$\textit{omg}$ Blueprint for trapped ion quantum computing with metastable states

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method for trapped ion quantum computing that uses metastable states within a single species to enable flexible qubit encoding, reducing the need for multiple atomic species.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach utilizing metastable states for programmable qubit encoding in single-species trapped ion systems, compatible with existing large-scale setups.

Findings

Compatible with large-scale ion trap systems

Enables flexible qubit encoding within a single species

Requires specific trapped ion primitives

Abstract

Quantum computers, much like their classical counterparts, will likely benefit from flexible qubit encodings that can be matched to different tasks. For trapped ion quantum processors, a common way to access multiple encodings is to use multiple, co-trapped atomic species. Here, we outline an alternative approach that allows flexible encoding capabilities in single-species systems through the use of long-lived metastable states as an effective, programmable second species. We describe the set of additional trapped ion primitives needed to enable this protocol and show that they are compatible with large-scale systems that are already in operation.