2020/01/31 by Robert J. Niffenegger, R. J. Niffenegger, J. Stuart +23 · 327 citations
Computer Science · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Frequency and Time Standards #Coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) #Mechanical and Optical Resonators #Photonics #Quantum #Quantum Information and Cryptography #Quantum computer #Quantum imaging #Quantum information #Quantum sensor #Quantum technology #Qubit #Software portability #physics.atom-ph #physics.optics #quant-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s41586-020-2811-x
published in Nature 586(7830), 538-542 (Nature Portfolio) · Updated to be consistent with published version
openalex publication_date 2020/10/21 · openalex created_date 2020/10/29 · arxiv created 2021/01/03 · arxiv updated 2021/01/05 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
Monolithic integration of control technologies for atomic systems is a promising route to the development of quantum computers and portable quantum sensors. Trapped atomic ions form the basis of high-fidelity quantum information processors and high-accuracy optical clocks. However, current implementations rely on free-space optics for ion control, which limits their portability and scalability. Here we demonstrate a surface-electrode ion-trap chip using integrated waveguides and grating couplers, which delivers all the wavelengths of light required for ionization, cooling, coherent operations, and quantum-state preparation and detection of Sr+ qubits. Laser light from violet to infrared is coupled onto the chip via an optical-fiber array, creating an inherently stable optical path, which we use to demonstrate qubit coherence that is resilient to platform vibrations. This demonstration of CMOS-compatible integrated-photonic surface-trap fabrication, robust packaging, and enhanced qubit coherence is a key advance in the development of portable trapped-ion quantum sensors and clocks, providing a way toward the complete, individual control of larger numbers of ions in quantum information processing systems.