Miniature Packaged Ion Traps

The next 20 years are poised for growth of the "second quantum revolution", with the widespread emergence of technologies and devices leveraging the properties of superposition and entanglement which govern the dynamics of light and matter at the smallest scales. Atomic ions trapped in electromagnetic potentials have long been used for fundamental studies in experimental quantum physics. Over the past two decades, trapped ions have also emerged as a promising platform for a wide range of quantum-based technologies such as quantum computing and simulation, atomic clocks, and quantum sensors. Advanced trapped-ion-based technologies have the potential to impact the entire emerging quantum technology sector, however, it remains a challenge to obtain even the simplest experimental ion trapping system. This is perhaps not surprising given the extensive control and extremely high quality of vacuum required to prepare and maintain delicate quantum states. If practical large scale quantum technologies are to be realized over the next decades, then individual ion trap nodes must become standardized off-the-shelf components.

ColdQuanta, the University of Oxford, and the NQCC will develop and produce a high-performance, miniature, and self-contained ion trap system. By integrating Oxford's microfabricated 3D radio-frequency trap into ColdQuanta's miniature vacuum packaging, a new route for delivering ion traps can be exploited commercially. The NQCC will further investigate use-cases for miniature packaged systems and provide input into the design and development process ensuring alignmentwith their roadmap for building quantum computing infrastructure in the UK, covering both hardware and associated supply chains.