Dr. David Wineland, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Abstract
Trapped atomic ions have been a useful system in which to study the elements of quantum information processing (QIP). The basic criteria for quantum computing have been demonstrated along with simple algorithms and simulations. Straightforward approaches to achieving fault tolerance and scalability are being pursued; however, achieving these goals will be technically very challenging. For scalability, we explore the use of multi-zone trap arrays. Since gate fidelities are compromised by ion motional heating, we cool the ions “sympathetically” with another ion species. Because of the difficulty in controlling laser beams that are typically employed in atomic QIP experiments, we investigate the use of microwave fields for gate operations. We also explore applications of simple QIP techniques for quantum-limited metrology and spectroscopy.
* Supported by IARPA, NSA, ONR, DARPA, and the NIST Quantum Information Program