Beryllium/calcium ion chains for open-system quantum simulations
Prof. Jonathan Home (ETA Zürich, Schweiz)

I will describe an experimental setup for investigating open-system dynamics using calcium and beryllium ions. This system allows perfect independent control of different species through spectral addressing, and the ions can be coupled together through their mutual Coulomb interaction. This provides a flexible setting for quantum information and simulations of open quantum systems. Our experimental setup features a multi-zone trap specifically designed for working with ions of different masses, and a two-colour imaging system which allows simultaneous readout of both species. We have demonstrated co-trapping, cooling and detection of the two ion species, and implemented full quantum state control and ground state cooling of a calcium qubit using a narrow-linewidth laser at 729 nm. I will also briefly describe two additional experiments which are investigating ultra-fast motional state control through switched potentials and novel fabrication techniques respectively.