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Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
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Integrated multi-wavelength control of an ion qubit.
R J Niffenegger1, J Stuart2,3, C Sorace-Agaskar2
1Lincoln Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lexington, MA, USA. robert.niffenegger@ll.mit.edu.
Nature
|October 22, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed an integrated photonic chip for controlling trapped ions, enhancing the portability and scalability of quantum sensors and computers. This advancement enables robust qubit coherence, crucial for next-generation quantum technologies.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Information Science
- Integrated Photonics
- Atomic Physics
Background:
- Trapped atomic ions are foundational for quantum information processors and optical clocks.
- Current methods use free-space optics, hindering portability and scalability.
- Monolithic integration offers a path to miniaturized, robust atomic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel surface-electrode ion-trap chip with integrated photonics for controlling strontium-ion (Sr+) qubits.
- To overcome the limitations of free-space optics in trapped-ion systems.
- To advance the development of portable quantum sensors and scalable quantum computers.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a CMOS-compatible surface-electrode ion-trap chip.
- Integration of waveguides and grating couplers for light delivery.
- Coupling laser light (violet to infrared) via an optical-fibre array onto the chip.
- Demonstration of qubit coherence using integrated optics.
Main Results:
- Successful delivery of all necessary wavelengths for Sr+ qubit manipulation via integrated photonics.
- Demonstration of qubit coherence resilient to platform vibrations.
- Achieved stable optical control through integrated waveguides and fiber coupling.
Conclusions:
- The integrated photonic ion-trap chip represents a significant step towards portable, scalable trapped-ion quantum technologies.
- This technology enables robust control and enhanced qubit coherence, paving the way for advanced quantum sensors and processors.
- Facilitates the development of systems for complete, individual control of multiple ions in quantum information processing.
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