Quantum Computing Architecture and Hardware for Engineers -- Step by Step -- Volume II

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for engineers on quantum computing hardware, focusing on trapped ion qubits, covering physics, mathematics, and hardware implementation aligned with DiVincenzo's criteria.

Contribution

It extends previous work by detailing trapped ion quantum computers, offering an accessible, structured resource for engineers to understand quantum hardware development.

Findings

Detailed explanation of trapped ion qubit physics and control

Connection of physics to laser pulses and electronics

Guidance for engineers to understand quantum hardware design

Abstract

After publishing my book "Quantum Computing Architecture and Hardware for Engineers: Step by Step" [1] (now I call it Volume I), in which spin qubit and superconducting qubit quantum computers were covered, I decided to continue to write the second volume to cover the trapped ion qubit quantum computer, which was also taught in my EE274 class. I follow the same structure as in Volume I by discussing the physics, mathematics, and their connection to laser pulses and electronics based on how they fulfill the five DiVincenzo's criteria. I also think it would be a good idea to share the second volume on arXiv so that more people can read it for free, and I can continue to update the contents. As of July 2025, I have finished the trapped ion quantum computer part. In the future, I plan to write more critical topics in a step-by-step manner to bridge engineers who did not receive rigorous training in Physics to the quantum computing world.