Quantum metamaterials
Quantum metamaterials extend the science of metamaterials to the quantum level. They can control electromagnetic radiation by applying the rules of quantum mechanics. In the broad sense, a quantum metamaterial is a metamaterial in which certain quantum properties of the medium must be taken into account and whose behaviour is thus described by both Maxwell's equations and the Schrödinger equation. Its behaviour reflects the existence of both EM waves and matter waves. The constituents can be at nanoscopic or microscopic scales, depending on the frequency range (e.g., optical or microwave).[1] [2] [3][4][5]
In a more strict approach, a quantum metamaterial should demonstrate coherent quantum dynamics. Such a system is essentially a spatially extended controllable quantum object that allows additional ways of controlling the propagation of electromagnetic waves.[2][3][4][5]
Quantum metamaterials can be narrowly defined as optical media that:[6]
- Are composed of quantum coherent unit elements with engineered parameters;
- Exhibit controllable quantum states of these elements;
- Maintain quantum coherence for longer than the traversal time of a relevant electromagnetic signal.[7][6]
Research
Fundamental research in quantum metamaterials creates opportunities for novel investigations in quantum phase transition, new perspectives on adiabatic quantum computation and a route to other quantum technology applications. Such a system is essentially a spatially-extended controllable quantum object that allows additional ways of controlling electromagnetic wave propagation.[6]
In other words, quantum metamaterials incorporate quantum coherent states in order to control and manipulate electromagnetic radiation. With these materials, quantum information processing is combined with the science of metamaterials (periodic artificial electromagnetic materials). The unit cells can be imagined to function as qubits that maintain quantum coherence "long enough for the electromagnetic pulse to travel across". The quantum state is achieved through the material's individual cells. As each cell interacts with the propagating electromagnetic pulse, the whole system retains quantum coherence.[6]
Several types of metamaterials are being studied. Nanowires can use quantum dots as the unit cells or artificial atoms of the structure, arranged as periodic nanostructures. This material demonstrates a negative index of refraction and effective magnetism and is simple to build. The radiated wavelength of interest is much larger than the constituent diameter. Another type uses periodically arranged cold atom cells, accomplished with ultra-cold gasses. A photonic bandgap can be demonstrated with this structure, along with tunability and controll as a quantum system.[3] Quantum metamaterial prototypes based on superconducting devices with [8] [9] and without [10] Josephson junctions are being actively investigated. Recently a superconducting quantum metamaterial prototype based on flux qubits was realized.[11]
See also
- Negative index metamaterials
- Introduction to quantum mechanics
- Nanotechnology
- History of metamaterials
References
- ↑ Plumridge, Jonathan; Clarke, Edmund; Murray, Ray; Phillips, Chris (2008). "Ultra-strong coupling effects with quantum metamaterials" (Free PDF download). Solid State Communications 146 (9–10): 406. arXiv:cond-mat/0701775. Bibcode:2008SSCom.146..406P. doi:10.1016/j.ssc.2008.03.027.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Rakhmanov, Alexander; Zagoskin, Alexandre; Savel'ev, Sergey; Nori, Franco (2008). "Quantum metamaterials: Electromagnetic waves in a Josephson qubit line". Physical Review B 77 (14): 144507. arXiv:0709.1314. Bibcode:2008PhRvB..77n4507R. doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.77.144507.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Felbacq, Didier; Antezza, Mauro (2012). "Quantum metamaterials: A brave new world". SPIE Newsroom. doi:10.1117/2.1201206.004296. Note: the DOI is linked to a full text article.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Quach, James Q.; Su, Chun-Hsu; Martin, Andrew M.; Greentree, Andrew D.; Hollenberg, Lloyd C. L. (2011). "Reconfigurable quantum metamaterials". Optics Express 19 (12): 11018–33. arXiv:1009.4867. Bibcode:2011OExpr..1911018Q. doi:10.1364/OE.19.011018. PMID 21716331. Note: full text article available - click on title.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Zagoskin, A.M. (2011). Quantum Engineering: Theory and Design of Quantum Coherent Structures. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 272–311. ISBN 9780521113694.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Zagoskin, Alexandre (December 5, 2011). "Quantum metamaterials: concept and possible implementations". Paris: META CONFERENCES, META'12. Retrieved 2012-08-05.
- ↑ Pile, David (2012). "Metamaterials mature". Nature Photonics 6 (7): 419. Bibcode:2012NaPho...6..419P. doi:10.1038/nphoton.2012.155.
- ↑ Astafiev, O.; Zagoskin, A.M.; Abdumalikov Jr., A.A.; Pashkin, Yu.A.; Yamamoto, T.; Inomata, K.; Nakamura, Y.; Tsai, J.S. (2010). "Resonance Fluorescence of a Single Artificial Atom". Science 327 (5967): 840–3. arXiv:1002.4944. Bibcode:2010Sci...327..840A. doi:10.1126/science.1181918. PMID 20150495.
- ↑ Hutter, Carsten; Tholén, Erik A.; Stannigel, Kai; Lidmar, Jack; Haviland, David B. (2011). "Josephson junction transmission lines as tunable artificial crystals". Physical Review B 83: 014511. arXiv:0804.2099. Bibcode:2011PhRvB..83a4511H. doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.83.014511.
- ↑ Savinov, V.; Tsiatmas, A.; Buckingham, A. R.; Fedotov, V. A.; de Groot, P. A. J.; Zheludev, N. I. (2012). "Flux Exclusion Superconducting Quantum Metamaterial: Towards Quantum-level Switching". Scientific Reports 2: 450. Bibcode:2012NatSR...2E.450S. doi:10.1038/srep00450. PMC 3371586. PMID 22690319.
- ↑ Emerging Technology From the arXiv September 30, 2013 (2013-09-30). "World's First Quantum Metamaterial Unveiled | MIT Technology Review". Technologyreview.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
"Наука и техника: Наука: Российские физики создали первый в мире квантовый метаматериал". Lenta.ru. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
"[1309.5268] Implementation of a Quantum Metamaterial". Arxiv.org. 2013-09-20. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
External links
- META 12. Special Sessions.
- Quantum metamaterials Imperial college London
- Quantum metamaterials SPIE
- Qwiki a quantum physics wiki devoted to the collective creation of technical content for practicing scientists. (Stanford University)
- Quantum metamaterials Loughborough University
- Alexander L. Rakhmanov. Loughborough University
- A.M. Zagoskin. Loughborough University