Coherent Control of Bloch Oscillations in a Superconducting Circuit

Bloch oscillations (BOs) are oscillations of electrons under external constant forces in a lattice, revealing the wavelike behavior of electrons. BOs lead to the localization of the wave packet that is called Wannier-Stark localization (WSL), resulting in the inhibition of conductivity. We simulate BOs experimentally in a one-dimensional superconducting circuit with nine qubits. The nine qubits form a one-dimensional lattice and an electron is mapped to a photon. We experimentally realize the coherent control of BOs by applying a well-controlled driving force with a frequency close to BOs. We observe the competition between localization and delocalization of the wave pocket by changing the drive parameters. Our study demonstrates the visualized wave behavior of electrons and proves a way to modulate electron transport in a perfect lattice.