University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: (519) 888-4567 ext 32215
Fax: (519) 746-8115
Associate Professor
Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Waterloo
Dr. Lupascu is an experimental physicist interested in the quantum dynamics of various types of physical systems and the application of quantum effects to build new types of detectors and quantum information processors. His Superconducting Quantum Device lab focuses on experimental research with superconducting devices, ranging from quantum bits for quantum information experiments, to superconducting resonators for loss characterization, among other projects.
>> learn more about Dr. Lupascu's research
Two-state systems are very important in quantum mechanics. They are used extensively to study various aspects of quantum dynamics. In addition, they are the building blocks for the implementation of quantum computing and other quantum technologies.
The ability to control the evolution of a quantum two-state system is essential both for fundamental investigations and applications. The usual approach to state control relies on the application of a periodic stimulus, with a frequency corresponding to the difference in energy between the ground and excited state. The periodic drive amplitude is usually small, in which case the dynamics is simple, consisting of an oscillation between the two quantum states. We study a regime where the driving amplitude is large, leading to new types of dynamics. Experiments are performed using artificial atoms, based on superconducting nanostructures, which are ideally suitable to observe strong driving dynamics. In this regime the quantum dynamics is described using the framework of Floquet theory, that emphasizes the periodic driving and applies at any driving amplitude. This study has applications to quantum computers, where strong driving has the potential to achieve higher fidelity than in conventional approaches.
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.