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.
RIKENarXivThe work behind the recognition
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
The evidence map
Both views link each contribution to its sources. Choose a contribution on the map or read them all in the list.
Coherent control of a superconducting qubit
Coherent control of macroscopic quantum states in a single-Cooper-pair box
Supports: Authorship and coherent control demonstration
Published 1 Apr 1999 · Checked 19 Sept 2026Credit & limits: Coauthor with Yuri Pashkin and Jaw-Shen Tsai of the superconducting coherent-control experiment.
Read the full contribution| Contribution | Evidence & what it supports | Credit & limits |
|---|---|---|
| Coherent control of a superconducting qubit1999 | Primary paperCoherent control of macroscopic quantum states in a single-Cooper-pair box Authorship and coherent control demonstration Published 1 Apr 1999 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Coauthor with Yuri Pashkin and Jaw-Shen Tsai of the superconducting coherent-control experiment. |
| Leading a center that builds quantum systemsDate not documented | Institutional recordRIKEN Center for Quantum Computing Identity, professional identification and contribution context Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Director of the RIKEN center; system development and operation are institutional team activities. |
Follow the evidence
2 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- RIKENInstitutional record
RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing
Identity, professional identification and contribution context
Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXivPrimary paper
Coherent control of macroscopic quantum states in a single-Cooper-pair box
Authorship and coherent control demonstration
Published 1 Apr 1999 · Checked 19 Sept 2026