The team experimented with a new method by combining a nanomechanical resonator – a vibrating nanodrum – with two superconducting circuits.
“As a result, we have made the most accurate microwave measurement with nanodrums so far,” says Caspar Ockeloen-Korppi from Aalto University.
In addition to the microwave measurement, this device enables transforming quantum information from one frequency to another while simultaneously amplifying it.
“This would, for example, allow transferring information from superconducting quantum bits to the ‘flying qubits’ in the visible light range and back”, envisions Professor Tero Heikkilä from the University of Jyväskylä.
“The quantum limit of amplifiers is essential for measuring delicate quantum signals, such as those generated in quantum computing or quantum mechanical measuring, because the added noise limits the size of signals that can be measured,” explains Professor Mika Sillanpää.
Therefore, the method has potential for data encryption based on quantum mechanics – quantum cryptography, as well as other applications.
