Semiclassical dynamics of a flux qubit coupled to a nanomechanical oscillator

TL;DR

This paper develops a semiclassical model for a flux qubit coupled to a nanomechanical oscillator, revealing nonlinear dynamics, self-oscillations, and potential for generating non-classical states, with parallels to cavity optomechanics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel semiclassical framework for flux qubit-mechanical systems, highlighting their nonlinear behaviors and fundamental similarities to optomechanical devices.

Findings

Retardation effects and self-excited oscillations observed.

Potential for generating non-classical mechanical states.

Analogies established between flux qubit systems and cavity optomechanics.

Abstract

We present a theory describing the semiclassical dynamics of a superconducting flux qubit inductively coupled to a nanomechanical oscillator. Focusing on the influence of the qubit on the mechanical element, and on the nonlinear phenomena displayed by this device, we show that it exhibits retardation effects and self-excited oscillations. These can be harnessed for the generation of non-classical states of the mechanical oscillator. In addition, we find that this system shares several fundamental properties with cavity optomechanical systems, and elucidate the analogy between these two classes of devices.