Fabrication techniques for laser ablation targets using epoxy matrix as source of atoms and molecules.

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for use in implementing and / or operating quantum information processing (QIP) systems, and more particularly to fabrication techniques for laser ablation targets used in atom sources for QIP systems based on atom-based qubits.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 287,340, filed December 8, 2021, entitled "TECHNIQUE FOR FABRICATION OF A LAS ER-ABLATION TARGET USING AN EPOXY MATRIX FOR SOURCES OF ATOMS AND MOLECULES," and U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 18 / 062,930, filed December 7, 2022, entitled "TECHNIQUE FOR FABRICATION OF A LAS ER-ABLATION TARGET USING AN EPOXY MATRIX FOR SOURCES OF ATOMS AND MOLECULES," all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH This invention was made with government support under Grant No. DE-AC0576RL01830 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for use in implementing and / or operating quantum information processing (QIP) systems, and more particularly to fabrication techniques for laser ablation targets used in atom sources for QIP systems based on atom-based qubits. [Background technology]

[0004] Trapped atoms are one of the primary implementations of quantum information processing and quantum computing. Atom-based qubits can be used as quantum memories or quantum gates in quantum computers and quantum simulators, and can act as nodes in quantum communication networks. Qubits based on trapped atomic ions possess a rare combination of properties. For example, qubits based on trapped atomic ions have exceptional coherence properties, can be fabricated and measured with near-100% efficiency, and can be easily entangled with each other by modulating the Coulomb interaction with a suitable external control field, such as light or microwave fields. These properties make atom-based qubits attractive for extended quantum operations, such as quantum computing and quantum simulation.

[0005] Furthermore, trapped-ion quantum computing typically operates on a qubit register formed by a linear array of ions confined in a Paul trap. Each physical qubit is based on two internal levels of a single ion, defined within the Zeeman or hyperfine manifold or corresponding to an optically forbidden transition. To date, qubits have been demonstrated in trapped ion hosts of all nonradioactive alkaline-earth elements. These ions have simple electronic structures that facilitate the creation, manipulation, and readout of quantum states via direct laser cooling or electromagnetic fields. Among the alkaline-earth elements, only three (Cd, Hg, and Yb) have a nuclear spin (I) = 1 / 2 and naturally occur as isotopes. Mercury and cadmium ions require lasers in the deep-ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum, making them difficult to incorporate into large-scale ion trap architectures.

[0006] 171 Yb +is widely used because it has the longest laser cooling wavelength of 370 nm. However, even at this ultraviolet wavelength, there are limitations to the use of photonics infrastructure developed for visible and infrared light. A potential solution to these limitations is the relatively stable and synthetic isotope barium-133 (t 1 / 2 = 10.5 years), which combines the benefits of many different ion qubits into one system. 133 Ba + has a nuclear spin I=1 / 2, enabling fast, robust state creation and readout of hyperfine qubits, the metastable D state allows for ultra-high fidelity readout, and the long wavelength transitions enable the use of photonic techniques developed for the visible and near-infrared spectrum.

[0007] With this in mind, it is important to develop new techniques to improve the design, fabrication, implementation, performance and / or control of various QIP systems used as quantum computers and quantum simulators, especially those that involve operations based on atom-based qubits. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all contemplated aspects, nor is it intended to identify key or critical elements of all aspects or to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] This disclosure describes various aspects of a fabrication technique for laser ablation targets used in atom sources for atom-based qubit-based QIP systems, in which laser ablation targets are fabricated using an epoxy matrix and can be used as a source of atoms and molecules.

[0010] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be employed, and the description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

[0011] A general aspect of the present invention provides a method for fabricating laser ablation targets using an epoxy matrix as a source of atoms and molecules. An exemplary method includes the steps of measuring an analyte in a receptacle and adding a known amount of one component of a multi-part epoxy, sonicating the analyte and epoxy component mixture, preparing a target substrate with the other component of the multi-part epoxy, and combining and mixing the precise amount of the mixture with the component on the target substrate and allowing it to cure.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the analyte is a source of barium.

[0013] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be employed, and the description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] The disclosed aspects are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided to illustrate, but not to limit, the disclosed aspects, where like designations refer to like elements. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating atomic ions of a linear crystal or chain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example quantum information processing (QIP) system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example computing device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing flow for a laser ablation target according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations or embodiments and is not intended to represent the only configurations or embodiments in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, one or more well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0016] Sources of specific neutral or ionized atoms and molecules, called analytes, are often required in the vapor state to characterize the analytes outside of the solid or liquid phase (e.g., by mass spectrometry) or as a means to load neutral atom, neutral molecule, and ion traps. Such traps are necessary or advantageous for scientific research, as well as for generating quantum information processing devices (e.g., quantum computers) and qubit registers for atomic and molecular clocks.

[0017] There are several standard methods for generating these sources. The most common are (1) using some type of oven to heat a sample containing the desired atoms or molecules above their vaporization temperature, or (2) irradiating the sample with intense pulses of laser light, vaporizing atoms or molecules in a small area around where the laser hits the sample. This second method is called ablation. While oven-based techniques are relatively simple, they suffer from undesirable turn-on and turn-off time due to the sample's heat capacity, which requires the source to fully heat up or cool down, respectively. Furthermore, when activated in an oven, the vapor pressure is typically an exponentially sensitive function of sample temperature, making it difficult to precisely control the amount of material evaporated from the source. This is particularly challenging for small samples that require long-lasting storage, precious or expensive analytes that must not be wasted, or samples containing radioactive / toxic analytes that must be limited in use. Oven methods also typically only generate neutral atomic or molecular sources, as opposed to ion (or plasma) sources. So it is clearly not useful when ions are desired.

[0018] Standard ablation techniques address some of the major drawbacks of oven-based methods. They only produce a source of atoms during and during the ablation laser pulse, and typically vaporize materials only in a small area near where the laser beam strikes the sample, or "target." As a result, the laser beam can be made small and finely tuned with lenses and other optical systems, allowing for quick on / off and better control of the amount of vaporized material. Ablation techniques can also produce a mixture of neutral atoms / molecules and ions, depending on the application. It should be noted that the ratio of neutrals to ions is highly dependent on many factors, including the wavelength and intensity of the ablation laser pulse and the specific molecular compounds and total mass in the sample.

[0019] Standard ablation targets are typically bulk solids composed entirely of the analyte, or molecular compounds that are fragmented to produce the desired analyte upon ablation. Despite the advantages of ablation over ovens for source materials, ablation methods have limitations. For example, when the available mass of analyte sample is limited due to cost, scarcity, acceptable radioactivity, or toxicity levels, a few ablative laser pulses (or even a single ablation pulse) can completely vaporize the target, negatively impacting the target's lifetime. Another related drawback of standard target ablation methods is that the target must be a macroscopic solid, which must be directly fixed in place and irradiated with the laser (as opposed to, for example, powders or mechanically fragile or unstable solids that may fall apart during routine handling or the ablation process itself). This severely limits the types of materials that can be used as targets. This is problematic because the analytes of interest may not always be mechanically stable and therefore completely incompatible with ablation methods.

[0020] The present disclosure describes a versatile technique for fabricating laser ablation targets (e.g., for use in connection with a source such as source 260 in FIG. 2) that eliminates the drawbacks of standard approaches that use solid bulk targets of the analyte. The present disclosure describes a method for embedding the analyte of interest in an epoxy matrix for use as an ablation target.

[0021] In general, the idea of ​​embedding materials in epoxy is not new. For example, in https: / / arxiv.org / pdf / 0706.3374.pdf, entitled "Laser ablation loading of a surface-electrode ion trap," 88 Sr +As an ion source, SrTiO3 powder was embedded in epoxy with Loctite for 5 minutes. However, the technique described here provides a method for fabricating ablation targets with the following advantages: (1) the ability to precisely control the ratio of analyte to epoxy matrix; (2) the ability to handle very small amounts of analyte; (3) the ability to incorporate analytes that are difficult or dangerous to handle in solid form; (4) the ability to tailor the specific molecular composition of the analyte to be mixed with the epoxy; and (5) the ability to mechanically attach the analyte-matrix mixture to a substrate, thereby reducing waste of analyte material. It should also be noted that this technique is general and will work with a wide range of analyte-epoxy matrix combinations, even fabricating a single target containing multiple different analytes in a single matrix.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, an ablation target manufacturing technique or process includes the following steps.

[0023] (1) The analyte of interest is placed in a container (e.g., an Eppendorf tube) from which a defined aliquot can be removed (e.g., with a pipette). If the analyte is dissolved in a liquid solution, the liquid is evaporated (at room temperature or elevated temperature), leaving the solid material in the container. The container also serves as a site for carrying out chemical reactions involving the analyte, e.g., to change the molecular form of the analyte.

[0024] As an example, if barium atoms are the desired source, the BaCl2 salt may be used directly as the analyte or may first be converted to BaCO3 by reaction of BaCl2 with (NH4)2CO3 in an Eppendorf tube.

[0025] By weighing the container both before anything is added and after only the solids remain, the total amount of analyte can be determined from knowledge of the analyte's known molecular weight.

[0026] (2) A defined, known amount of one component of a multi-part epoxy is added (e.g., via pipette) to the solid material in the container. While the exemplary embodiment assumes the use of a two-part epoxy, this technique can also be used with N-part epoxies, e.g., N≧2. When a two-part epoxy is assumed, the two parts are referred to as Part A (e.g., resin) and Part B (e.g., hardener). Again, for clarity, Part B is assumed to be the component added to the container, but more generally, the roles of Parts A and B can be interchanged or swapped.

[0027] (3) Next, the sample mixture and Part B are homogeneously mixed by ultrasonic treatment. Ultrasonic treatment means applying ultrasonic vibrations to the mixture.

[0028] (4) In some cases (depending on the specific analyte and Part B used), the analyte / Part B mixture is allowed to stand for the time required for dissolution. Some analyte / Part B mixture combinations require a significant amount of time for the analyte to completely dissolve in Part B. If complete dissolution is desired (e.g., to improve the homogeneity of the final target), the analyte / Part B mixture should be allowed to stand for a corresponding period of time. Importantly, the matrix / analyte catalyst mixture will not harden during this waiting period, since Part A has not yet been added.

[0029] (5) Next, the target substrate is prepared by depositing Part A of the epoxy onto the desired area of ​​the substrate, using a total mass of Part A adjusted to the amount of Part B used for proper epoxy curing. The amount of Part A used can be determined from the known molecular weight of the Part A material and the weight of the substrate before and after Part A is deposited. Importantly, because Part A does not cure until mixed with Part B, the amount of Part A can be precisely controlled in stages (by measuring the weight between stages). In principle, the substrate material can be any material; however, it should be one that bonds well with the particular epoxy being used. The substrate can also be designed and manufactured in any desired shape to facilitate target attachment to a laser ablation system (e.g., as part of source 260 in Figure 2).

[0030] (6) A precise amount of the Part B / analyte mixture is then removed (e.g., by pipette) from the container and combined with Part A on the substrate. Importantly, it is not necessary to use all of the Part B / analyte mixture. If desired, only a fraction can be removed, and the remainder reserved for the preparation of more targets (in the future). This is particularly advantageous when small amounts of analyte are very difficult to handle (e.g., when larger analyte / Part B mixtures are easier to prepare), but it is desirable to use only small amounts of analyte for a target. It is also important to note that since Part B is typically (or can be) a liquid, the analyte does not need to be transferred to the substrate in a completely solid form. This can be advantageous when the solid form of the analyte is mechanically unstable (e.g., when it easily breaks down into a very fine powder that can be lost during transfer).

[0031] (7) Part A and Part B / analyte are then mixed on the substrate using a fine tool (e.g., a needle) to ensure a uniform mixture and then left to cure (or cured at elevated temperatures according to the epoxy's curing procedure). Importantly, because the epoxy is mixed on the substrate, there is no need to transfer the sample after the mixing process, providing an opportunity to minimize sample loss. Otherwise, some of the sample may solidify and become stuck elsewhere during the transfer process.

[0032] (8) Next, the final target, which is a mixture of epoxy, analyte, and substrate, is weighed, and the total mass of the analyte in the target is calculated and determined.

[0033] This fabrication technique allows for measurable amounts of analyte in the target and is versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of analyte-epoxy matrix combinations. It also allows for the fabrication of ablation targets with desired geometries based on the substrate design and where and how the epoxy components are deposited on the target substrate. This technique also allows for the flexibility to select and precisely control both the total mass of the target material and the ratio of analyte to matrix, allowing the amount of analyte and the total target mass to be tailored to the desired source and its application.

[0034] In an example of an ablation target, where barium atoms are desired as the analyte, BaCl salt can be used directly as the analyte or can first be converted to BaCO as the analyte by reaction of BaCl with (NH)CO in an Eppendorf tube. In such cases, the final target will have the desired shape and include, for example, epoxy + BaCl salt + substrate, or epoxy + BaCO + substrate.

[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, 2.5 μL of epoxy Part B was added directly to the Eppendorf tube. Using the pipette used in the exemplary embodiment, the sample was drawn into the pipette tip and redistributed multiple times (e.g., approximately 50 times) into the Eppendorf tube to ensure even mixing of the salt in the epoxy. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the epoxy / BaX mixture was allowed to stand for a predetermined time (e.g., approximately two weeks) to ensure the salt dissolved in the epoxy solution. After this time, 0.25 μL of the solution was pipetted onto a titanium target containing 500 μg of Part A epoxy. Finally, in an exemplary embodiment, the finished product was left for a predetermined time on a hotplate set at a predetermined temperature, e.g., 83°C, for one day.

[0036] In a further example of an ablation target, the desired barium analyte is barium-133.

[0037] Embodiments incorporating the above-described inventions will be described in further detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 shows an example of a trapped atomic / ionic chain that can be created by combining laser ablation of an ablation target created using the above-described method of the present invention with an atomic trap. Figure 2 provides an exemplary QIP system that can be created using ions trapped in an atomic trap. Figure 3 provides an exemplary quantum computer that can be created by implementing a QIP system with a computer device. Figure 4 shows the flow of an exemplary method for creating an ablation target.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a diagram 100 of trapped atomic ions. In this diagram, a plurality of atomic ions 106 (e.g., atomic ions 106a, 106b, . . . , 106c, 106d) are trapped in a linear crystal or chain 110 using a trap (which may be located in a vacuum chamber, as shown in FIG. 2). This trap may also be referred to as an ion trap. The illustrated ion trap may be constructed or fabricated on a semiconductor substrate, a dielectric substrate, a glass die, or a wafer (also referred to as a glass substrate). The atomic ions 106 may be supplied to the trap as atomic species for ionization and confinement in chains 110.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 1, the trap includes electrodes for trapping or confining a plurality of atomic ions, laser-cooled to a nearly stationary state, in chains 110. The number of trapped atomic ions (N) is configurable, and more or fewer atomic ions may be trapped. The atomic ions may be, for example, ytterbium ions (e.g., 171 Yb + The atomic ion may be: 171 Yb + The atomic ions are illuminated with laser (optical) radiation tuned to their resonance, and the fluorescence of the atomic ions is imaged onto a camera or other type of detection device.

[0040] In this example, the atomic ions may be spaced apart by as little as 5 microns (μm), although the separation may be smaller or larger. The separation of the atomic ions is determined by the balance between external confining forces and Coulomb repulsion and need not be uniform. Furthermore, in addition to atomic ytterbium ions, neutral atoms, Rydberg atoms, different atomic ions, or different atomic ion species may also be used. The trap may be a linear RF Paul trap, although other types of confinement, including optical confinement, may also be used. Thus, confinement devices may hold, for example, ions, neutral atoms, or Rydberg atoms based on a variety of techniques, with an ion trap being one example of such a confinement device. The ion trap may also be, for example, a surface trap.

[0041] The atomic ions 106 may be provided as atoms or ions from a source (see, for example, FIG. 2 below) and manipulated as needed for capture into chains. The source may include an ablation target, and a laser may be used to provide an ablation laser pulse to the ablation target within the source, thereby releasing the atoms or ions.

[0042] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a QIP system 200 that can be constructed to operate around an atomic trap 270 and a source 260. Within a chamber 250, the source 260 supplies atomic species (e.g., a plume or flux of neutral atoms or ions) to the chamber 250 containing the trap 270. The source 260 may include an ablation target created using exemplary methods and lasers.

[0043] When atomic ions are the basis for quantum operations, the trap 270 confines atomic species once ionized (e.g., photoionized) or supplied directly as ions. As noted above, the atomic ions 106 in the chain 110 of FIG. 1 may be supplied as atoms or ions from a source 260 and supplied as needed for trapping within the chain 110.

[0044] When used to confine or trap ions, trap 270 may be referred to as an ion trap, but trap 270 may also be used to trap neutral atoms, Rydberg atoms, different atomic ions, or different atomic ion species.

[0045] QIP system 200 may include an optics and trapping controller 220 that controls various aspects of trap 270 within chamber 250, including generating signals to control trap 270, and controls the operation of a laser and optical system that provides a light beam that interacts with atoms or ions in the trap. The laser and optical system may be located at least partially within optics and trapping controller 220 and / or chamber 250. For example, the optical system within chamber 250 may refer to optical components or an optical assembly.

[0046] QIP system 200 may also include imaging system 230. Imaging system 230 may include a high-resolution imager (e.g., a CCD camera) or other type of detection device (e.g., a photomultiplier tube or PMT) for monitoring the atomic ions while they are being delivered to trap 270 and / or after they have been delivered to trap 270. In some embodiments, imaging system 230 may be implemented separately from optics and capture controller 220, although the use of fluorescence to detect, identify, and label atomic ions using image processing algorithms may require coordination with optics and capture controller 220.

[0047] The optics and capture controller 220 and / or imaging system 230 may be linked to the laser in the source 260 to control ablation laser pulses to the ablation target in the source 260 to release atoms or ions into the chamber 250 for capture by the trap 270.

[0048] QIP system 200 may include algorithm component 210 that operates with other parts of QIP system 200 to perform quantum algorithms or operations, including extended quantum computations as well as combinatorial stacks or sequences of single-qubit and / or multi-qubit (e.g., two-qubit) operations. As such, algorithm component 210 may provide instructions to various components of QIP system 200 (e.g., optics and capture controller 220) to enable the implementation of a quantum algorithm or operation. Algorithm component 210 may receive information resulting from the implementation of a quantum algorithm or operation, process the information, and / or forward the information to other components of QIP system 200 or to another device for further processing.

[0049] 2 shows a general controller 205 that can be configured to perform various control operations for QIP system 200. Control operation instructions may be stored in a memory (not shown) within general controller 205 and updated over time via a communications interface (not shown). Although general controller 205 is shown separate from QIP system 200, it may be integrated with or part of QIP system 200. General controller 205 may also include an automation and calibration controller 280 that is configured to perform various calibration, testing, and automation operations associated with QIP system 200.

[0050] QIP system 200 may also be referred to as a quantum computing system, a quantum computer, a computing device, a trapped ion system, etc. QIP system 200 may be part of a hybrid computing system in which QIP system 200 is used to perform quantum computing and quantum operations, and the hybrid computing system also includes a classical computer for performing classical computing and classical operations.

[0051] Trap 270 may be part of the processor or processing portion of QIP system 200. That is, trap 270 holds the atom-based qubits used to perform quantum operations or quantum simulations and therefore may be considered to be at the core of the processing operations of QIP system 200. At least a portion of source 260 may be implemented separately from chamber 250.

[0052] It should be understood that the various components of QIP system 200 depicted in Figure 2 are described at a high level for ease of understanding, and that such components may include one or more subcomponents, the details of which are provided below as necessary to further understand certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 3, an example of a computer system or device 300 that can be diagrammed in accordance with the QIP system described in FIG. 2 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, computer device 300 can represent, for example, a single computational device, multiple computing devices, or a distributed computational system. Computer device 300 may be configured to perform a quantum computer (e.g., a QIP system), a classical computer, or a combination of quantum and classical computer functions (sometimes referred to as hybrid functions or operations). For example, computer device 300 may be used to process information using quantum algorithms, classical computer data processing operations, or a combination of both. In some cases, the results of one set of operations (e.g., a quantum algorithm) are shared with another set of operations (e.g., classical computer data processing). A typical example of a computer device 300 implemented as a QIP system capable of performing quantum computation and quantum simulation is, for example, QIP system 200 shown in FIG. 2.

[0054] The computing device 300 may include a processor 310 for performing processing functions associated with one or more features described herein. The processor 310 may include a single or multiple processor sets or multi-core processors. Furthermore, the processor 310 may be implemented as an integrated and / or distributed processing system. The processor 310 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) 310a, one or more graphics processing units (GPUs) 310b, one or more quantum processing units (QPUs) 310c, one or more intelligent processing units (IPUs) 310d (e.g., artificial intelligence or AI processors), or a combination of some or all of these types of processors. In one aspect, the processor 310 may refer to the overall processor of the computing device 300 and may include additional processors 310 that perform more specific functions (e.g., including functions for controlling the operation of the computing device 300).

[0055] Computing device 300 may include memory 320 for storing instructions executable by processor 310 to perform operations. Memory 320 may store data for processing by processor 310 and / or data resulting from processing by processor 310. In some embodiments, for example, memory 320 may correspond to a computer-readable storage medium that stores code or instructions for performing one or more functions or operations. Like processor 310, memory 320 may refer to the overall memory of computing device 300 and may include additional memory 320 that stores instructions and / or data for more specific functions.

[0056] It should be understood that the processor 310 and memory 320 may be used in connection with different operations, including, but not limited to, operation, calculation, simulation, control, calibration, system management, and other operations of the computing device 300, including any of the methods or processes described herein.

[0057] Additionally, computing device 300 may include a communications component 330 for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more parties using hardware, software, and sendees. Communications component 330 may be used to communicate between components on computing device 300 as well as between computing device 300 and external devices, such as devices located on opposite sides of a communications network and / or devices serially or locally connected to computing device 300. For example, communications component 330 may include one or more buses and may further include transmit chain and receive chain components associated with transmitters and receivers, respectively, operable to interface with and function with external devices. Communications component 330 may also be used to receive updates regarding the operation or functionality of computing device 300.

[0058] Additionally, computing device 300 may include data storage 340, which may be any suitable combination of hardware and / or software, providing mass storage of information, databases, and programs employed in connection with the operation of computing device 300 and / or any methods or processes described herein. For example, data storage 340 may be a data repository for operating system 360 (e.g., a classical OS, a quantum OS, or both). In one embodiment, data storage 340 may include memory 320. In one embodiment, processor 310 executes operating system 360 and / or applications or programs, and memory 320 or data storage 340 may store them.

[0059] Computing device 300 may also include a user interface component 350 configured to receive input from a user of computing device 300 and further configured to generate output for presentation to the user or for provision (directly or indirectly) to another system. User interface component 350 may include one or more input devices, including, but not limited to, a keyboard, a number pad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive display, a digitizer, navigation keys, function keys, a microphone, a voice recognition component, other mechanisms capable of receiving input from a user, or any combination thereof. Additionally, user interface component 350 may include one or more output devices, including, but not limited to, a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, other mechanisms capable of presenting output to a user, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, user interface component 350 may send and / or receive messages corresponding to the operation of operating system 360. If computing device 300 is implemented as part of a cloud-based infrastructure solution, user interface component 350 may be used to enable users of the cloud-based infrastructure solution to interact with computing device 300 remotely.

[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow 400 for fabricating a laser ablation target according to aspects of the above-described methods. Flow 400 includes, in step 402, first placing a specimen in a container and measuring the amount of the specimen. Next, in step 404, the method includes adding one component of a multi-part epoxy, and in step 406, sonicating the mixture of the specimen and epoxy component. In step 408, the method includes waiting a predetermined time for the specimen to dissolve in the epoxy component, and in step 410, preparing a target substrate with the other component of the multi-part epoxy. In step 412, the method includes combining the correct or predetermined amount of the mixture with the component on the target substrate, mixing and allowing to harden in step 414, and finally measuring the total mass of the specimen in the target in step 416. Note that not all steps are always required in preparing an ablation target (e.g., waiting for the specimen to dissolve in the epoxy component or measuring the total mass of the specimen in the target may not be necessary).

[0061] The above description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and / or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. In addition, unless otherwise stated, all or a portion of any aspect and / or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and / or embodiment. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. 1. A method for manufacturing a laser ablation target using an epoxy matrix as a source of atoms and molecules, comprising: placing a specimen in a container and measuring the amount of the specimen in the container; adding a known amount of one component of a multi-part epoxy to the container; sonicating the mixture of the analyte and epoxy component; preparing a target substrate with the other component of the multi-part epoxy; compounding a set amount of the epoxy component mixture with the other component of the target substrate; mixing and allowing to cure a composite of the set amount of the epoxy component mixture and the other component of the target substrate.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising dissolving the analyte in a liquid solution and evaporating to render the analyte in a solid form.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of performing a chemical reaction in the vessel to change the molecular form of the analyte.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the multi-part epoxy is a two-part epoxy.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of allowing the mixture of the analyte and the epoxy component to stand for a period of time necessary for the analyte to dissolve in the epoxy component.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising preparing the target substrate in multiple stages.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising preparing the target substrate in a desired shape to facilitate attachment of the target substrate to a laser ablation system.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining the total mass of analytes in the target substrate.

9. The analyte is BaCl ２ or BaCO ３ The method of claim 1, wherein

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the analyte is a source of barium.

11. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the analyte is a source of barium-133.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one component of the multi-part epoxy is a resin and the other component of the multi-part epoxy is a hardener.

13. 10. A quantum information processing (QIP) system using a source of atoms or atomic ions comprising a laser ablation target made according to the method of claim 1.

14. 1. A method for manufacturing a laser ablation target, comprising: adding a first component of a multi-part epoxy to the solid specimen in the container; sonicating the specimen and the first component of the multi-part epoxy to uniformly mix the specimen and the first component; preparing a target substrate with a second component of the multi-part epoxy; complexing the homogenous mixture of the analyte and the first component with a second component of the target substrate; mixing and curing the composite of the homogenous mixture and the second component on the target substrate; and determining the total mass of the specimen by weighing the final target of the mixed and cured composite of the homogenous mixture and the second component of the target substrate.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of placing the specimen in the container and dissolving with a liquid to leave a solid specimen.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising performing a chemical reaction in the vessel to change the molecular form of the analyte.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising preparing the target substrate in multiple stages.

18. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the analyte is a source of barium-133.

19. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first component of the multi-part epoxy is a hardener and the second component of the multi-part epoxy is a resin.

20. 15. A quantum information processing (QIP) system using a source of atoms or atomic ions comprising a laser ablation target manufactured according to the method of claim 14.

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