Note: Single ion imaging and fluorescence collection with a parabolic mirror trap

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Atomic Physics
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Efficient fluorescence collection is critical for remote entangled ion qubit generation.
• Existing ion trap designs face limitations in maximizing light collection efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel ion trap design for enhanced fluorescence collection.
• To improve the efficiency of generating remote entangled ion qubits.

Main Methods:

• Designed and fabricated an ion trap with a reflective parabolic surface and needle electrode.
• Achieved precise ion placement at the parabola's focal point.
• Measured fluorescence collection efficiency and analyzed optical performance using imaging.

Main Results:

• The parabolic trap design covers a 2π steradian solid angle.
• Achieved (39 ± 3)% fluorescence collection efficiency from a single ion.
• Reduced single ion image spot size from 3.4 to 2.8 times the diffraction limit with a deformable mirror.

Conclusions:

• The developed parabolic ion trap significantly enhances fluorescence collection.
• Ion micromotion was identified as the primary limiting factor for collection efficiency.
• This work provides a promising solution for efficient remote entangled ion qubit generation.