# A quantum transducer using a parametric driven-dissipative phase transition

## TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a quantum transducer based on a dissipative Kerr-resonator that utilizes a phase transition to convert frequency signals into measurable phase shifts, effective even at low photon numbers.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum transducer leveraging a dissipative phase transition in a Kerr resonator, enabling sensitive detection of single-photon signals.

## Key findings

- The phase transition persists at low photon numbers.
- The transition frequency depends linearly on the single-photon drive amplitude.
- A realistic circuit-QED implementation is proposed.

## Abstract

We study a dissipative Kerr-resonator subject to both single- and two-photon detuned drives. Beyond a critical detuning threshold, the Kerr resonator exhibits a semiclassical first-order dissipative phase transition between two different steady-states, that are characterized by a $\pi$ phase switch of the cavity field. This transition is shown to persist deep into the quantum limit of low photon numbers. Remarkably, the detuning frequency at which this transition occurs depends almost-linearly on the amplitude of the single-photon drive. Based on this phase switching feature, we devise a sensitive quantum transducer that translates the observed frequency of the parametric quantum phase transition to the detected single-photon amplitude signal. The effects of noise and temperature on the corresponding sensing protocol are addressed and a realistic circuit-QED implementation is discussed.