Stroboscopic single-shot detection of the flux state in a radio frequency superconducting quantum interference device

The flux states of a rf superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) can be used to investigate macroscopic quantum effects, the most challenging of which is the detection of quantum coherent oscillations, and are promising candidates for the implementation of quantum computing. The use of a proper readout system is of utmost importance for these purposes. In this letter we present experimental evidence of the possibility of using an underdamped, hysteretic dc SQUID to read out stroboscopically the flux states of a rf SQUID, allowing a single shot discrimination with an efficiency of 98%. The devices are all integrated on chip.