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arXiv:2501.14957 · Quantum

Qubit operations using a modular optical system engineered with PyOpticL: a code-to-CAD optical layout tool

Jacob Myers, Christopher Caron, Nishat Helaly, Zhenyu Wei, Justin Oh, Zack Gotobed, Kotaro Yabe, Robert Niffenegger

Published Jun 15, 2026• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Complex optical design is hindered by conventional piecewise setup, which prevents modularization and therefore abstraction of subsystems at the circuit level. This limits multiple fields that require complex optics systems, including quantum computing with atoms and trapped ions, because their optical systems are not scalable. We present an open-source Python library for optical layout (PyOpticL) which uses beam-path simulation and dynamic beam-path routing for quick and easy optical layout by placing optical elements along the beam path without a priori specification, enabling adaptive, path-based layouts with automatic routing and connectivity. We use PyOpticL to create modular `drop-in' optical baseplates for common optical subsystems used in atomic and molecular optics (AMO) experiments including laser sources, frequency and intensity modulation, and locking to an atomic reference for stabilization. We demonstrate this minimal working example of a dynamic full laser system for strontium trapped ions by using it for laser cooling, qubit state detection, and over 99% fidelity single-qubit gates with 3D printed baseplates. This enables a new paradigm of design abstraction layers for engineering optical systems leveraging modular baseplates, as they can be used for any wavelength in the system and enables scaling up the underlying optical systems for quantum computers. This new open-source hardware and software code-to-CAD library seeks to foster open-source collaborative hardware and systems design across numerous fields of research including AMO physics and quantum computing with neutral atoms and trapped ions.

DOI
10.22331/q-2026-06-15-2135

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Scholarly review .•Oct 3, 2025•0 citations
Complex optical design is hindered by conventional piecewise setup, which prevents modularization and therefore abstraction of subsystems at the circuit level. This limits multiple fields that require complex optics systems, including quantum computing with atoms and trapped ions, because their optical systems are not scalable. We present an open-source Python library for optical layout (PyOpticL) which uses beam-path simulation and dynamic beam-path routing for quick and easy optical layout by placing optical elements along the beam path without a priori specification, enabling adaptive, path-based layouts with automatic routing and connectivity. We use PyOpticL to create modular `drop-in' optical baseplates for common optical subsystems used in atomic and molecular optics (AMO) experiments including laser sources, frequency and intensity modulation, and locking to an atomic reference for stabilization. We demonstrate this minimal working example of a dynamic full laser system for strontium trapped ions by using it for laser cooling, qubit state detection, and over 99% fidelity single-qubit gates with 3D printed baseplates. This enables a new paradigm of design abstraction layers for engineering optical systems leveraging modular baseplates, as they can be used for any wavelength in the system and enables scaling up the underlying optical systems for quantum computers. This new open-source hardware and software code-to-CAD library seeks to foster open-source collaborative hardware and systems design across numerous fields of research including AMO physics and quantum computing with neutral atoms and trapped ions.
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Trapped-ion quantum computing relies on lasers and optical setups for state preparation, quantum gate operation and measurement. However, these setups are complex, and the conventional piece wise set up often hinders the rapid progress of the field. Here, we present a fully modular and programmatically designed system for AMO experiments. The system generates modular baseplates which act as building blocks of different optical sub systems. We have used it to build optical subsystems for applications like Doppler Cooling, laser locking, and quantum gate operations. It also includes an external cavity diode laser (ECDL) that is low-cost, minimally machined, where the only machined component is defined by two parameters: wavelength and grating number and can be made using 3D printer. It has been used to demonstrated Doppler-free spectrum of Rb at 421.6 nm. The ECDL shows stable frequency locking for over an hour with a tunability range exceeding 4.6 THz. The system was further used for successful Doppler cooling and detection of Sr88+ ions. Finally, we have used it to do single qubit gate for Sr88+ trapped ion. We have done Raman transition of Zeeman qubit with two slightly detuned lasers (16.8MHz apart) from the same ECDL. Our result shows 99.9% gate fidelity for single qubit operation and magnetic field noise limited coherence times of 550 µs.
Among the various physical systems considered for scalable quantum information processing (QIP), individually trapped ions or neutral atoms have emerged as promising candidates. Recent experiments using these systems have demonstrated the basic building blocks required for a useful quantum computer. In many of these experiments, precisely tuned lasers control and manipulate the quantum bit (qubit) represented in the electronic energy levels of the ion or atom. Scaling these systems to the necessary number of qubits needed for meaningful calculations, requires the development of scalable optical technology capable of delivering laser resources across an array of ions or atoms. That scalable technology is currently not available. In this dissertation, I will report on the development, design, characterization, and implementation of an optical beam steering system utilizing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Highly optimized micromirrors enable fast reconfiguration of multiple laser beam paths which can accommodate a range of wavelengths. Employing micromirrors with a broadband metallic coating, our system has the flexibility to simultaneously control multiple beams covering a wide range of wavelengths. The reconfiguration of two independent beams at different wavelengths (780 and 635 nm) across a common 5x5 array of target sites is reported along with micromirror switching times as fast as 4 us. The optical design of the system minimizes residual intensity at neighboring sites to less than 40 dB below the peak intensity. Integration of a similar system into a neutral atom QIP experiment is reported where 5 individually trapped atoms are selectively manipulated through single qubit rotations with a single laser source. This demonstration represents the first application of MEMS technology in scalable QIP laser addressing.
Abstract Practical and useful quantum information processing requires substantial improvements with respect to current systems, both in the error rates of basic operations and in scale. The fundamental qualities of individual trapped-ion1 qubits are promising for long-term systems2, but the optics involved in their precise control are a barrier to scaling3. Planar-fabricated optics integrated within ion-trap devices can make such systems simultaneously more robust and parallelizable, as suggested by previous work with single ions4. Here we use scalable optics co-fabricated with a surface-electrode ion trap to achieve high-fidelity multi-ion quantum logic gates, which are often the limiting elements in building up the precise, large-scale entanglement that is essential to quantum computation. Light is efficiently delivered to a trap chip in a cryogenic environment via direct fibre coupling on multiple channels, eliminating the need for beam alignment into vacuum systems and cryostats and lending robustness to vibrations and beam-pointing drifts. This allows us to perform ground-state laser cooling of ion motion and to implement gates generating two-ion entangled states with fidelities greater than 99.3(2) per cent. This work demonstrates hardware that reduces noise and drifts in sensitive quantum logic, and simultaneously offers a route to practical parallelization for high-fidelity quantum processors5. Similar devices may also find applications in atom- and ion-based quantum sensing and timekeeping6.
Ion traps and optical tweezers have emerged as highly promising technologies in the development of quantum computing, enabling precise control over qubits through electromagnetic and optical confinement. This paper explores the fundamental principles, advantages, and limitations of ion traps, including Paul and Penning configurations, and evaluates their role in modern quantum architectures. Particular emphasis is placed on coherence time, fidelity, and all-to-all connectivity, which make trapped ions a leading qubit candidate despite challenges in scalability and optical complexity. The work also examines optical tweezers, which use tightly focused laser beams to trap and manipulate ions and atoms with high precision, facilitating scalable arrays of qubits. Furthermore, hybrid traps that integrate optical tweezers with Paul traps are discussed as promising solutions to mitigate Radio-Frequency (RF) micromotion and enhance stability for cold ion–atom systems. Python-based simulations are presented to illustrate ion dynamics under Brownian motion, electric fields, and Gaussian laser traps, demonstrating how trap strength directly affects oscillation amplitude and confinement. Results confirm that stronger optical potentials reduce oscillation amplitude, while weaker traps lead to ion escape, aligning with theoretical predictions. Overall, this study highlights how the interplay of electromagnetic and optical techniques advances the frontier of quantum information science, with direct implications for computation, communication, and simulation.