Scalable quantum computing with Penning traps

Tobias Sägesser

CTO/Co-Founder @ZuriQ AG

Abstract

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Operations on quantum information encoded in atomic ions can be performed with remarkably low error rates, enabling the quantum computers with the highest quantum volume to date. However, scaling trapped-ion platforms to the large number of qubits required for practical quantum computation has been challenging.
We have proposed [1] a more scalable platform, where ions are confined only with static electric and magnetic fields. Compared to the more commonplace approach of using radio-frequency trapping fields, ions in such a Penning trap architecture can be freely rearranged, do not require complicated structures to achieve 2-d ion arrays and trap chips are more compatible with standard semiconductor foundries. We are in the process of demonstrating this new platform, having already shown initial trapping, good control over spin and motion of a single ion [2] as well as rearrangement of an ion in 2-d and 3-d for the purpose of sensing [3]. Recently, we have also trapped a 2×2 array of ions for the first time.
At the same time, we have launched our spin-off company ZuriQ to commercialize this technology and are currently building our first prototype.

References

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• [1] Jain et al, PRX 10, 031027 (2020)
• [2] Jain, Sägesser et al, Nature 627, (2024)
• [3] Sägesser, Jain et al, arXiv:2412.17528 (2024)