Generation of continuous variable squeezing and entanglement of trapped ions in time-varying potentials

TL;DR

This paper explores how to generate significant squeezing and entanglement in trapped ions' motional states by manipulating time-varying potentials, without optical control, optimizing the switching dynamics for maximum effect.

Contribution

It demonstrates a method to produce high degrees of squeezing and entanglement using only electrical potential control in ion traps, leveraging transient unstable dynamics.

Findings

High squeezing and entanglement achievable with potential control

Transient dynamics in unstable regions enhance quantum state manipulation

Optimal switching times improve the effectiveness of the process

Abstract

We investigate the generation of squeezing and entanglement for the motional degrees of freedom of ions in linear traps, confined by time-varying and oscillating potentials, comprised of an DC and an AC component. We show that high degrees of squeezing and entanglement can be obtained by controlling either the DC or the AC trapping component (or both), and by exploiting transient dynamics in regions where the ions' motion is unstable, without any added optical control. Furthermore, we investigate the time-scales over which the potentials should be switched in order for the manipulations to be most effective.