Realization of microwave amplification, attenuation, and frequency conversion using a single three-level superconducting quantum circuit

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that a single three-level superconducting quantum circuit with cyclic transitions can achieve microwave amplification, attenuation, and frequency conversion, offering a new method for quantum microwave signal processing.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach using a three-level SQC with cyclic transitions to realize multiple microwave quantum operations with a single device.

Findings

Achieved microwave amplification, attenuation, and frequency conversion with a single SQC.

Identified optimal driving conditions for maximum efficiency.

Provided a foundation for generating entangled microwave photon states.

Abstract

Using different configurations of applied strong driving and weak probe fields, we find that only a single three-level superconducting quantum circuit (SQC) is enough to realize amplification, attenuation and frequency conversion of microwave fields. Such a three-level SQC has to possess $\Delta$-type cyclic transitions. Different from the parametric amplification (attenuation) and frequency conversion in nonlinear optical media, the real energy levels of the three-level SQC are involved in the energy exchange when these processes are completed. We quantitatively discuss the effects of amplification (attenuation) and the frequency conversion for different types of driving fields. The optimal points are obtained for achieving the maximum amplification (attenuation) and conversion efficiency. Our study provides a new method to amplify (attenuate) microwave, realize frequency conversion, and also lay a foundation for generating single or entangled microwave photon states using a single three-level SQC.