Realising a logical qubit within a microtrap ion shuttling architecture'

Quantum computing at heart comprises two juxtaposed aims: the ability to sufficiently isolate physical systems
such that they show quantum behaviour, and the ability to interact with these systems in a controlled way.
Different physical systems lend themselves more to one or the other of these objectives. Charged atomic particles
(ions) suspended in electromagnetic `traps' are naturally well isolated, and for small numbers of ions they can
be manipulated very reliably. The challenge of ion trapping arises when trying to scale up the number of ions to
realise a useful quantum computer which handles more data (more qubits). Typical means of controlling ions,
precisely aligned lasers, aren't feasible on the large scale - we expect billions of bits in a modest computer today,
no amount of PhD students could align that many lasers! The Quantum Technology lab at the University of
Sussex works toward addressing this issue of scalability in trapped ion computers. Scalable quantum computers
present a new problem to surmount: compounding errors. Quantum error correction has a rich theory but
experimentally is in a nascent stage. Logical qubits are units of quantum information encoded over a number of
physical systems so as to protect against errors, and will form the true building blocks of quantum computers.
The main aim of this project will be realising a logical qubit in a trapped ion system.

Quantum technologies promise a transformation of the fields of measurement, communication and information processing. They present a particular opportunity since they are disruptive technologies: not only do they offer a chance for rapid growth but they also allow lesser participants in a field (such as the UK in IT) to become major players through appropriate risk-taking and manpower development. Students graduating from the InQuBATE Skills Hub will have the right mindset to work in the industries where quantum technologies will be applied, and help to break down the traditional barriers between those sectors to make this transformation happen. They will have all the necessary technical and transferable skills, plus a network of contacts with our partners, their fellow cohort members and the academic supervisors.

Our commercial partners are keen to help our students realise their potential and achieve the impact we expect of them, through the training they offer and their contributions to the centre's research. They include companies who have already developed quantum technologies to products in quantum communication (Toshiba) and optimization (D-Wave), large corporates who are investing in quantum technology because they see its potential to transform their businesses in aerospace, defence, instrumentation and internet services (Lockheed Martin, Google,) and government agencies with key national responsibilities (NPL). We want to see the best communication of our students' research, so our students will benefit from the existing training programme set up with a leading scientific publisher (Nature Publishing Group); we also want to see more of the future companies that lead this field based the UK, so we have partnered with venture capital group DFJ Esprit to judge and mentor the acceleration of our students' innovations toward the market.