Ion Transport and Reordering in a 2D Trap Array

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Computing Hardware

Background:

• Scaling quantum information processors requires high-fidelity manipulation of numerous qubits with extensive connectivity.
• Trapped-ion systems offer a promising platform, utilizing 2D arrays for ion separation, transport, and recombination to perform quantum operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the functionality of a novel junction connecting orthogonal linear segments within a 2D ion trap array.
• To assess the feasibility of reordering ions within a two-ion crystal using this junction.
• To evaluate the impact of the reordering process on ion motion and qubit coherence.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and operation of a 2D ion trap array with orthogonal linear segments.
• Utilizing a junction to facilitate the separation, transport, and recombination of ions.
• Measuring secular motion of ions to quantify energy gain during transport.
• Monitoring internal qubit states to assess coherence preservation throughout the reordering process.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of ion reordering within a two-ion crystal using the demonstrated junction.
• Observed minimal energy gain in the secular motion of ions during the reordering process.
• Confirmed maintenance of internal qubit level coherence during the ion manipulation and reordering.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated junction provides a viable method for reordering ions in a 2D trapped-ion system.
• This technique shows promise for achieving high connectivity, including all-to-all connectivity, in large-scale trapped-ion quantum processors.
• The low energy gain and preserved coherence highlight the potential of this approach for future quantum computing architectures.