Quantum dynamics in a camelback potential of a dc SQUID

We investigate a quadratic-quartic anharmonic oscillator formed by a potential well between two potential barriers. We realize this novel potential with a dc SQUID at near-zero current bias and flux bias near half a flux quantum. Escape out of the central well can occur via tunneling through either...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review letters 2009-03, Vol.102 (9), p.097004-097004, Article 097004
Main Authors: Hoskinson, E, Lecocq, F, Didier, N, Fay, A, Hekking, F W J, Guichard, W, Buisson, O, Dolata, R, Mackrodt, B, Zorin, A B
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We investigate a quadratic-quartic anharmonic oscillator formed by a potential well between two potential barriers. We realize this novel potential with a dc SQUID at near-zero current bias and flux bias near half a flux quantum. Escape out of the central well can occur via tunneling through either of the two barriers. We find good agreement with a generalized double-path macroscopic quantum tunneling theory. We also demonstrate an "optimal line" in current and flux bias along which the oscillator, which can be operated as a phase qubit, is insensitive to decoherence due to low-frequency current fluctuations.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.102.097004