Developing the Tools for Effective Quantum Simulation with Trapped Ions

Abstract

Atomic trapped ions serve as an excellent platform for quantum simulation and building a future quantum computer. Outlined by David Divencenzo, a viable quantum computer from trapped ions requires a well-characterized atomic qubit, adequate state initialization, long decoherence time, a universal set of gates, and communication between remote sites [\cite{DiVincenzo:2000}]. Many of these checkboxes have already been fulfilled from previous groups and will be described in the following chapters. However, if we want to perform quantum simulation, the hardware tools we use need to be improved and refined.Within in this thesis, I describe a few tools that I worked on during my tenure as a graduate student to further improve quantum simulation. I discuss efforts towards building an optical cavity around a trapped ion site to improve DiVencenzo's last criteria of communication between remote sites. We explore the operational techniques used in our atomic quantum simulator and improve calibrations to model chemical phenomenon. Finally, I look at applying these techniques to simulate the quantum dynamics of a model molecular system. Trapped ion systems are incredibly versatile, and the possibilities are endless for their future applications. The tools outlined in this thesis help to achieve their potential, and the set the foundation for future research on quantum dynamics and understanding chemical phenomenon.