Introduction to parametric amplification of quantum signals with Josephson circuits

摘要

This short and opinionated review starts with the concept of quantum signals at microwave frequencies and focuses on the principle of linear parametric amplification. This process emerges from the dispersive nonlinearity of Josephson junctions driven with appropriate tones. We discuss two defining characteristics of the corresponding amplifying devices: i) the number of modes excited by the signal, idler and pump waves and ii) the number of independent ports through which these waves enter into the circuit. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Academie des sciences.