Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “ion trap”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Error mitigation, optimization, and extrapolation on a trapped-ion testbed

Current noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) trapped-ion devices are subject to errors which can significantly impact the accuracy of calculations if left unchecked. A form of error mitigation called zero noise extrapolation (ZNE) can decrease an algorithm’s sensitivity to these errors without increasing the number of required qubits. Here we explore different methods for integrating this error mitigation technique into the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) algorithm for calculating the ground state of the HeH + molecule at 0.8 Å in the presence of experimental noise. Using the Quantum Scientific Computing Open User Testbed (QSCOUT) trapped-ion device, we test three methods of scaling noise for extrapolation: time stretching the two-qubit gates, scaling the sideband detuning parameter, and inserting two-qubit gate identity operations into the ansatz circuit. We find that time stretching and sideband detuning scaling fail to scale the noise on our particular hardware in a way that can be extrapolated to zero noise. Scaling our noise with global gate identity insertions and extrapolating after variational optimization, we achieve error suppression of 96.8%, resulting in an energy estimate within –0.004 ± 0.04 hartree of the ground state energy. This is an improvement, but still outside the chemical accuracy threshold of 0.0016 hartree. Furthermore, our results show that the efficacy of this error mitigation technique depends on choosing the correct implementation for a given device architecture.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Optimized pulsed sideband cooling and enhanced thermometry of trapped ions

Resolved sideband cooling is a standard technique for cooling trapped ions below the Doppler limit to near their motional ground state. Yet the most common methods for sideband cooling implicitly rely on low Doppler-cooled temperatures and tightly confined ions and they cannot be optimized for different experimental conditions. Here we introduce a framework which calculates the fastest possible pulsed sideband cooling sequence for a given number of pulses and set of experimental parameters and we verify its improvement compared to traditional methods using a trapped 171 Yb + ion. After extensive cooling, we find that the ion motional distribution is distinctly nonthermal and thus not amenable to standard thermometry techniques. We therefore develop and experimentally validate an improved method to measure ion temperatures after sideband cooling. These techniques will enable more efficient cooling and thermometry within trapped-ion systems, especially those with high initial temperatures or spatially extended ion wave packets.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1989

Simple analytic potentials for linear ion traps

A simple analytical model was developed for the electric and ponderomotive (trapping) potentials in linear ion traps. This model was used to calculate the required voltage drive to a mercury trap, and the result compares well with experiments. The model gives a detailed picture of the geometric shape of the trapping potenital and allows an accurate calculation of the well depth. The simplicity of the model allowed an investigation of related, more exotic trap designs which may have advantages in light-collection efficiency.

Janik, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Simple analytic potentials for linear ion traps

A simple analytical model was developed for the electric and ponderomotive (trapping) potentials in linear ion traps. This model was used to calculate the required voltage drive to a mercury trap, and the result compares well with experiments. The model gives a detailed picture of the geometric shape of the trapping potential and allows an accurate calculation of the well depth. The simplicity of the model allowed an investigation of related, more exotic trap designs which may have advantages in light-collection efficiency.

Janik, G. R.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Logical error rates for the surface code under a mixed coherent and stochastic circuit-level noise model inspired by trapped ions

With fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) on the horizon, it is critical to understand sources of logical errors in plausible hardware implementations of quantum error-correcting codes. Detailed error modeling of computational instructions on particular FTQC architectures will enable the better prediction of error propagation in FT-encoded quantum circuits while revealing where greater attention is needed in hardware design. In this work, we consider logical error rates for the surface code implemented on a hypothetical grid-based trapped-ion quantum charge-coupled device architecture. Specifically, we construct logical channels for the idling surface code and examine its diamond error under a mixed coherent and stochastic circuit-level noise model inspired by trapped ions. We include the coherent dephasing noise that is known to accumulate during physical qubit idling and transport in these systems, determining idling and transport durations using the time-resolved output of an open-source trapped-ion surface code compiler. To estimate expectation values of logical Pauli observables following hardware circuits containing non-Clifford sources of noise, we utilize a Monte Carlo technique to sample from an underlying quasiprobability distribution of Clifford circuits that we independently simulate in a phase-sensitive fashion. We verify error suppression up to code distance 𝑑 = 11 at coherent dephasing rates near and below those of current-generation trapped-ion quantum computers and find that logical error rates align with those of analogous fully stochastic simulations in this regime. Exploring higher dephasing rates at 𝑑 = 3−5, we find evidence for growing coherent rotations about all three logical Pauli axes, increased diagonal logical error process matrix elements relative to those of stochastic simulations, and a reduced dephasing rate threshold. Overall, our work paves a way toward realistic hardware emulation of small fault-tolerant quantum processes, e.g., members of an FTQC instruction set.

Quantum benchmarking↗
DOE OSTI2023

Ion trap long-range XY model for quantum state transfer and optimal spatial search

Abstract Linear ion trap chains are a promising platform for quantum computation and simulation. The XY model with long-range interactions can be implemented with a single side-band Mølmer–Sørensen scheme, giving interactions that decay as 1 / r α , where α parameterises the interaction range. Lower α leads to longer range interactions, allowing faster long-range gate operations for quantum computing. However, decreasing α causes an increased generation of coherent phonons and appears to dephase the effective XY interaction model. We characterise and show how to correct for this effect completely, allowing lower α interactions to be coherently implemented. Ion trap chains are thus shown to be a viable platform for spatial quantum search in optimal O ( N ) time, for N ions. Finally, we introduce a O ( N ) quantum state transfer protocol, with a qubit encoding that maintains a high fidelity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Engineering an effective three-spin Hamiltonian in trapped-ion systems for applications in quantum simulation

Trapped-ion quantum simulators, in analog and digital modes, are considered a primary candidate to achieve quantum advantage in quantum simulation and quantum computation. The underlying controlled ion–laser interactions induce all-to-all two-spin interactions via the collective modes of motion through Cirac–Zoller or Mølmer–Sørensen schemes, leading to effective two-spin Hamiltonians, as well as two-qubit entangling gates. In this work, the Mølmer–Sørensen scheme is extended to induce three-spin interactions via tailored first- and second-order spin–motion couplings. The scheme enables engineering single-, two-, and three-spin interactions, and can be tuned via an enhanced protocol to simulate purely three-spin dynamics. Analytical results for the effective evolution are presented, along with detailed numerical simulations of the full dynamics to support the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed scheme for near-term applications. With a focus on quantum simulation, the advantage of a direct analog implementation of three-spin dynamics is demonstrated via the example of matter-gauge interactions in the U(1) lattice gauge theory within the quantum link model. The mapping of degrees of freedom and strategies for scaling the three-spin scheme to larger systems, are detailed, along with a discussion of the expected outcome of the simulation of the quantum link model given realistic fidelities in the upcoming experiments. The applications of the three-spin scheme go beyond the lattice gauge theory example studied here and include studies of static and dynamical phase diagrams of strongly interacting condensed-matter systems modeled by two- and three-spin Hamiltonians.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1989

New ion trap for frequency standard applications

A novel linear ion trap was designed, which permits storage of a large number of ions with reduced susceptibility to the second-order Doppler effect caused by the RF confining fields. This new trap should store about 20 times the number of ions as a conventional RF trap with no corresponding increase in second-order Doppler shift from the confining field. In addition, the sensitivity of this shift to trapping parameters, i.e., RF voltage, RF frequency, and trap size, is greatly reduced.

Prestage, J. D.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Changes in electric field noise due to thermal transformation of a surface ion trap

Here, we aim to illuminate how the microscopic properties of a metal surface map to its electric field noise characteristics. In our system, prolonged heat treatments of a metal film can induce a rise in the magnitude of the electric field noise generated by the surface of that film. We refer to this heat-induced rise in noise magnitude as a thermal transformation. The underlying physics of this thermal transformation process is explored through a series of heating, milling, and electron treatments performed on a single surface ion trap. Between these treatments, 40 Ca + ions trapped 70 μm above the surface of the metal are used as detectors to monitor the electric field noise at frequencies close to 1 MHz. An Auger spectrometer is used to track changes in the composition of the contaminated metal surface. With these tools we investigate contaminant deposition, chemical reactions, and atomic restructuring as possible drivers of thermal transformations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Ion Trapping Studies and Mitigation Strategies for the EIC ERL-Based Strong Hadron Cooler

An Energy Recovery Linac based strong hadron cooler was previously considered for the Electron-Ion Collider. The required electron beam parameters for variable-energy strong hadron cooling place significant constraints on ion trapping and collective effects. This paper presents initial studies of these constraints through a combination of analytical modelling and numerical simulations of ion production, trapping behaviour, and mitigation strategies. A multi-bunch tracking framework based on ELEGANT with the ionEffects module is used to simulate machine operation over millisecond time scales, corresponding to more than 3 × 10^5 electron bunches. The simulations include modelling of ionisation processes together with transverse electron–ion dynamics, allowing the evolution and accumulation of ions to be investigated. Analytical expressions based on Gaussian beam distributions are used to estimate ion trapping conditions and benchmark the simulation results. A bi-periodic bunch spacing scheme is also investigated as a possible mitigation method by detuning the ion oscillation frequency. These studies provide an initial assessment of ion trapping in the strong hadron cooler and demonstrate possible approaches for reducing beam–ion effects.

Bi, R. [Lancaster University, Cockcroft Institute]↗
DOE OSTI2023

Comparison of spontaneous emission in trapped-ion multiqubit gates at high magnetic fields

Penning traps have been used for performing quantum simulations and sensing with hundreds of ions and provide a promising route toward scaling up trapped ion quantum platforms because of the ability to trap and control hundreds or thousands of ions in two- and three-dimensional crystals. In both Penning traps and the more common RF Paul traps, lasers are often used to drive multi-qubit entangling operations. A leading source of decoherence in these operations is off resonant spontaneous emission. While many trapped ion quantum computers or simulators utilize clock qubits, other systems, especially those with high magnetic fields such as Penning traps, rely on Zeeman qubits, which require a more complex calculation of this decoherence. We therefore examine theoretically the impacts of spontaneous emission on quantum gates performed with trapped-ion ground state Zeeman qubits in a high magnetic field. In particular, we consider two types of gates—light-shift ($\hat{σ}^z_i$ $\hat{σ}^z_j$) gates and Mølmer-Sørensen ($\hat{σ}^x_i$ $\hat{σ}^x_j$) gates—obtained with laser beams directed approximately perpendicular to the magnetic field (the quantization axis) and compare the decoherence errors in each. Within each gate type, we also compare different operating points with regards to the detunings, polarizations, and required intensity of the laser beams used to drive the gates. Here, we show that both gates can have similar performance at their optimal operating conditions at high magnetic fields and examine the experimental feasibility of various operating points. By examining the magnetic field dependence of each gate, we demonstrate that, when the P state fine structure splitting is large compared to the Zeeman splittings, the theoretical performance of the Mølmer-Sørensen gate is significantly better than that of the light-shift gate. Additionally, for the light-shift gate, we make an approximate comparison between the fidelities that can be achieved at high fields with the fidelities of state-of-the-art two-qubit trapped ion quantum gates. We show that, with regards to spontaneous emission, the achievable fidelity of the current NIST configuration is about an order of magnitude below that of the best low-field gates, but we also discuss several alternative configurations with potential error rates that are comparable with those for state-of-the art trapped ion gates.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1989

New ion trap for atomic frequency standard applications

A novel linear ion trap that permits storage of a large number of ions with reduced susceptibility to the second-order Doppler effect caused by the radio frequency (RF) confining fields has been designed and built. This new trap should store about 20 times the number of ions a conventional RF trap stores with no corresponding increase in second-order Doppler shift from the confining field. In addition, the sensitivity of this shift to trapping parameters, i.e., RF voltage, RF frequency, and trap size, is greatly reduced.

Prestage, J. D.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Three-Photon Optical Pumping for Trapped Ion Quantum Computing

In this report we describe the testing of a novel scheme for state preparation of trapped ions in a quantum computing setup. This technique optimally would allow for similar precision and speed of state preparation while allowing for individual addressability of single ions in a chain using technology already available in a trapped ion experiment. As quantum computing experiments become more complicated, mid-experiment measurements will become necessary to achieve algorithms such as quantum error correction. Any mid-experiment measurement then requires the measured qubit to be re-prepared to a known quantum state. Currently this involves the protected qubits to be moved a sizeable distance away from the qubit being re-prepared which can be costly in terms of experiment length as well as introducing errors. Theoretical calculations predict that a three-photon process would allow for state preparation without qubit movement with similar efficiencies to current state preparation methods.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ytterbium ion trap quantum computing: The current state-of-the-art

In this work, we present an overview of contemporary quantum computing with ytterbium ion traps, placing the emphasis on industry implementations. We provide brief, concrete descriptions of various key features, such as trap loading, electronic structure, qubit function, gates, error analysis, and benchmarking. We focus on the underlying science and current technologies to provide readers with a holistic picture of available techniques for using ytterbium in contemporary ion trap designs.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evaluating Robust Entanglement on a Trapped Ion Platform

We present proof of principle results for evaluating an entanglement volumetric benchmark [1] on trapped ion platforms. The benchmark quantifies the robustness of multipartite and bipartite entanglement using stabilizer measurements and witness functions. Each n-qubit graph state is prepared and used to evaluate n state-specific stabilizer strings. These stabilizer measurements are used to evaluate entanglement witness functions. The entanglement benchmark defines families of graph states associated with an initial sub-graph of the hardware qubit connectivity - with all-to-all connectivity, trapped ion systems provide a flexibility in the choice of this initial graph, and this will affect the associated family. In this work, we present results targeting several classes of entangled states: 1) 1-D cluster states, 2) n-qubit GHZ states, and 3) cycle graph states. These states have been found in the literature as standard hardware benchmarks, and have connections to many near-term applications.

Hamilton, Kathleen↗