DIY: Ion Trap Quantum Computer

Posted on by paschmann
36C3: Build Your Own Quantum Computer At Home

An ion is a atom with one of the outer electrons removed (normally removed by pointing a laser beam at it) – forming positively charged ion.
Ion trapping is done in a vacuum chamber to isolate the ions from the external environment as much as possible. (And avoid other atoms in the air from bumping and

  • Atoms
    • Consist of 3 components, a proton and neutron (called the nucleus) in the center and electrons which orbit this nucleus
    • 117 different types
    • Are elements the same as atoms
    • Every element is unique and has an atomic number
      • That number tells you the number of protons in every atom of the element. The atomic number is also called the proton number.
    • All electrons have a negative charge
    • All protons have a positive charge
  • Photonizing is the process of using a laser to ionize the element
  • We need lasers at different wavelengths to perform specific tasks to the ion
    • E.g. for Strontium
    • 422nm laser to detect and doppler cooling of the ion
    • Using the 1092nm to move the stat of the strontium ion back to the

Sinara: Open Source Hardware Platform for Ion Trapping
https://arxiv.org/pdf/1901.04851.pdf

Honeywell – Quantum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRzhb7OkQ9s&feature=emb_logo

Thoughts …

  • Could you use optical fiber to shoot laser beams at ions
  • Fiber optic cable + ions
  • Yes, done here:
  • https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2020/10/26/mit-lincoln-laboratory-creates-the-first-trapped-ion-quantum-chip-with-integrated-photonics/?sh=72d22a86126a
  • Magnetic wave for ions
  • Embed ions in fiber optic

Biggest challenges:

  • When using a planar surface ion trap, scaling becomes difficult because you need to introduce media (sodium); a laser to manipulate the atom (convert it to a ion) and a some form of microscope to measure/monitor the ions.
  • The planar surface chip use a DC current – to alternate the power electromagnetic waves and hold the ion in place and RF signals to change the state of the ions (see YT video)
  • https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2020/10/26/mit-lincoln-laboratory-creates-the-first-trapped-ion-quantum-chip-with-integrated-photonics/?sh=72d22a86126a