Trapped ions are an attractive system for implementing quantum computing because of their extremely weak interactions with the environment, which allows the preservation of quantum coherence over many seconds. Techniques for small-scale ion-trap quantum computing have already been demonstrated and used in tests of quantum protocols. In my lab, we have trapped and laser cooled crystals of a few Yb+ ions to be used as a quantum memory. For cooling with our UV laser, we have demonstrated absolute laser frequency stabilization to ions in a separate discharge cell for the first time, achieving stability better than 1 MHz over a day. This method may have wide-ranging applications in remote sensing and plasma diagnostics. In work toward ion-photon quantum interfacing, we have also shown that microfabricated phase Fresnel lenses can achieve diffraction-limited performance and subwavelength spot size in a configuration compatible with ion trapping. Fabrication of lens arrays on a single substrate will enable highly parallel readout of an ion-trap quantum computer.

Location:
Slade Lecture Theatre
School of Physics A28
Physics Road
University of Sydney
Enquiries: Andrew Hopkins (9351 7688) or

Cake will be provided from 3pm in the lecture theatre.

Links for other colloquiums organized in the Sydney region:

• USyd Applied Maths Seminar
• UNSW School of Physics
• Australia Telescope National Facility
• Anglo-Australian Observatory