Advanced Monolithic 3D ion trap for Quantum Sensing and Information Processing

The main objective of this program is to design and fabricate an advanced monolithic 3D blade-type ion trap, which should provide capabilities that go significantly beyond the present state-of-the art.  Our design incorporates features that should radically improve trap operational capabilities over today’s standards. The trapping zone will incorporate spatially distinctive sections that are each optimized for performing a specific task. This provides a capability that, so far, has been offered only by a few surface traps. Furthermore, unlike surface traps, our 3D design will offer advantages such as low heating rates, very efficient screening from stray electric fields, deep trapping potentials, and broad optical access. Our design will also include a means to efficiently dissipate heat, as required for stable trapping fields and reliable entangling operations. During Phase II, monolithic 3D blade traps will be quantitatively  characterized using trapped-ions. Data will be collected at Rice University and Duke University. Having two evaluation sites is a major element of this program, and eventually will be of great commercial value. Trap metallization will be optimized to ensure long-term reliability.