Micromotion Reduction and Barium-Ytterbium Ion Chains

Author

Andrea Johnson, University of Montana - MissoulaFollow

Graduation Year

2016

Graduation Month

May

Document Type

Professional Paper - Campus Access Only

Major

Computer Science – Mathematical Sciences

Faculty Mentor Department

Physics and Astronomy

Faculty Mentor

David Macaluso

Keywords

Quantum computing, trapped ions

Subject Categories

Other Computer Sciences | Quantum Physics

Abstract

The purpose of this REU project was to compensate for micromotion to reduce ion temperature and to trap and retain barium-ytterbium ion chains. Having cold ion chains allows us to implement quantum gates, which is a necessary component to any quantum computer. Micromotion is a constant issue that frequently needs to be compensated for because the electric fields within our trap are prone to drifting. We could adjust for it visually and we could “measure” it by checking how well we were driving the ion from ��1 /2→��5 /2 energy levels (used a 1762 nm laser for this transition). After compensating micromotion we were able to trap mixed ion chains and retain them for relatively long times.

Honors College Research Project

Yes

Recommended Citation

Johnson, Andrea, "Micromotion Reduction and Barium-Ytterbium Ion Chains" (2016). Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts. 70.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/utpp/70