Adiabatic quantum simulation with a segmented ion trap: Application to long-distance entanglement in quantum spin systems

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method for simulating quantum spin models with long-distance entanglement using segmented ion traps, enabling tunable interactions and adiabatic ground state preparation.

Contribution

It introduces a general scheme for quantum simulation with ions in segmented traps, including techniques for tailoring interactions and implementing adiabatic state preparation.

Findings

Demonstrates how to generate long-distance entanglement in spin systems.

Shows how to tailor spin-spin interactions using trap potentials.

Details protocols for adiabatic ground state preparation.

Abstract

We investigate theoretically systems of ions in segmented linear Paul traps for the quantum simulation of quantum spin models with tunable interactions. The scheme is entirely general and can be applied to the realization of arbitrary spin-spin interactions. As a specific application we discuss in detail the quantum simulation of models that exhibit long-distance entanglement in the ground state. We show how tailoring of the axial trapping potential allows for generating spin-spin coupling patterns that are suitable to create long-distance entanglement. We discuss how suitable sequences of microwave pulses can implement Trotter expansions and realize various kinds of effective spin-spin interactions. The corresponding Hamiltonians can be varied on adjustable time scales, thereby allowing the controlled adiabatic preparation of their ground states.