Novel Methods in Trapped-Ion Quantum Computing: Single-Photon-Sensitive Time-Resolving Camera, Sympathetic Cooling, and Qutrit

Abstract

Qubit state detection and ion imaging is an important part of quantum computation. Here we demonstrate the use of Tpx3cam, a novel single-photon sensitive camera, in trapped ion experiments. We perform detection of the multiple-qubit state as well as observation of micromotion in a linear ion chain. We show the possibility to use this camera to study collective effects in quantum jumps. Another part of this thesis is dedicated to studying sympathetic cooling of the radial ion motion in a linear RF trap in mixed barium-ytterbium chains. In this case, barium ions are Doppler-cooled, while ytterbium ions are cooled through their interaction with the cold barium ions. We study the mechanics of the cooling and demonstrate efficient sympathetic cooling of all radial normal modes for the trap aspect ratio of approximately 2.9. Utilizing some of the hardware used for studying sympathetic cooling, we discuss the possibility to realize quantum simulations 138Ba+.