Workpackage leader: Prof Yuri Pashkin, Lancaster University

Generation and detection of single photons in the microwave domain holds the promise of delivering novel approaches in many areas of science and technology. In particular, quantum computing with microwave photons, precision length metrology, and ultrasensitive spectrum analysis of cryogenic environments will be the major beneficiaries. There is a great demand in the development of microwave single-photon sources and detectors, which are still in their infancy in contrast to the conventional quantum-optics devices.

This REG is aimed at pushing microwave technologies beyond the state of the art by the development of sources and detectors operating at the single-photon level. Specific tasks include development of a microwave photon detector based on a superconductor-normal-metal-superconductor (SNS) device for the frequency range 10 GHz – 80 GHz; development of coherent and incoherent microwave photon sources based on a single Cooper pair box, and on-chip integration of an SNS single-photon detector with a single-photon source. Establishment of nanofabrication methods for microwave single-photon devices will be an essential part of the project.