Quantum simulation and quantum information technology with trapped ions

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This proposal is focused on the use of laser-cooled, trapped ions for applications in the emerging field of quantum information science. Experiments will focus on controlling the unusual and counterintuitive behaviour associated with the quantum mechanical laws of nature, and on harnessing such phenomena for new applications in physics and information technology. The ultimate, underlying goal is to develop the building blocks for a radically different and potentially powerful computing device that is based on quantum principles. Achieving the level of complexity and low errors required for fault-tolerant quantum computing is an ongoing worldwide research effort, but the laser and ion-trap technologies which have been developed so far offer the opportunity to apply them to more specialized and potentially less demanding applications in the nearer term. The research proposed here aims to use trapped Ytterbium ions to construct a small-scale quantum simulator, with the purpose of studying model "quantum materials" at the level of single atoms. In particular, experiments will explore the use of ions trapped in one-dimensional arrays to simulate a network of effective magnetic spins. Mutual interactions between the spins will be engineered by tailoring laser-induced forces applied to the ions. Through these research goals, we also plan to contribute to the development of ion-trap quantum information technology in concert and collaboration with other ion-trapping groups. The research program will make use of micro-fabricated ion trapping technology from Sandia National Laboratories, with an eye towards future applications with more ions and more sophisticated control. Quantum information technology has revolutionary implications that span several modern areas of concern, including communications security, computational speed-up, and quantum materials research. The experiments enabled by this grant will have the potential for impact wherever quantum mechanical manipulation of information is being investigated, such as the area of nanotechnology.