Bigger and better quantum computers are possible with new ion trap dubbed the Enchilada

Sandia National Laboratories has successfully developed the Enchilada Trap, a cutting-edge ion trap that is essential for advancing the field of quantum computing. This new device enables the construction of more powerful quantum computers, potentially leading to groundbreaking breakthroughs.

In July, Duke University received several Enchilada Traps from Sandia for analysis and testing. Both institutions are research partners through the Quantum Systems Accelerator, a leading Quantum Information Science Research Center in the United States.

An ion trap, also known as a microchip, is responsible for holding electrically charged atoms or ions. By increasing the number of trapped ions, or qubits, a quantum computer can perform more complex algorithms.

The Enchilada Trap has the capacity to store and transport up to 200 qubits, a significant improvement from Sandia’s previous Roadrunner Trap, which had a maximum of 32 qubits. These traps are produced at Sandia’s advanced Microsystems Engineering, Science, and Applications fabrication facility.

According to Daniel Stick, a prominent scientist at Sandia and a leading researcher with the Quantum Systems Accelerator, a quantum computer with up to 200 qubits, combined with current error rates, may not surpass the computational capabilities of a conventional computer for solving practical problems. However, it will provide researchers with the opportunity to test architectural designs with a higher qubit count, enabling the development of more sophisticated quantum algorithms for various fields such as physics, chemistry, data science, and materials science.

A Remarkable Design for the Future

Over the past 20 years, Sandia has dedicated extensive research, development, and testing to ion traps. To overcome design challenges, the team combined their institutional knowledge with innovative approaches.

One major challenge was accommodating a larger number of ions and finding ways to rearrange them effectively. The team came up with a solution in the form of a branching network of electrodes, resembling a family tree or tournament bracket. Each narrow branch serves as a storage and transportation space for ions.

Sandia had previously explored similar junctions in their earlier trap designs, and Stick believes that the branching architecture is currently the most effective solution for rearranging trapped ion qubits. It is anticipated that future versions of the trap, including larger ones, will feature a similar design.

Another concern was the dissipation of electrical power in the Enchilada Trap, which could lead to increased outgassing from surfaces, a higher risk of electrical breakdown, and elevated levels of electrical field noise. To address this issue, the production specialists developed new microscopic features to reduce the capacitance of specific electrodes.

“Our team is always looking ahead,” said Zach Meinelt, the lead integrator on the project at Sandia. “We collaborate with scientists and engineers to understand the future technology, features, and performance improvements they will require. We then design and fabricate traps to meet those needs and continuously seek ways to enhance them.”

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