Entangling quantum gate in trapped ions via Rydberg blockade

Abstract

We present a theoretical analysis of the implementation of an entangling quantum gate between two trapped Ca$^+$ ions which is based on the dipolar interaction among ionic Rydberg states. In trapped ions the Rydberg excitation dynamics is usually strongly affected by mechanical forces due to the strong couplings between electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom in inhomogeneous electric fields. We demonstrate that this harmful effect can be overcome by using dressed states that emerge from the microwave coupling of nearby Rydberg states. At the same time these dressed states exhibit long range dipolar interactions which we use to implement a controlled adiabatic phase gate. Our study highlights a route towards a trapped ion quantum processor in which quantum gates are realized independently of the vibrational modes.