4 - Quantum Circuit Theory

Summary

In this chapter, we develop the conditions to observe quantum fluctuations and quantum phenomena (entanglement, superpositions, etc.) in quantum circuits. Assuming the right conditions of temperature, we develop the quantum mechanical theory that models those fluctuations in a circuit built from nondissipative superconducting elements. We use this theory of circuit quantization to obtain the quantum Hamiltonians for microwave resonators and waveguides, for superconducting qubits of various types, and for other elements such as SQUIDs. The chapter closes with an illustration of how the same theory provides us with numerical methods to study the eigenstates, eigenenergies, and dynamics of said Hamiltonians.