Ion trap architectures and new directions

TL;DR

This paper reviews various ion trap architectures used in quantum technologies, highlighting their features, applications, and recent advancements, especially in quantum networking and long-distance ion-based communication.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of current trap architectures and introduces new research directions for long-distance trapped ion networking.

Findings

Multiple trap architectures are suited for quantum networking.

Photonic-readout enables progress in quantum communication.

Research efforts focus on long-distance ion networking.

Abstract

Trapped ion technology has seen advances in performance, robustness, and versatility over the last decade. With increasing numbers of trapped ion groups world-wide, a myriad of trap architectures are currently in use. Applications of trapped ions include: quantum simulation, computing and networking, time standards and fundamental studies in quantum dynamics. Design of such traps is driven by these various research aims, but some universally desirable properties have lead to the development of ion trap foundries. The excellent control achievable with trapped ions and the ability to do photonic-readout, has allowed progress on quantum networking using entanglement between remotely situated ion-based nodes. Here we present a selection of trap architectures currently in use by the community and present their most salient characteristics, identifying features particularly suited for quantum networking. We also discuss our own in-house research efforts aimed at long-distance trapped ion-networking.