Quantum computer based on manipulation of ion chains

Abstract

The use of multiple ion chains in a single ion trap for quantum information processing (QIP) systems is described. Each chain can have its own set of laser beams with which to implement and operate quantum gates within that chain, where each chain may therefore correspond to a single quantum computing register or core. Operations can be performed in parallel across all of these chains as they can be treated independently from each other. To implement and operate quantum gates between different chains, neighboring chains are merged into a single, larger chain, in which one can perform quantum gates between any of the ions in the larger chain. The combined chains can then be separated again by another shuttling event as needed. To implement and operate quantum gates between ions which do not occupy neighboring chains, swap gates can be used via a sequence of intervening chains.

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