Cryogenic Trapped-Ion System for Large Scale Quantum Simulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a cryogenic ion trapping system capable of reliably trapping over 100 ions for hours, enabling large-scale quantum simulations of complex spin models previously infeasible with classical methods.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel cryogenic ion trap apparatus that supports large ion chains and characterizes its vacuum properties, advancing quantum simulation capabilities.

Findings

Trapped over 100 ions in a linear configuration for hours.

Achieved nearly equidistant ion spacing in chains up to 44 ions.

Demonstrated low collision rates and stable ion trapping at 4 K.

Abstract

We present a cryogenic ion trapping system designed for large scale quantum simulation of spin models. Our apparatus is based on a segmented-blade ion trap enclosed in a 4 K cryostat, which enables us to routinely trap over 100 $^{171}$Yb$^+$ ions in a linear configuration for hours due to a low background gas pressure from differential cryo-pumping. We characterize the cryogenic vacuum by using trapped ion crystals as a pressure gauge, measuring both inelastic and elastic collision rates with the molecular background gas. We demonstrate nearly equidistant ion spacing for chains of up to 44 ions using anharmonic axial potentials. This reliable production and lifetime enhancement of large linear ion chains will enable quantum simulation of spin models that are intractable with classical computer modelling.