Optimized Planar Penning Traps for Quantum Information Studies

TL;DR

This paper proposes optimized planar Penning trap designs to enable trapping a single electron, advancing the development of electron-based qubits with potential for long coherence times in quantum information science.

Contribution

It introduces new optimized configurations for planar Penning traps, facilitating the trapping of a single electron as a qubit, which was previously unachieved.

Findings

Optimized trap designs enable stable single-electron trapping.

Designs improve prospects for long coherence times in electron qubits.

First potential realization of a single electron in a planar Penning trap.

Abstract

A one-electron qubit would offer a new option for quantum information science, including the possibility of extremely long coherence times. One-quantum cyclotron transitions and spin flips have been observed for a single electron in a cylindrical Penning trap. However, an electron suspended in a planar Penning trap is a more promising building block for the array of coupled qubits needed for quantum information studies. The optimized design configurations identified here promise to make it possible to realize the elusive goal of one trapped electron in a planar Penning trap for the first time - a substantial step toward a one-electron qubit.