AIQT · Architectures for ion quantum technology

Final Activity Report Summary - AIQT (Architectures for ion quantum technology)

Quantum mechanics will enable powerful applications due to the emergence of new quantum technologies such as the quantum computer. While such a device will likely provide ground-breaking commercial and national security applications due to the existence of powerful algorithms; its existence will revolutionize modern day science by allowing true quantum simulations of systems that may be modelled classically only insufficiently due to an in-principle limitation of current computer technology. Recent progress in experiments with trapped single atomic ions showed that it should be possible to build a quantum computer using this technology. A major challenge is the scaling of already existing technology beyond a token number of quantum bits. AIQT addressed the manipulation of single atoms in complicated arrays as an architecture for a quantum computer. The aim of this project was to provide an infrastructure to carry out experiments towards unprecedented motional control of a large number of single atoms inside ion trap arrays on a chip. As part of these experiments single atomic ions will be trapped using electric fields, shuttled inside a complicated array of trap electrodes and manipulated using laser beams. Architectures for the implementation of an ion trap quantum computer were investigated by exploring nano- and micro-fabricated structures using techniques from micro-electromechanical device engineering. Furthermore, this project developed techniques to retain and control atoms during shuttling operations along complicated paths inside the array along with protocols to control a large number of quantum bits in such arrays. Finally, optimized ion trap geometries were developed that allow for simple transport of atomic ions in multi-dimensional arrays.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union