Full coherent frequency conversion between two microwave propagating modes

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a microwave frequency converter using a Josephson device that acts as a controllable beam-splitter, achieving low-loss full frequency conversion with potential applications in quantum information and sensitive interferometry.

Contribution

It introduces a Josephson three-wave mixing device capable of full, low-loss frequency conversion between microwave modes, functioning as a tunable beam-splitter/combiner.

Findings

Losses at full conversion are less than 1%.

Device operates as a controllable three-wave beam-splitter.

Potential for quantum transduction and sensitive interferometry.

Abstract

We demonstrate full frequency conversion in the microwave domain using a Josephson three-wave mixing device pumped at the difference between the frequencies of its fundamental eigenmodes. By measuring the signal output as a function of the intensity and phase of the three input signal, idler and pump tones, we show that the device functions as a controllable three-wave beam-splitter/combiner for propagating microwave modes, in accordance with theory. Losses at the full conversion point are found to be less than 10^-2. Potential applications of the device include quantum information transduction and realization of an ultra-sensitive interferometer with controllable feedback.