ABSTRACT: Quantum mechanics is traditionally considered when measuring at the extreme microscopic scale, i.e. single photons, electrons or atoms.  However, even the early pioneers of the quantum theory postulated gedanken experiments in which quantum effects would manifest on an everyday scale. I will present recent experiments in which we engineer and measure microelectromechanical (MEMs) circuits to observe and to exploit quantum behavior at an increasingly macroscopic scale.  By embedding mechanical resonators in superconducting microwave circuits, we achieve strong radiation-pressure coupling between fields and motion that allows us to perform quantum experiments of massive objects.  I will present our recent experimental demonstration of deterministic macroscopic entanglement, as well as ongoing efforts toward arbitrary quantum control of mechanical systems.  The ability to prepare and to “listen” to quantum sound has implications for fundamental science as well as many powerful applications including the processing, storage and networking of quantum information.

BIO: Dr. John Teufel is an experimental physicist in the Applied Physics Division of NIST Boulder.  He received his PhD in physics from Yale University on a fellowship from NASA studying superconducting photon detectors.  As a postdoctoral researcher at JILA, his research pivoted to the quantum control and measurement of nanomechanical systems.   Now as a project leader in the Advanced Microwave Photonics group at NIST, he uses the tools of nanofabrication and precision microwave measurements at cryogenic temperatures to explore the science and applications of engineered quantum systems. This includes development and metrology of superconducting qubits, optomechanical circuits and Josephson parametric technology. Dr. Teufel received a Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering (PECASE) for "approaching the quantum limits of precision measurement in mechanical systems" as well as a Dept. of Commerce silver medal for "seminal research toward future quantum networks."

Q-FARM Seminars are held biweekly on Wednesdays, from 12-1pm. See website for our upcoming schedule.