DOE national quantum research centers reach breakthrough towards building scalable quantum computers

Researchers at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory have successfully trapped and manipulated ions using in vacuum cryoelectronics. This approach reduces thermal noise and improves sensitivity. The result is a proof of principle experiment. The demonstration advances efforts toward large scale ion trap quantum computing systems. Collaboration between the Quantum Science Center led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Quantum Systems Accelerator led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory made the project possible. Sandia National Laboratories led the effort within the Quantum Systems Accelerator in collaboration with MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Leaders from both centers jointly supported the demonstration. They recognized the complementary expertise of Fermilab and MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Travis Humble, director of the Quantum Science Center, said this remarkable research integrates state of the art capabilities in quantum technologies to deliver an exciting new direction for scalable ion trap quantum computing using cryoelectronic control chips.