How Do Schr\"odinger's Cats Die?

TL;DR

This paper explores the fundamental quantum mechanics behind switching current measurements in superconducting qubits, shedding light on the quantum-to-classical transition relevant for quantum computing.

Contribution

It provides a macroscopic quantum mechanical analysis of switching current measurements, linking experimental techniques with foundational quantum theory.

Findings

Insights into the quantum measurement process in superconducting circuits

Clarification of the quantum-classical boundary in macroscopic systems

Potential implications for quantum computing hardware design

Abstract

Recent experiments with superconducting qubits are motivated by the goal of fabricating a quantum computer, but at the same time they illuminate the more fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics. In this paper we analyze the physics of switching current measurements from the point of view of macroscopic quantum mechanics.