Angstrom Ion Confinement Assembly for Scalable Quantum Trapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The scalability of harnessing many trapped ions for quantum computing is challenging due to the requirement for large-scale, expensive instruments and multiple laser systems.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for angstrom confinement of trapped ions using an angstrom confinement assembly with spacers defining angstrom conduits, where water molecules and ionic compounds are received in a first reservoir, and an electric field is applied to separate positive ions from negative ions, which are then trapped in the angstrom conduits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional laser-cooled trapped ions systems are used, then quantum computational fidelity is maintained, but system size and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantum computational fidelityVSAvoidsystem footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/optical trapping system (requiring multiple laser systems and large instruments) with an electrochemical system using angstrom-scale conduits. The confinement mechanism shifts from laser cooling and magnetic trapping to electrostatic confinement of ions within nanoscale channels, dramatically reducing system footprint while maintaining quantum coherence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the confinement scale from micrometer/millimeter scale traditional traps to angstrom-scale (10^-10 meter) conduits. This extreme parameter change in confinement dimension enables multiple ions to be trapped in a much smaller volume, reducing the overall system footprint by several orders of magnitude

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser systems are deployed for trapped ion quantum computing, then quantum operations can be performed, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantum computational capabilityVSAvoidnumber of laser systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The angstrom-scale conduits serve multiple functions simultaneously: they confine ions, provide quantum operations interface, and enable scalable integration. This single structure replaces the need for multiple specialized laser systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining quantum computational versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the quantum computing system into modular angstrom-scale confinement units that can be replicated and scaled. Each conduit acts as an independent quantum processing unit, allowing systematic expansion of computational capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If angstrom confinement is implemented, then system footprint is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem footprintVSAvoidconduit dimension control

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs atomically thin film structures (such as graphene or other 2D materials) to form the angstrom-scale conduit walls. These thin films can be precisely controlled at the atomic level during fabrication, enabling the required manufacturing precision for angstrom-scale dimensions through advanced materials science rather than traditional machining

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables a scalable infrastructure for multiple trapped-ion platforms, allowing for high-fidelity and coherent quantum computational tasks with a relatively small footprint compared to existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

when the electric field is not applied, water molecules flow into the angstrom conduits due to capillary forces to confine the positive ions in the angstrom conduits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary forces: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the first electrode and the second electrode receive an electric field such that, when the electric field is applied, positive ions of the ionic compounds are separated from negative ions of the ionic compounds by inducing the positive ions to flow through the angstrom conduits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS12330118B2System and method for angstrom confinement of trapped ions

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 MITRA SUSHANTA

AI summary

There is provided a system and method for angstrom confinement of trapped ions. The method including: receiving water molecules and ionic compounds in a first reservoir, an angstrom confinement assembly is positioned between the first reservoir and a second reservoir, the angstrom confinement assembly defining angstrom conduits; and repeatedly applying an electric field across a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode on a same side of the angstrom confinement assembly as the first reservoir and the second electrode on a same side of the angstrom confinement assembly as the second reservoir, the electric field applied such that, when the electric field is applied, positive ions of the ionic compounds are induced to flow through the angstrom conduits, and wherein, when the electric field is not applied, water molecules flow into the angstrom conduits due to capillary forces to confine the positive ions in the angstrom conduits.