In this thesis, we characterize and test a new MiM cavity for use in the Bouwmeester Optomechanics group. The cavity seems stable over time, though alignment offers some issues. The tip/tilt...Show moreIn this thesis, we characterize and test a new MiM cavity for use in the Bouwmeester Optomechanics group. The cavity seems stable over time, though alignment offers some issues. The tip/tilt alignment of the membrane was achieved to within 700 arcs eventually however. We also explore the use of finesse measurements to determine the absorbance of our membranes. We conclude that optical ring down measurements are preferable in our system and suspect that the PSG4 membranes have higher absorbance as compared to later generations. We present a scheme to determine the thermal gradient of our membrane in-situ, without any modifications required to the principle of the system. We do find, however, that the measurement is very sensitive to drift of the laser detuning. Finally, we explore the observed short term drift in our mechanical mode frequencies. We suspect the thermal expansion of some part of the system of adding additional strain to the membranes, and in doing so raising their mode frequencies, though the exact pathway remains unclear.Show less
Existing quantum technology already allows us to perform small quantum computation algorithms. However, the results are inaccurate due to the large error rates of the current devices. We explore...Show moreExisting quantum technology already allows us to perform small quantum computation algorithms. However, the results are inaccurate due to the large error rates of the current devices. We explore error mitigation schemes to reach accurate solution in small near-term quantum computers without requiring quantum error correction methods.Show less
Sr2RuO4 is a leading candidate for equal-spin triplet pairing with p-wave chiral symmetry. This study presents a method for fabricating mesoscopic structures of Sr2RuO4. The samples are contacted...Show moreSr2RuO4 is a leading candidate for equal-spin triplet pairing with p-wave chiral symmetry. This study presents a method for fabricating mesoscopic structures of Sr2RuO4. The samples are contacted by conventional electron beam lithography methods. A measurement set-up using a vector magnet cryostat was prepared for transport measurements. We observe a high residual resistance ratio indicating high sample quality. The onset of signs of superconductivity appear at 1.5 K, as expected. Crystals with a thickness below 20 nm are found to be insulating, the origin is currently not understood.Show less
In a quantum network, interconnected nodes use shared entangled states as a resource for communication. The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre in diamond is a promising candidate for the realization of a...Show moreIn a quantum network, interconnected nodes use shared entangled states as a resource for communication. The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre in diamond is a promising candidate for the realization of a such a node. It provides a solid state qubit that can be initialized and read out optically and manipulated via microwave pulses. However, for any practical implementation, control mechanisms that maintain the resonance of the excitation and emission frequencies need to be in place. Additionally, to guarantee phase stability as required for long distance entanglement, it is necessary to realize a frequency stabilized excitation laser. We demonstrate an autonomous routine for the optimization of excitation and emission frequencies, that recovers resonance conditions automatically when sudden jumps in the emission frequencies occur. Furthermore, an optical setup for the stabilization of excitation frequencies in a Pound-Drever-Hall scheme is presented. An upper bound on the excitation linewidth of 1.7 kHz is measured, yielding a phase deviation lower than 5 over a distance of 1 km. These developments will be essential in the development of a stand-alone quantum node involving the NV centre, on the road to a global quantum internet.Show less
