Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1002.0899 · Physical Review A

Optimized planar Penning traps for quantum-information studies

J. Goldman, G. Gabrielse

Published May 24, 2010• 44 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

A one-electron qubit would offer a new option for quantum information science, including the possibility of extremely long coherence times. One-quantum cyclotron transitions and spin flips have been observed for a single electron in a cylindrical Penning trap. However, an electron suspended in a planar Penning trap is a more promising building block for the array of coupled qubits needed for quantum information studies. The optimized design configurations identified here promise to make it possible to realize the elusive goal of one trapped electron in a planar Penning trap---a substantial step toward a one-electron qubit.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.81.052335

Related papers

Scalable Quantum Computing with Trapped Electrons in a Planar Penning Trap

Sugam Kumar

Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems far beyond the reach of classical computers by using the principles of superposition and entanglement. However, existing platforms face challenges such as short coherence times, interference from the environment, and difficulties in scaling up.Trapped electrons in a planar Penning trap offer a promising alternative. Unlike other qubits, electrons do not interact with nuclear spins, which helps maintain quantum states for much longer. Additionally, their strong confinement allows for fast and precise quantum operations. In our approach, electron spins serve as logical qubits, while their motional states are used for entanglement. Our setup consists of 2-dimensional array of micro-sized Penning traps fabricated on a ceramic chip, placed inside a 1T superconducting magnet and cooled in a dilution refrigerator to reach millikelvin temperatures. This extreme cooling reduces unwanted motion and makes it possible to entangle electron spins and perform quantum gates with high accuracy. At Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, India, we are developing a prototype planar Penning trap. This new system offers a stable, scalable, and high-coherence platform for quantum computing.

Journal of Material Sciences & Manfacturing Research•Oct 30, 2025•0 citations

Single Electrons in a Dual-Plane Printed-Circuit-Board Penning Trap

Zirui Fang, Benedict A. D. Sukra, Xing Fan

We demonstrate single-electron trapping and detection in a two-dimensionally scalable dual-plane printed-circuit-board Penning trap. We characterize deterministic electron loading, axial damping, axial temperature, and collision-induced magnetron-radius growth at low magnetic fields. These results establish a practical platform for planar Penning traps and identify key next steps toward applications in quantum information science.

quant-pharXiv:2606.28078•Jun 29, 2026•0 citations

Progress Toward a Single-Electron Qubit in an Optimized Planar Penning Trap

Melissa Wessels

This thesis summarizes two ongoing experiments. The primary focus is on progress towards realizing a single-electron qubit in a scalable, planar Penning trap geometry. Two simultaneously trapped electrons were observed, significant progress over previous attempts by others. The second topic is a review of work leading up to and following our laboratory's first production of cold antihydrogen atoms in 2002.

•Aug 15, 2019•0 citations

High-Harmonicity Planar Penning Traps for Single-Electron Qubits

Kedar Mal, A. N. Agnihotri, Sugam Kumar +2 more

We present a detailed account of the design choices required for planar Penning traps that feature a highly harmonic confining potential. High harmonicity is indispensable for a number of applications, particularly for confinement of single electrons as qubits in quantum-information processing. The present work extends previous studies [D. Goldmann and G. Gabrielse, Phys. Rev. A 81, 052335 (2010)] by a fully analytic treatment of finite electrode gaps and their relevance for small traps on the millimetre size scale and below, when relative gap sizes are non-negligible. We derive the overall trap potential with a particular focus on different models of finite-gap potentials and show how to find the optimum trap geometry and electrode voltages to minimize anharmonicities. The analytic calculations are compared with detailed finite-element simulations.

quant-pharXiv:2608.17984•Aug 19, 2026•0 citations

Experimental and theoretical challenges for the trapped electron quantum computer

Irene Marzoli, P. Tombesi, Giacomo Ciaramicoli +11 more

We discuss quantum information processing with trapped electrons. After recalling the operation principle of planar Penning traps we sketch the experimental conditions to load, cool and detect single electrons. Here we present a detailed investigation of a scalable scheme including feasibility studies and the analysis of all important elements, relevant for the experimental stage. On the theoretical side, we discuss different methods to couple electron qubits. We estimate the relevant qubit coherence times and draw implications for the experimental setting. A critical assessment of quantum information processing with trapped electrons is concluding the article.

arXiv:0810.4408•Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics•Jul 15, 2009•33 citations

Array of planar Penning traps as a nuclear magnetic resonance molecule for quantum computation

Giacomo Ciaramicoli, Fernando Galve, Irene Marzoli +1 more

An array of planar Penning traps, holding single electrons, can realize an artificial molecule suitable for NMR-like quantum-information processing. The effective spin-spin coupling is accomplished by applying a magnetic field gradient, combined to the Coulomb interaction acting between the charged particles. The system lends itself to scalability, since the same substrate can easily accommodate an arbitrary number of traps. Moreover, the coupling strength is tunable and under experimental control. Our theoretical predictions take into account a realistic setting, within the reach of current technology.

arXiv:quant-ph/0509113•Physical Review A•Oct 24, 2005•21 citations
A one-electron qubit would offer a new option for quantum information science, including the possibility of extremely long coherence times. One-quantum cyclotron transitions and spin flips have been observed for a single electron in a cylindrical Penning trap. However, an electron suspended in a planar Penning trap is a more promising building block for the array of coupled qubits needed for quantum information studies. The optimized design configurations identified here promise to make it possible to realize the elusive goal of one trapped electron in a planar Penning trap---a substantial step toward a one-electron qubit.
Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems far beyond the reach of classical computers by using the principles of superposition and entanglement. However, existing platforms face challenges such as short coherence times, interference from the environment, and difficulties in scaling up.Trapped electrons in a planar Penning trap offer a promising alternative. Unlike other qubits, electrons do not interact with nuclear spins, which helps maintain quantum states for much longer. Additionally, their strong confinement allows for fast and precise quantum operations. In our approach, electron spins serve as logical qubits, while their motional states are used for entanglement. Our setup consists of 2-dimensional array of micro-sized Penning traps fabricated on a ceramic chip, placed inside a 1T superconducting magnet and cooled in a dilution refrigerator to reach millikelvin temperatures. This extreme cooling reduces unwanted motion and makes it possible to entangle electron spins and perform quantum gates with high accuracy. At Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, India, we are developing a prototype planar Penning trap. This new system offers a stable, scalable, and high-coherence platform for quantum computing.
We present a detailed account of the design choices required for planar Penning traps that feature a highly harmonic confining potential. High harmonicity is indispensable for a number of applications, particularly for confinement of single electrons as qubits in quantum-information processing. The present work extends previous studies [D. Goldmann and G. Gabrielse, Phys. Rev. A 81, 052335 (2010)] by a fully analytic treatment of finite electrode gaps and their relevance for small traps on the millimetre size scale and below, when relative gap sizes are non-negligible. We derive the overall trap potential with a particular focus on different models of finite-gap potentials and show how to find the optimum trap geometry and electrode voltages to minimize anharmonicities. The analytic calculations are compared with detailed finite-element simulations.
We discuss quantum information processing with trapped electrons. After recalling the operation principle of planar Penning traps we sketch the experimental conditions to load, cool and detect single electrons. Here we present a detailed investigation of a scalable scheme including feasibility studies and the analysis of all important elements, relevant for the experimental stage. On the theoretical side, we discuss different methods to couple electron qubits. We estimate the relevant qubit coherence times and draw implications for the experimental setting. A critical assessment of quantum information processing with trapped electrons is concluding the article.
An array of planar Penning traps, holding single electrons, can realize an artificial molecule suitable for NMR-like quantum-information processing. The effective spin-spin coupling is accomplished by applying a magnetic field gradient, combined to the Coulomb interaction acting between the charged particles. The system lends itself to scalability, since the same substrate can easily accommodate an arbitrary number of traps. Moreover, the coupling strength is tunable and under experimental control. Our theoretical predictions take into account a realistic setting, within the reach of current technology.