Quantum computers are constructed using completely different building blocks from electronic computers. In our lab, we investigate the possibility of constructing quantum computers with single ions i.e. charged atoms, which can be precisely controlled and manipulated with electromagnetic fields, and laser light. We build computers from single atomic ions, one at a time, held by oscillating electromagnetic fields above the surface of microfabricated chips. These atoms can serve as quantum bits, both for new models of information processing, and as exquisite sensors for observing new physics.
Investigations:
Micro-cavity experiment integrating an ion trap with an optical cavity
Cryogenic ion trap experiment investigating fundamental obstacles to the scalability of ion traps for quantum computation
Polar molecules experiment with a goal of creating a quantum interface between trapped ion qubits and superconducting qubits
The group is led by Professor Isaac L. Chuang