Method for direct observation of coherent quantum oscillations in a superconducting phase qubit. Computer simulations

Time-domain observations of coherent oscillations between quantum states in mesoscopic superconducting systems have so far been restricted to restoring the time-dependent probability distribution from the readout statistics. We propose a method for direct observation of Rabi oscillations in a phase qubit. The external source, typically in GHz range, induces transitions between the qubit levels. The resulting Rabi oscillations of supercurrent in the qubit loop are detected by a high quality resonant tank circuit, inductively coupled to the phase qubit. Here we present the results of detailed computer simulations of the interaction of a classical object (resonant tank circuit) with a quantum object (phase qubit). We explicitly account for the back action of a tank circuit and for the unpredictable nature of outcome of a single measurement. According to the results of our simulations the Rabi oscillations in MHz range can be detected using conventional NMR pulse Fourier technique.