NIST researchers have developed a new method for trapping and controlling ions in quantum computers, potentially making them more powerful and easier to build. Instead of using high-power lasers, the new approach relies on radio and microwave technology similar to wireless communication systems.
The new method achieves the same level of accuracy as the best laser-based methods, and performs nearly as quickly at 740 microseconds. It also allows for simultaneous entanglement operations on multiple ion pairs, which is more challenging with lasers. The researchers demonstrated the technique by entangling two magnesium ions using a combination of radiofrequency and microwave magnetic fields, while still using low-power lasers for cooling the ions.
This breakthrough could simplify the construction of ion-based quantum computers and make them more scalable, potentially accelerating the development of practical quantum technologies. The research was conducted in collaboration with the University of Colorado, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and the University of Oregon.
Keywords: ion, qubit, radiofrequency, microwave, entanglement, ions, laser, magnetic fields
