Large-scale ion-trap quantum computing systems inch closer to reality with US' new breakthrough

Researchers at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory have trapped and manipulated ions using in-vacuum cryoelectronics. The approach replaces some room-temperature controls with a chip mounted inside the cryogenic environment. It allows reduced thermal noise and improved sensitivity while performing functions such as moving individual ions and holding them at set positions. The team described the proof-of-principle experiment as an important advancement toward large-scale ion-trap quantum computing systems. Fermilab-developed cryoelectronics were integrated into the MIT Lincoln Laboratory ion-trap platform to test reliability under extreme cold temperatures. Researchers measured the effects of electronic noise in the redesigned system. The project resulted from collaboration between the Quantum Science Center, led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Quantum Systems Accelerator, led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Sandia National Laboratories led the effort within the Quantum Systems Accelerator. Travis Humble, director of the Quantum Science Center, said the research integrates capabilities in quantum technologies to deliver a new direction for scalable ion trap quantum computing using cryoelectronic control chips. Farah Fahim, head of Fermilab's Microelectronics Division, said the demonstration shows that low-power cryoelectronics can work inside ion-trap systems. Future work will connect the electronics directly with the ion-trap chips to increase efficiency and support larger arrays.