G56: Scaling Trapped Ion Quantum Computers - Methods and Technologies

Tue. March 5, 11:30 a.m. – 12:06 p.m. CST

205AB

Realizing the promise of trapped-ion quantum information processing requires maintaining the high coherence, exquisite control, and high-fidelity operations obtained in the currently most functional small- and medium-scale experiments while developing systems containing considerably more individually controlled ion qubits.  Achieving this balance is a challenge that may benefit from integration of control technologies that can increase robustness and operation precision when manipulating arrays of ions.  The amount and types of integration pursued will have impacts on development cycle time and ultimate capabilities, and so must be considered at each scale.  Additionally, there is an interplay between processor architecture and required hardware integration, and the amount of tight integration may be architecture-specific at some scales.  A promising platform for the integration of several relevant technologies at larger scales is based on established micro- and nano-fabrication processes, which provide devices with unsurpassed reproducibility, alignment precision, and electronic and photonic capabilities at the chip level.  I will describe a platform utilizing such processes for monolithic integration of trap electrodes and optical components for ion-qubit control and readout.  Heterogeneous or hybrid integration of electronics may be employed as part of this platform to provide low-latency control while avoiding control-signal routing challenges.  Near-term challenges include determining which integrated devices and integration methods are most beneficial for architectures of interest, while keeping track of potential deleterious effects that can limit quantum logic speed and fidelity.  Current research is in the simultaneous development and evaluation of the ion platform in light of these considerations.