Wiring up trapped ions to study aspects of quantum information

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to transfer quantum information between two trapped ions using a wire, analyzing the electrostatics and experimental challenges involved.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach for ion-to-ion quantum information transfer via a wire, including electrostatic analysis and discussion of decoherence sources.

Findings

Coupling of ion motions through a floating wire demonstrated

Electrostatic analysis of the wire-ion system provided insights

Discussion of experimental decoherence sources

Abstract

There has been much interest in developing methods for transferring quantum information. We discuss a way to transfer quantum information between two trapped ions through a wire. The motion of a trapped ion induces oscillating charges in the trap electrodes. By sending this current to the electrodes of a nearby second trap, the motions of ions in the two traps are coupled. We investigate the electrostatics of a set-up where two separately trapped ions are coupled through an electrically floating wire. We also discuss experimental issues, including possible sources of decoherence.