Summary
The scalability of quantum processors is limited by current error rates for single-qubit gates. By encoding more than a single bit of information within a single ion, multi-level “qudits” offer a promising method of increasing the information density within a quantum processor, and therefore minimizing the number of gates and associated error rates. In this project we seek to improve the capabilities of trapped ion quantum processors, implementing all of the basic tools required to perform quantum information processing with multi-level qudits. To-date there have been few experimental efforts directed towards this area and many of the basic operations – such as reliably distinguishing among all possible basis states in a single-shot measurement or performing deterministic entangling gates – have not yet been demonstrated. In this project, we will design and construct a laser system that will be used to perform coherent operations, and to implement and characterize high-fidelity single-qudit gates. These will form some of the world’s first laboratory demonstrations of quantum computing with multi-level qudits. Because our approach will allow more information to be encoded with fewer qudits, and folds some of the complexity of a given algorithm into the non-entangling operations, there is reason to believe that the use of multi-level qudits could bring dramatic improvements to the scalability of quantum processors.
Related Content

Developing Tools for Quantum Characterization and Validation
Summary Coherence is essential for quantum computation; yet it introduces a unique sensitivity to any imperfections in hardware design, control systems, and the operating environment. Overcoming these sensitivities requires a hierarchy of strategies, ranging from optimization of the hardware architecture to software solutions including quantum error correction. Randomized Benchmarking Protocols are an important family of […]
October 3, 2017

Composite Superconductors for Improved Quantum Coherence
Summary Conventional superconductors have trouble performing well in magnetic fields required for electron spin resonance (ESR) – based quantum information processing applications. We can, however, use proximity engineering to select desired properties from different materials and combine them for improved superconducting performance in magnetic fields — an improvement that would have strong implications for […]
December 12, 2018

Molecular Scale Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Through its phenomenal ability to image soft tissues, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized both clinical medicine and research biomedicine.
September 9, 2016

Quantum Computational Resources in the Presence of Symmetry
Summary Fault-tolerance is essential to the performance of quantum technologies, but known schemes are extremely resource intensive. Thus, improving existing schemes or inventing new schemes is of central importance. This joint project is based on the realization that fault-tolerance schemes make use of symmetries in fundamental ways, and that studying the problem of fault tolerance […]
March 13, 2019