What is rabi frequency?

Rabi frequency, also known as Rabi oscillation frequency, is a physical term used in quantum mechanics to describe the strength of the interaction between an electromagnetic field and a two-level quantum system. It is named after the physicist Isidor Rabi, who first described the phenomenon in 1937.

Rabi frequency is measured in units of angular frequency (radians per second), and is defined as the rate at which the two-level system oscillates between its two energy levels under the influence of the applied electromagnetic field. The frequency of these oscillations is proportional to the strength of the electromagnetic field and the dipole moment of the two-level system.

In practical applications, such as in the field of quantum computing, Rabi frequencies are used to control the state of a quantum bit (qubit) by manipulating the qubit's energy level using an electromagnetic field. By adjusting the Rabi frequency and the duration of the electromagnetic field pulse, the state of the qubit can be manipulated to perform various tasks in quantum computing.

Overall, the Rabi frequency plays a crucial role in the study and application of quantum mechanics, as it provides a fundamental tool for understanding and controlling quantum systems.