A review of silicon microfabricated ion traps for quantum information processing

Dong-Il “Dan” Cho,Taehyun Kim,Seokjun Hong,Minjae Lee

doi:10.1186/s40486-015-0013-3

Dong-Il “Dan” Cho, Taehyun Kim + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40486-015-0013-3

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Abstract

Quantum information processing (QIP) has become a hot research topic as evidenced by S. Haroche and D. J. Wineland receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2012. Various MEMS-based microfabrication methods will be a key enabling technology in implementing novel and scalable ion traps for QIP. This paper provides a brief introduction of ion trap devices, and reviews ion traps made using conventional precision machining as well as MEMS-based microfabrication. Then, microfabrication methods for ion traps are explained in detail. Finally, current research issues in microfabricated ion traps are presented. The QIP renders significant new challenges for MEMS, as various QIP technologies are being developed for secure encrypted communication and complex computing applications.

Highlights

Quantum information processing (QIP) is a novel information processing method based on quantum mechanics [1,2,3], and uses two quantum states in a quantum system as a basic unit of information, instead of two voltage levels in conventional information processing based on electronics
Wilpers et al [79,80] have fabricated a 3-D ion trap which has a similar structure to a conventional 4-rod Paul trap
Ion trap has a huge potential to be used in quantum information processing and computing

Summary

Introduction

Quantum information processing (QIP) is a novel information processing method based on quantum mechanics [1,2,3], and uses two quantum states in a quantum system as a basic unit of information, instead of two voltage levels in conventional information processing based on electronics. To overcome the limitation of implementing a 3-D structure using essentially 2-D fabrication techniques, a breakthrough in the 2-D planar ion trap where all electrodes are laid in the same plane was proposed [54,55,56,57]. By applying different control voltages to these outer DC electrodes, trapped ions can be axially confined.

Results

Conclusion