Interview with PMRF Scholar : Shuvarati Roy | Trapped-Ion Technique for Quantum Computing

Shuvarati is a PMRF Scholar at IISER, Pune. She is working in the lab of Prof. Umakant D. Rapol.
Umakant Rapol, a distinguished experimental physicist, is celebrated for his groundbreaking research in quantum technologies. He is currently a Professor of Physics at IISER Pune, in the Physics Department, Pune, India.
His research interests encompass Atomic Physics and Quantum Optics. At IISER Pune, he leads an active research group focusing on ultra-cold atoms and ions for precision optical metrology, quantum information processing, quantum optics, and various quantum technologies, including quantum computing and quantum sensors.
Umakant's work delves into the dynamics of quantum systems, with a particular emphasis on atom optics and quantum information processing. As the head of a research group at IISER Pune, he conducts pioneering experiments in these fields, driving advancements in quantum technologies.
Link to his research website : sites.iiserpune...
Link to Prof. Umakant detailed interview : • Conversation with Umka...
This podcast can be found on youtube channel ‪@pavan-sci-history‬ run by Prof. Pavan at IISER, Pune.
-----Tapped - Ion Technique for Quantum Computing----
{ Reference : physicsworld.c... }
........................New ion trapping approach could help quantum computers scale up................
Using static magnetic and electric fields to trap ions, instead of relying on an oscillating electromagnetic field, could simplify the process of utilizing ions as fundamental components for quantum computers. This innovative method, developed by researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, enhances control over an ion’s quantum state and position. It represents a significant advancement towards scaling up the use of trapped ions as a platform for quantum computation
Quantum computers have the ability to surpass classical computers in solving certain problems. However, to fully harness their potential, we need machines capable of manipulating approximately 1 million quantum bits (qubits). This is vastly more than the number handled by today’s largest quantum processors. Scaling up to this level is challenging because producing and controlling qubits becomes increasingly difficult as their numbers grow.
For instance, in trapped-ion quantum processors, ions serving as qubits are typically held in place by electromagnetic fields oscillating at radio frequencies (RF). Their quantum states are then controlled and read using laser light pulses. While this method is effective for up to 30 qubits, increasing the number of qubits presents difficulties. Integrating RF fields into the limited space of a single chip is challenging, and these fields also generate heat, which disrupts the ions’ quantum behavior. Additionally, the RF field structure confines the trap locations to a linear grid.
.......................................................Penning traps...........................................
The ETH team tackled these issues by adopting a type of trap traditionally used for applications like precision spectroscopy and quantum simulations: the Penning trap. These traps use strong static magnetic fields instead of RF fields, thereby eliminating heating and removing constraints on trap configurations. However, strong magnetic fields introduce their own set of challenges. They increase the spacing between the ions' energy states, complicating the control of these states with simple, inexpensive diode lasers. Additionally, the superconducting magnets required are bulky, and guiding laser light around them is difficult.
..............................................................It’s a trap! ...............................................................
The new trap met expectations by successfully containing a single ion for several days, allowing ETH researchers complete control over its movement and position (see image). To evaluate its potential for quantum computing, the team measured the ion’s coherence time - the duration it remains in a quantum state - and found it exceeded the time needed for a quantum operation. Additionally, they demonstrated that lasers could manipulate the ion’s energy states without disrupting its quantum superposition. This ability enables the creation of entangled states between different qubits, facilitating quantum computations.
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