Trapped ions for quantum information processing

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In this research project we isolate and trap single atoms in free space using electromagnetic fields and laser-cool them to ultracold temperatures. Ultracold and confined single atoms are an ideal tabletop testbed to probe and understand the foundations of quantum mechanical behavior. We are aiming to prepare and control so-called "entangled" quantum superposition states of many atoms, in which collectively the atoms can apparently coexist in two distinct physical states simultaneously. An ultimate aim is to harness quantum superpositions as a resource for dramatically faster computers. Although we do not yet fully understand the possibilities of a quantum computing device, early applications and hints indicate that it holds remarkable promise. Finally, assembling quantum superpositions of ever larger number of particles will push the world of quantum mechanics up from the very small and closer towards our everyday realm of classical behavior. This is of fundamental importance to understanding the boundary between classical and quantum physics.