Gerhard Kirchmair’s research group works on superconducting circuits and their application for quantum computation and simulation. Superconducting Josephson junctions are used to realize the quantum mechanical properties of these circuits. By using lithographic processes, similar to those used in microchip production, the researchers are able to change and control quantum properties in such a way that allows them to engineer artificial atoms and couple them to electrical resonators. These so called cavity quantum electrodynamic systems are ideal for studying light-matter interactions. They are also considered to be promising systems to realize a quantum computer. In addition, the research group investigates the coupling of these circuits to other quantum systems such as ions, cold atoms and mechanical resonators. These hybrid systems open up new possibilities to study quantum effects and develop extremely precise measurement systems.
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