Ken Brown: Ion trap quantum computers for chemistry

Tuesday, October 23, 2012 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Ken Brown, Georgia Technical Institute of Technology

Abstract

Joint Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) Chemistry Seminar

Quantum computers use the rules of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. In principle, a quantum computer can solve many quantum chemistry problems exponentially faster than a classical computer. In practice, building a reliable, scalable quantum computer is a
formidable challenge. In this talk, I discuss our progress towards building quantum computers using atomic ions held in surface-electrode ion traps. I also describe a series of control protocols that we have developed to improve the reliability of quantum operations. Finally, I will briefly discuss our use of quantum information tools to accurately probe the properties of molecular ions.