Superconducting parametric amplifiers play a crucial role in the preparation and readout of quantum states at microwave frequencies, enabling high-fidelity measurements of superconducting qubits. Most existing implementations of these amplifiers rely on the nonlinearity from Josephson junctions, superconducting quantum interference devices, or disordered superconductors. Additionally, frequency tunability arises typically from either flux or current biasing. In contrast, semiconductor-based parametric amplifiers are tunable by local electric fields, which impose a smaller thermal load on the cryogenic setup than current and flux biasing and lead to vanishing crosstalk to other on-chip quantum systems. In this work, we present a gate-tunable parametric amplifier that operates without Josephson junctions, using a proximitized semiconducting nanowire. This design achieves near-quantum-limited performance, featuring more than 20-dB gain and a 30-MHz gain-bandwidth product. The absence of Josephson junctions results in advantages, including substantial saturation powers of -120 dBm, magnetic field compatibility up to 500mT, and frequency tunability over a range of 15 MHz. Our realization of a parametric amplifier supplements efforts towards gate-controlled superconducting electronics, further advancing the abilities for high-performing quantum measurements of semiconductor-based and superconducting quantum devices.

This report outlines the key challenges faced by customers when purchasing smart lighting products through different online presentations. With the user-centered approach and the report serves as an initial step in exploring the design aspects of online retailing pages for light products. By focusing on the user and light experience, this report aims to provide valuable insights into enhancing the design of these pages to better meet the needs and expectations of customers.

This project is guided by the following research questions: (1) Which aspects and how affect the use online experience? (2) How do they influence? (3) How to better present smart light products online?

In a quest to answer the above questions, this project conducted different user tests and studies and ended with a guidance. Based on the difference between the online and offline lighting scene presentation, the researcher invited 10 participants and started the first user test in which the following questions were studied:

How does the experience with the hue online representation differ from the real-world experience (regarding lighting and overall user experience)?
Which aspects affect the user’s perception of online and offline experience? Images’ style, quality, interaction way or other aspects?

From the first user test, the researcher learned that the difference between offline and offline experience is that offline can show more light levels and provide users with a sense of more control. According to the results of the questionnaire and interviews, users also put forward their requirements in terms of content, interaction and light experience.

Based on the first user test, the researcher developed four hypotheses to explore how different factors affect the experience and how design can be used to enhance the online product exhibit experience. After receiving 20 valid results, in a second user study it was found that (a)higher interactivity of the prototype, better user and light experience, (b) abstraction stimulate the user's imagination of the product use scenario.

Based on user testing and analysis, the researcher summarized guidance that help designers have design direction when they start designing, or review existing designs. The guidance focuses on these three directions:Better visual content
Interactive, product display, Immersive light vibe