Michigan State University
Department of Physics & Astronomy

Spring Semester 2006 Colloquium
February 2, 2006

Quantum networks of trapped ions

Christopher Monroe
University of Michigan

While trapped atomic ions are ideal quantum information memories, the next generation ion trap experiments will transport and distribute trapped ion qubits to generate truly large-scale entangled quantum states. I will discuss several options for networking trapped ion qubits, along with state-of-the-art experimental progress. This includes the use of phonons between ions in a Coulomb crystal, the physical shuttling of ions throughout complex and microfabricated ion trap structures, the coupling of remote ions through photons, and perhaps even the use of a cold (neutral) atomic gas.