One-dimensional array of ion chains coupled to an optical cavity

TL;DR

This paper introduces a hybrid system integrating an optical cavity with a microfabricated ion trap, enabling controlled trapping and coupling of multiple ion chains for quantum information applications.

Contribution

It demonstrates a novel setup that allows trapping of multiple ion chains with tunable spacing and controlled ion-cavity coupling, advancing quantum information processing capabilities.

Findings

Successful trapping of up to 50 ion chains with 20 ions each

Controlled ion distribution and tunable coupling to the cavity

Potential to reach strong collective coupling regime with few ions

Abstract

We present a novel hybrid system where an optical cavity is integrated with a microfabricated planar-electrode ion trap. The trap electrodes produce a tunable periodic potential allowing the trapping of up to 50 separate ion chains spaced by 160 $\mu$m along the cavity axis. Each chain can contain up to 20 individually addressable Yb\textsuperscript{+} ions coupled to the cavity mode. We demonstrate deterministic distribution of ions between the sites of the electrostatic periodic potential and control of the ion-cavity coupling. The measured strength of this coupling should allow access to the strong collective coupling regime with $\lesssim$10 ions. The optical cavity could serve as a quantum information bus between ions or be used to generate a strong wavelength-scale periodic optical potential.