In the future, such traps might be utilized to realize quantum computers with far more quantum bits than have actually been possible up to now.Using an oscillating electro-magnetic field in ion traps restricts the currently attainable number of qubits in quantum computers.Researchers at ETH have now created an ion trap on a microfabricated chip using just static fields– an electrical field and a magnetic field– in which quantum operations can be performed.In this trap, the ions can be carried in arbitrary instructions, and a number of such traps fit onto a single chip.The energy states of electrons in an atom follow the laws of quantum mechanics: they are not continually distributed but restricted to particular distinct worths– this is likewise called quantization. By adding an oscillating electro-magnetic field, on the other hand, one acquires a steady ion trap, likewise known as a Paul trap.In this way, it has been possible in current years to construct quantum computers with ion traps including around 30 qubits. The oscillating fields make it difficult to combine several such traps on a single chip, and using them heats up the trap– a more substantial issue as systems get larger.” Traditionally, Penning traps are used when one wants to trap extremely many ions for accuracy experiments, but without having to control them separately,” says PhD student Shreyans Jain: “By contrast, in the smaller sized quantum computer systems based on ions, Paul traps are utilized. Using a system of cryogenically cooled mirrors, the Zurich researchers managed to carry the required laser light through the magnet to the ions.The efforts paid off: a single trapped ion, which can remain in the trap for several days, might now be moved arbitrarily on the chip, connecting points “as the crow flies” by controlling the various electrodes– this is something not previously possible with the old approach based on oscillating fields.
In the future, such traps might be used to realize quantum computer systems with far more quantum bits than have been possible up to now.Using an oscillating electromagnetic field in ion traps restricts the presently possible number of qubits in quantum computers.Researchers at ETH have now created an ion trap on a microfabricated chip utilizing just fixed fields– a magnetic field and an electrical field– in which quantum operations can be performed.In this trap, the ions can be carried in arbitrary directions, and a number of such traps fit onto a single chip.The energy states of electrons in an atom follow the laws of quantum mechanics: they are not continually distributed however restricted to certain distinct values– this is likewise called quantization.” Traditionally, Penning traps are used when one desires to trap really many ions for accuracy experiments, however without having to control them separately,” states PhD student Shreyans Jain: “By contrast, in the smaller sized quantum computer systems based on ions, Paul traps are utilized. Using a system of cryogenically cooled mirrors, the Zurich scientists managed to direct the essential laser light through the magnet to the ions.The efforts paid off: a single caught ion, which can stay in the trap for several days, might now be moved arbitrarily on the chip, connecting points “as the crow flies” by controlling the various electrodes– this is something not previously possible with the old approach based on oscillating fields.