Helped demonstrate coherent control in an early superconducting qubit and now leads RIKEN’s quantum-computing center, connecting circuit physics with the development of working quantum systems.
arXivRIKENNakamura’s 1999 experiment made a superconducting electrical device function as a coherently controlled two-level quantum system. That result is a concrete foundation for the superconducting route pursued by many current processors. His present RIKEN role adds a second contribution: directing a center that builds and studies actual quantum computers across multiple approaches. These are distinct forms of influence, experimental demonstration and research organization. The record does not attribute every RIKEN system or performance result to him individually.
RIKENarXivDefining contributions
Work, in context- 1999
Coherent control of a superconducting qubit
With Yuri Pashkin and Jaw-Shen Tsai, reported coherent quantum-state evolution and measurement in a single-Cooper-pair box controlled by voltage pulses.
Coauthor with Yuri Pashkin and Jaw-Shen Tsai of the superconducting coherent-control experiment.
Source-supported recordarXiv - Year not documented
Leading a center that builds quantum systems
Directs RIKEN’s Center for Quantum Computing, which develops superconducting, optical and other quantum-computing approaches and operates actual quantum systems.
Director of the RIKEN center; system development and operation are institutional team activities.
Source-supported recordRIKEN
Follow the evidence
2 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- RIKENInstitutional profile
RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing
Identity, professional identification and contribution context
Checked 2026-09-19 - arXivResearch paper
Coherent control of macroscopic quantum states in a single-Cooper-pair box
Authorship and coherent control demonstration
Published 1999-04-01 · Checked 2026-09-19