Abstract

Quantum theory can have powerful applications due to the possibility of implementing new quantum technologies such as the quantum computer. While such a device could have very important commercial and national security applications due to the existence of quantum factoring algorithms, its existence could revolutionize modern day science by allowing true quantum simulations of systems that may be modelled classically only insufficiently due to an in-principle limitation of current computer technology. Recent developments in ion trapping technology show that it should be possible to implement quantum technology with trapped ions. Trapped ion quantum technology has already been successfully applied in experiments with a token number of quantum bits, for example to realize quantum algorithms such as search, the generation of particular entangled states of up to 8 ions, teleportation, ion-photon entanglement, error correction and others. In order to build useful devices, the next step must include the systematic development of suitable architectures for large scale ion quantum technology applications.

In this talk I will discuss pathways how such architectures may be realized and recent progress that has been made, particularly focusing on recent experiments at the University of Michigan. The scalable fabrication of ion trap arrays involves advanced nanofabrication techniques including photolithography. A first step has been made with the successful implementation of an integrated ion chip etched in a multi-layer Gallium-Arsenide substrate. Shuttling ions in multidimensional structures will likely form an important tool for the interchange of quantum information. Recently we demonstrated full two-dimensional control including the controlled .three-point-turn. of two ions in a .T-junction. array. I will show a perspective of the work that still needs to be carried out in order to produce practical devices and highlight the importance of the condensed matter . atomic physics interface. I will also discuss a recent measurement of the scaling of motional heating from the quantum ground state in an ion trap with moveable electrodes, the demonstration of significant suppression of anomalous patch potential heating, and the demonstration of an ion trap with 23 microns ion-electrode spacing.

Finally, I will mention a proposal to explore the quantum nature of nanomechanical devices using single trapped ions as a transducer. While an ion may be used to cool the cantilever down to its lowest motional quantum state via sympathetic cooling, one could also envision coupling both systems in the quantum domain. The quantum state of the ion may be transferred onto the cantilever and cantilever and ion could be entangled.