Rabi-like oscillations of an anharmonic oscillator: Classical versus quantum interpretation

We have observed Rabi-like oscillations in a current-biased dc superconducting quantum interference device presenting enhanced coherence times compared to our previous realization [J. Claudon et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 187003 (2004)]. This Josephson device behaves as an anharmonic oscillator which can be driven into a coherent superposition of quantum states by resonant microwave flux pulses. Increasing the microwave amplitude, we study the evolution of the Rabi frequency from the two-level regime to the regime of multilevel dynamics. When up to three levels are involved, the Rabi frequency is a clear signature of a quantum behavior. At higher excitation amplitude, classical and quantum predictions for the Rabi frequency converge. This result is discussed in the light of a calculation of the Wigner function. In particular, our analysis shows that pronounced quantum interferences always appear in the course of the Rabi-like oscillations.