Segmented Surface Ion Trap for Precise Ion Transport Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ion trap technologies face challenges in efficiently controlling ion location, transporting ions, and manipulating ions within the trap, particularly in achieving precise quantum logic operations.

Innovation Solution

The ion trap apparatus features a surface planar design with RF rails and TT electrodes arranged into zones, including action zones for quantum logic operations and intermediary zones for ion stabilization and transport, utilizing wide and narrow TT electrodes to generate adjustable electrical potentials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional ion trap architectures are used, then ion trapping capability is achieved, but control precision over ion location and manipulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion location control precisionVSAvoidelectrode configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ion trap device is segmented into multiple functional zones (transport zone, interaction zone, storage zone) with distinct electrode configurations. Each zone has specialized electrodes optimized for its specific function, enabling precise control of ion location and manipulation while maintaining manageable overall complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the ion trap are equipped with electrodes of varying widths and configurations tailored to local requirements. The transport zone uses electrodes optimized for ion movement, while the interaction zone uses electrodes configured for quantum logic operations, achieving high precision control in each specific location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Speed

If ion transport functionality is added, then ion mobility is improved, but control precision over ion position may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion transport speedVSAvoidion position control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into transport zones with electrodes optimized for ion movement and storage zones with electrodes optimized for position control. This segmentation allows ions to be rapidly transported through dedicated transport regions while maintaining precise position control in dedicated storage regions, resolving the contradiction between transport speed and position precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If quantum logic operations are enabled, then computational capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum operation capabilityVSAvoidtrap architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Quantum logic operations are enabled in a dedicated interaction zone with specialized electrode configurations, while other zones maintain simpler architectures optimized for their specific functions. This segmentation allows quantum capabilities to be added without unnecessarily complicating the entire system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode structures are designed to serve multiple functions: the same electrodes that enable quantum logic operations in the interaction zone can also perform ion trapping and transport functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enables precise control over ion location and manipulation, facilitating efficient ion transport and quantum logic operations, thereby enhancing the performance of ion trap systems, particularly in quantum computing applications.

Implementation Method 1

An ion trap can use a combination of electrical and magnetic fields to capture one or more ions in a potential well

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

An ion trap can use a combination of electrical and magnetic fields to capture one or more ions in a potential well

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatics: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

The two or more sequences of TT electrodes are configured to be operated so as to cause an ion within the ion trap to be transported along at least a portion of a confinement region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 4

An ion trap can use a combination of electrical and magnetic fields to capture one or more ions in a potential well

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3839980B1Ion trap
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 QUANTINUUM LLC
  • EP3839980B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3839980B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3839980B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An ion trap (110) apparatus is provided. The ion trap (110) apparatus comprises two or more radio frequency (RF) rails (112A, 112B) formed with substantially parallel longitudinal axes and with substantially coplanar upper surfaces; and two or more sequences of trapping and/or transport (TT) electrodes (114A-C, 116A-C, 118A-C) with each sequence formed to extend substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes of the RF rails (112A, 112B). The two or more RF rails (112A, 112B) and the two or more sequences of TT electrodes (114A-C, 116A-C, 118A-C) define an ion trap (110). The two or more sequences of TT electrodes are arranged into a number of zones (320A, 320B, 320C, 330A, 330B). Each zone comprises wide matched groups of TT electrodes (116A-C) and at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes (118A-C). A wide TT electrode is longer and/or wider in a direction substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes of the RF (112 A, 112B) rails than a narrow TT electrode.