(July 24, 2012) Researchers
in NPL's Quantum Detection Group have demonstrated for the first time a
monolithic 3D ion microtrap array which could be scaled up to handle several
tens of ion-based quantum bits (qubits). The research, published in Nature
Nanotechnology, shows how it is possible to realise this device embedded in a
semiconductor chip, and demonstrates the device's ability to confine individual
ions at the nanoscale.
Scalable ion traps
consisting of a 2D array of electrodes have been developed, however 3D trap
geometries can provide a superior potential for confining the ions. Creating a
successful scalable 3D ion trapping device is based on maintaining two
qualities - the ability to scale the device to accommodate increasing numbers
of atomic particles, whilst preserving the trapping potential which enables
precise control of ions at the atomic level. Previous research resulted in
compromising at least one of these factors, largely due to limitations in the
manufacturing processes.
As the UK's National Measurement
Institute, NPL is interested in how exotic quantum states of matter can be used
to make high precision measurements of, for example, time and frequency, ever
more accurate. This research, however, has implications wider than measurement.
The device could be used in quantum computation, where entangled qubits are
used to execute powerful quantum algorithms. As an example, factorisation of
large numbers by a quantum algorithm is dramatically faster than with a
classical algorithm.