Optimizing single microwave-photon detection: Input-Output theory

TL;DR

This paper uses input-output theory to analyze and optimize a microwave photon counter coupled to a transmission line, aiming to improve detection efficiency for quantum information and astronomy applications.

Contribution

It introduces an analytical and numerical framework for optimizing microwave photon detectors based on input-output theory.

Findings

Identifies conditions for high detection efficiency.

Provides analytic and numerical methods for system optimization.

Enhances understanding of microwave photon detection mechanisms.

Abstract

High fidelity microwave photon counting is an important tool for various areas from background radiation analysis in astronomy to the implementation of circuit QED architectures for the realization of a scalable quantum information processor. In this work we describe a microwave photon counter coupled to a semi-infinite transmission line. We employ input-output theory to examine a continuously driven transmission line as well as traveling photon wave packets. Using analytic and numerical methods, we calculate the conditions on the system parameters necessary to optimize measurement and achieve high detection efficiency.