Local Geometric Phase and Quantum State Tomography in a Superconducting Qubit

Abstract

We investigate quantum state reconstruction of a superconducting qubit threaded by an Aharonov-Bohm flux, with particular attention to the local geometric phase. A state reconstruction scheme is introduced with a proper account of the local geometric phase generated by Faraday's law of induction. Our scheme is based on measurement of three complementary quantities, that is, the extra charge and two local currents. Incorporating time-reversal symmetry and the Faraday's law, we show that the full density matrix can be reconstructed without ambiguity in the choice of gauge. This procedure clearly demonstrates that the quantum Faraday effect plays an essential role in the dynamics of a quantum system that involves Aharonov-Bohm flux.