A scalable quantum computer with ions in an array of microtraps

Area of Science:

• Quantum Computing
• Quantum Information Science
• Atomic Physics

Background:

• Quantum computers require qubits for information storage, quantum gates for processing, and readout mechanisms.
• Viable quantum computing models include quantum optical systems (trapped ions, cavity QED, NMR) and solid-state systems (spins, quantum dots, Josephson junctions).
• Current leading systems (quantum optical, NMR) may achieve ~10 qubits soon, insufficient for practical applications like large-scale factorization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the critical need for scalable quantum computer architectures.
• To propose a novel quantum computer model that overcomes limitations of existing systems.
• To combine the strengths of different quantum computing approaches.

Main Methods:

• Development of a theoretical model for an ion trap quantum computer.
• Integration of scalability features typically found in solid-state proposals.
• Leveraging quantum optical system advantages, including precise quantum control and extended decoherence times.

Main Results:

• A proposed ion trap quantum computer model.
• The model integrates scalability with superior quantum control.
• It offers long decoherence times, crucial for complex quantum computations.

Conclusions:

• The proposed ion trap model offers a promising path towards scalable quantum computing.
• It merges the advantages of quantum optical systems with the scalability of solid-state architectures.
• This approach could accelerate the development of quantum computers capable of tackling significant computational challenges.