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Integrated Hybrid Quantum Circuits · University of Calgary

Quantum circuits that amplify, convert and sense at the edge of what physics allows

We are an experimental and theoretical group at the University of Calgary. We design, fabricate and measure superconducting, magnonic and photonic circuits at millikelvin temperatures, and we develop the theory that tells us where their quantum limits lie.

mK
dilution-fridge measurements

NbN · NbTiN
kinetic-inductance films

YIG
magnon–photon hybrids

GHz ↔ telecom
microwave–optical links

Research

Six directions, one toolkit

Our work links superconducting microwave circuits to magnons, mechanical resonators and light. These hybrid quantum circuits let us build quantum-limited amplifiers, nonreciprocal devices, transducers and quantum sensors.

Superconducting circuits and quantum-limited amplification

Superconducting circuits and quantum-limited amplification

Fast and accurate qubit measurement is essential for quantum information processing. We develop quantum-limited parametric amplifiers and amplified interferometric schemes that improve the dispersive readout of superconducting qubits. Using three-wave-mixing devices that generate two-mode squeezed states, we also distribute and stabilize entanglement between remote superconducting qubits, a key ingredient for modular quantum computing.

qubit readout · parametric amplifiers · remote entanglement

Hybrid magnonics

Hybrid magnonics

We couple magnons, the collective spin excitations of YIG spheres, to superconducting microwave resonators to form hybrid magnon–photon states. We study how these magnon polaritons can be amplified and how they route signals in one direction, with applications in magnetometry and on-chip signal processing.

YIG spheres · magnon polaritons · magnetometry

Microwave–optical transduction

Microwave–optical transduction

Electro- and optomechanics study how mechanical resonators interact with electromagnetic fields through radiation pressure. We use these interactions to explore quantum coherence and to convert photons in both directions between the microwave and optical domains, linking superconducting quantum processors to optical networks. We are extending this approach to magnonic and electro-optic interfaces.

optomechanics · electro-optics · quantum networks

Nonreciprocity and noise control

Nonreciprocity and noise control

Nonreciprocal devices such as circulators and isolators let signals travel in one direction only, protecting fragile quantum circuits from noise. We build them without magnets, using mechanical motion, nonlinearity and engineered dissipation, and apply the same ideas to control the flow of thermal noise and heat in quantum devices.

circulators · thermal noise · reservoir engineering

Quantum sensing and imaging

Quantum sensing and imaging

We develop high-resolution, non-invasive quantum sensors, with the goal of demonstrating a quantum scanner for imaging and clinical diagnostics. Instead of probing biological samples with intense light, we use a small number of quantum-correlated photons from spontaneous parametric down-conversion, matching or exceeding classical visibility while sparing delicate, light-sensitive materials.

quantum OCT · entangled photons · biomedical imaging

Topological integrated quantum systems

Topological integrated quantum systems

Topological photonic insulators guide light through edge states that are protected against defects and scattering. We generate entangled photon pairs from topological resonances in the bulk of Floquet topological lattices on photonic chips, which reach high quality factors without physical cavity boundaries. Our aim is an efficient, robust and tunable quantum light source on a topologically protected nanophotonic platform.

Floquet photonics · entangled photons · integrated photonics

Supported by

NSERC
University of Calgary
Alberta Innovates

Team

The people behind the circuits

Physicists and engineers working side by side in the cleanroom, the cryogenic lab and on the whiteboard.

The Barzanjeh group

News

Recent highlights

Big ideas on making quantum computers smaller

8 Oct 2026 · Featured

Big ideas on making quantum computers smaller

Our Nature Physics review on nonreciprocity in quantum technology was featured by UCalgary News. It explains how magnet-free, one-way devices such as on-chip circulators could make quantum computers and quantum sensors far more compact.

Read the UCalgary News story →

The group celebrating Kayla McArthur's MSc defence

Aug 2026 · Milestone

Congratulations, Kayla McArthur!

Kayla successfully defended her MSc thesis at the end of August 2026. Her MSc research used entangled photons for quantum sensing and phase sensing of microwave signals. She has now started her PhD in the group, where she works on quantum effects in integrated topological circuits. Congratulations, Kayla!

Shabir Barzanjeh with members of his team in the lab (photo: Luis Prada, University of Calgary)

Mar 2026 · Award

Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowship to bridge spin qubits and superconducting amplifiers

Shabir Barzanjeh and Sergei Studenikin of the National Research Council Canada are the 2026 Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellows. Their project combines quantum-limited superconducting amplifiers with semiconductor spin qubits to make qubit readout faster and more reliable. It also aims at the first Canadian demonstration of entanglement between remote semiconductor qubits using microwave quantum signals, a key step toward scalable quantum computing.

Read more on Killam Laureates →

Brendan Mackay celebrating his Olympic bronze medal

20 Feb 2026 · Olympic Winter Games

Brendan Mackay wins Olympic bronze in freeski halfpipe

Our MSc student Brendan Mackay won bronze in the men’s freeski halfpipe at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno. After posting the top score in qualifying, he saved his best for last, landing a final run of 91.00 points to claim his first Olympic medal. Brendan combines elite competition with his master’s research in quantum technology in our group. Congratulations, Brendan!

Read the CBC Sports recap →  ·  UCalgary News story →

A prototype quantum optical microscope

13 Feb 2025

A prototype quantum optical microscope

Together with the National Research Council and partners, we demonstrated a prototype quantum optical microscope that uses entangled photons to image delicate samples in three dimensions at ultra-low light levels.

PRL Collection of the Year 2024

12 Feb 2025

PRL Collection of the Year 2024

Our paper on nonreciprocal quantum batteries was selected for the Physical Review Letters collection of the year.

Alberta Innovates PhD scholarship

12 Feb 2025

Alberta Innovates PhD scholarship

A group member received an Alberta Innovates graduate scholarship to support doctoral research in quantum technology.

Our research is funded by

NSERC
University of Calgary
Alberta Innovates