NIST physicists have developed a tunable module for a quantum simulator using two beryllium ions confined in separate zones of an electric-field trap. The module demonstrates fine control of ion interactions, enabling entanglement between ions in separate zones. This technology could be scaled up to simulate complex quantum systems like high-temperature superconductors, perform logic operations in quantum computers, or serve as a quantum-enhanced precision measurement tool.
Key technical points:
– Ions are entangled by manipulating their electric interactions
– Separate trapping zones allow tuning of ion interactions from weak to strong
– Technology is scalable using microfabricated trap technology
– Potential applications include quantum simulation, computing, and sensing
Implementation timeframes:
– Scaling up to a two-dimensional network of tens of ions for useful simulations
– Potential applications in quantum computing and sensing in the future
The research was funded by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity, and the Office of Naval Research.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2014/08/nist-ion-duet-offers-tunable-module-quantum-simulator
Keywords: ion trap, ions, entanglement, superposition, quantum simulator
