Ion Trap Switching Device Voltage Spike Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ion trap devices in quantum computing face challenges in accurately controlling the electric field surrounding ions due to unwanted voltage fluctuations, which can lead to ion movement and heating, affecting the precision of quantum computations.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an ion trap device with a switching mechanism that includes at least one switching device with first and second switches, and a control arrangement to manage the connection between signal lines and electrodes. This mechanism decouples the electrode from the first switch before opening or closing it, reducing charge injection and voltage spikes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a simple switch is used to control the connection between signal lines and electrodes, then the device complexity is reduced, but voltage spikes and charge injection occur causing poor control precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidswitching device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device is segmented into multiple switches (first switch, second switch, third switch) arranged in a specific configuration. Each switch performs a distinct function: the first switch controls signal line connection, the second switch controls electrode connection, and the third switch provides discharge path control. This segmentation allows precise control of voltage transitions while managing device complexity through functional specialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The third switch is activated in advance to provide a discharge path for the capacitor before the first switch opens. This preliminary action prevents voltage spikes by ensuring the capacitor can discharge its charge through the third switch rather than creating a sudden voltage change when the first switch opens. The control arrangement coordinates the switching sequence to execute this preliminary discharge action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively reduces voltage spikes and charge injection, leading to more precise control over the electric field and ion position, thereby enhancing the accuracy and stability of quantum computations in ion trap devices.

Implementation Method 1

reducing charge injection and voltage spikes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge injection:

Implementation Method 2

accurate control of the E-fields created by the electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field control: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP4571597A1An ion trap device having a switching device
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • EP4571597A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4571597A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4571597A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An electrode interface for driving an electrode of a quantum circuit in a trapped ion quantum computer. The electrode is selectively connectable to at least one signal line. Each signal line is connected to an intermediate node by a respective first switch. The intermediate node is connected to the electrode by a second switch. A buffer capacitor couples the intermediate node to a ground or reference voltage. To disconnect a signal line from the electrode, the second switch is opened, to effectively decouple the first switch(es) from the intermediate node, before the first switch connected to the relevant signal line is opened.