gain insights into the high flexibility of superconducting circuits for realizing custom band structures and their potential for microwave dispersion engineering in the quantum regime. Understand the implications of this research for advancing quantum information processing and developing efficient quantum memories in the microwave domain.