The current state of quantum information experiments using trapped ions is summarized. A brief review of the physics of ion traps is provided along with an explanation of methods used to realize quantum logic operations. Some recent applications of these operations are discussed, along with prospects for further development.
The use of trapped atomic ions in the field of quantum information processing is briefly reviewed. We summarize the basic mechanisms required for logic gates and the use of the gates in demonstrating simple algorithms. We discuss the potential of trapped ions to reach fault-tolerant error levels in a large-scale system, and highlight some of the problems that will be faced in achieving this goal. Possible near-term applications in applied and basic science, such as in metrology and quantum simulation, are briefly discussed.
Quantum-logic techniques for state preparation, manipulation, and non-destructive interrogation are increasingly being adopted for experiments on single molecular ions confined in traps. The ability to control molecular ions on the quantum level via a co-trapped atomic ion offers intriguing possibilities for new experiments in the realms of precision spectroscopy, quantum information processing, cold chemistry, and quantum technologies with molecules. The present article gives an overview of the basic experimental methods, recent developments and prospects in this field.
The role of trapped atomic ions in the field of quantum information processing is briefly reviewed. We discuss some of the historical developments that enabled ions to enter the field and then summarize the basic mechanisms required for logic gates and the use of the gates in demonstrating simple algorithms. We describe potential pathways to reach fault-tolerant error levels and large-scale devices, and highlight some of the main problems that will be faced in achieving these goals. Possible near-term applications in applied and basic science, such as in metrology and quantum simulation, are discussed.
The current status of studies in the physics of entangled states of atomic systems — an interdisciplinary field involving quantum optics, quantum information, and the foundations of quantum mechanics — is reviewed. In the first part of the review, an introduction to the theory of entangled states is given, their properties and applications are described. In the second part, experiments on the creation and detection of entangled states in atomic systems are discussed along with associated experimental proposals for their refinement. Today's most advanced experimental technique for creating entangled ion states in an ion trap is considered, and promising methods focussed on the analogous states of neutral atoms are analyzed.