Cavity-QED implementations for distributive quantum computation

The coupling of a single ion to an optical cavity is a promising route towards scalable quantum technologies. This study presents the design, initial construction and simulations of two different ion traps for quantum computation with novel capabilities. The first system is an end cap system that utilises Fabry Perot cavities formed by the facets of fibres. The small mode volumes (cavity length ~ 300 µm) of the fibre cavities are ideal to achieve high cooperativity and coupling strength. This trap features the novel ability to mechanically adjust the position of the ion by perturbing/distorting the trapping potential with grounded side electrodes. A capability crucial to maximising the ion-cavity coupling. The design incorporates a number of improvements over the previous iteration by Takahashi et al. such as increased optical access, increased mode matching and improved mechanical stability of the cavity. To verify and test the design modifications; Pound-Drever-Hall cavity locking was set up. The test set up failed to lock to an error signal due to a mechanically unstable translation stage. The other design presented is a linear micro trap intended to trap strings of ions and does not use fibre based cavities. This design features multiple different regions reserved for storage, computation and communication and aims to implement a shuttling scheme that will allow the selective loading of single ions from a reservoir of ions into the desired regions. The fabrication process would utilise methods in microfabrication. Simulations of the trapping dynamics were used to optimise the electrode geometries and splitting protocol.