Barzanjeh group · 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
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.
qubit readout · parametric amplifiers · remote entanglement
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
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.
optomechanics · electro-optics · quantum networks
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
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 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.
Floquet photonics · entangled photons · integrated photonics
Team
The people behind the circuits
Physicists and engineers working side by side in the cleanroom, the cryogenic lab and on the whiteboard.
News
Recent highlights
31 Oct 2026 · Group life
Halloween in the lab
The group swapped lab coats for costumes this Halloween. Thanks to everyone who dressed up and made it such a fun afternoon in the lab!
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.
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!
Our research is funded by
