Patent Description:
An ion trap can use a combination of electrical and magnetic fields to capture one or more ions in a potential well. Ions can be trapped for a number of purposes, which may include mass spectrometry, research, and/or controlling quantum states, for example. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation many deficiencies of such prior ion traps have been solved by developing solutions that are structured in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, many examples of which are described in detail herein. <NPL>, relates to the development and testing of a new architecture for microfabricated ion traps, built around ball-grid array (BGA) connections, that is suitable for increasingly complex trap designs. <CIT> relates to methods, devices, and systems for positional control of ions in an ion trap. <NPL>, relates to time generation of ion routing that separates the algorithm description from the physical geometry of the hardware. <NPL> relates to a selection of trap architectures currently in use by the community. <CIT> relates to methods and apparatuses for ion manipulations, including ion trapping, transfer, and mobility separations, using traveling waves (TW) formed by continuous alternating current (AC). <CIT> relates to methods and apparatus for providing trapped atomic ion quantum bits.

The present invention relates to an ion trap apparatus according to the appended claims. Example embodiments provide ion trap apparatuses, quantum computers comprising ion trap apparatuses, and/or quantum computer systems comprising ion trap apparatuses.

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

According to the invention, each zone comprises two wide matched groups of TT electrodes and the at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes is disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes. In an example embodiment, each wide TT electrode of the wide matched groups of TT electrodes is at least approximately twice as wide as a narrow TT electrode of the at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes in the direction substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes of the RF rails. In an example embodiment, (a) the number of zones comprises at least one action zone and at least one intermediary zone, (b) the at least one action zone is configured for an action to be performed on at least one ion within the at least one action zone, and (c) the at least one intermediary zone is configured for stabilizing the at least one ion within the intermediary zone and/or enabling transport of the at least one ion through at least a portion of the intermediary zone. In an example embodiment, the at least one action comprises at least one of (a) interacting at least two ions within the ion trap or (b) acting on at least one ion within the ion trap with a manipulation source. In an example embodiment, the manipulation source is one of at least one laser beam or at least one microwave field. In an example embodiment, the at least one action zone is configured to have a quantum logic gate performed on an ion within the at least one action zone. In an example embodiment, the at least one action zone comprises three narrow matched groups of TT electrodes disposed between two wide matched groups of TT electrodes. In an example embodiment, the at least one action zone comprises a plurality of narrow matched groups of TT electrodes that are configured to generate an electrical potential that may be adjusted from a single well potential to a multiple well potential within the at least one action zone. In an example embodiment, the at least one intermediary zone comprises one narrow matched group of TT electrodes disposed between two wide matched groups of TT electrodes. In an example embodiment, the at least one action zone comprises at least two action zones and the at least one intermediary zone is disposed between the at least two action zones. In an example embodiment, the plurality of zones comprises at least one storage zone. In an example embodiment, the at least one storage zone comprises at least three narrow matched groups of TT electrodes disposed between two wide matched groups of TT electrodes.

In an example embodiment, the ion trap apparatus further comprises a loading zone configured for loading ions into the ion trap. In an example embodiment, (a) the two or more RF rails are disposed between a first and third sequence of TT electrodes, (b) the two or more RF rails form at least one longitudinal gap, and (c) a second sequence of TT electrodes is disposed within/along the longitudinal gap. In an example embodiment, the two or more of 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, the confinement region extending substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes of the two or more RF rails. In an example embodiment, the ion trap apparatus further comprises a plurality of TT leads, each TT lead being in electrical communication with only one TT electrode of the two or more of sequences of TT electrodes. In an example embodiment, the ion trap apparatus further comprises or is in electrical communication with a number of TT electrode drivers, each TT electrode driver in electrical communication with one TT electrode via a corresponding TT lead. In an example embodiment, each TT electrode of the two or more sequences of TT electrodes is operated independently. In an example embodiment, each TT electrode of the number of sequences of TT electrodes is configured to be biased with a TT voltage in the range of approximately -<NUM> Volts to +<NUM> Volts. In an example embodiment, the ion trap apparatus is part of a trapped ion quantum computer.

In an example embodiment, an ion trap apparatus is provided. The ion trap apparatus comprises two or more radio frequency (RF) rails formed with substantially parallel longitudinal axes; and two or more sequences of trapping and/or transport (TT) electrodes with each sequence formed to extend substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes of the RF rails. The two or more RF rails and the two or more sequences of TT electrodes define an ion trap. The two or more sequences of TT electrodes are arranged into a plurality of zones. The plurality of zones comprises at least one action zone and at least one intermediary zone. The at least one action zone is configured for an action to be performed on at least one ion within the at least one action zone. The at least one intermediary zone is configured for performing multiple functions, including stabilizing the at least one ion within the intermediary zone and enabling transport of the at least one ion through at least a portion of the intermediary zone.

According to the invention, each zone comprises two or more wide matched groups of TT electrodes and at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes, wherein a wide TT electrode of one of the matched groups of TT electrodes is longer and/or wider in a direction substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes of the two or more RF rails than a narrow TT electrode of the at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes According to the invention, each zone comprises two wide matched groups of TT electrodes and the at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes is disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes. In an example embodiment, each wide TT electrode of the wide matched groups of TT electrodes is at least approximately twice as wide as a narrow TT electrode of the at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes in the direction substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes of the RF rails. In an example embodiment, the at least one action comprises at least one of (a) interacting at least two ions within the ion trap or (b) acting on at least one ion within the ion trap with a manipulation source. In an example embodiment, the manipulation source is one of at least one laser beam or at least one microwave field. In an example embodiment, the at least one action zone is configured to have a quantum logic gate performed on an ion within the at least one action zone. In an example embodiment, the at least one action zone comprises three narrow matched groups of TT electrodes disposed between two wide matched groups of TT electrodes. In an example embodiment, the at least one action zone comprises a plurality of narrow matched groups of TT electrodes that are configured to generate an electrical potential that may be adjusted from a single well potential to a multiple well potential within the at least one action zone. In an example embodiment, the at least one intermediary zone comprises one narrow matched group of TT electrodes disposed between two wide matched groups of TT electrodes. In an example embodiment, the at least one action zone comprises at least two action zones and the at least one intermediary zone is disposed between the at least two action zones. In an example embodiment, the plurality of zones comprises at least one storage zone. In an example embodiment, the at least one storage zone comprises at least three narrow matched groups of TT electrodes disposed between two wide matched groups of TT electrodes.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The term "or" (also denoted "/") is used herein in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms "illustrative" and "exemplary" are used to be examples with no indication of quality level. The terms "generally" and "approximately" refer to within engineering and/or manufacturing limits and/or within user measurement capabilities, unless otherwise indicated.

<FIG> provides a perspective view of an example embodiment of an ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM>. In various embodiments, the ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM> comprises an ion trap chip <NUM> having an ion trap ion trap <NUM> defined thereby and/or thereon. <FIG> illustrate at least portions, from a top view, of some example ion traps <NUM>. In various embodiments, the ion trap <NUM> is a surface ion trap. In various embodiments, the ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM> comprises an ion trap chip <NUM> having an ion trap <NUM> defined thereby and/or thereon at least partially by a number of radio frequency (RF) rails <NUM> (e.g., 112A, 112B). In various embodiments, the ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM> comprises an ion trap <NUM> at least partially defined by a number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> (e.g., 114A, 114B, 114C). In an example embodiment, the ion trap <NUM> is a surface Paul trap with symmetric RF rails. In various embodiments, the upper surface of the ion trap <NUM> has a planarized topology. For example, the upper surface of each RF rail <NUM> of the number of RF rails <NUM> and the upper surface of each TT electrode <NUM> (e.g., 116A, 116B, 116C), <NUM> (e.g., 118A, 118B, 118C) of the number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> may be substantially coplanar. For example, in an example embodiment, the thickness (e.g., in the z-direction) of the RF rails <NUM> and the TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> are approximately equal. In an example embodiment, the thickness of the RF rails <NUM> and/or the TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> is in the range of approximately <NUM> - <NUM>. For example, the thickness of the RF rails <NUM> and/or the TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> is in the range of approximately <NUM> - <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the thickness of the first and third sequences of electrodes 114A, 114C is greater than the thickness of the RF rails <NUM> and the second sequence of electrodes 114B, which may have substantially the same thickness.

In various embodiments, the height (e.g., in the x-direction) of the RF rails <NUM> and/or the TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> is in the range of approximately <NUM> to <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the height of the RF rails <NUM> and the first, second, and third sequences of electrodes 114A, 114B, 114C are approximately equal. In an example embodiment, the height of the first sequence of electrodes 114A and the height of the third sequence of electrodes 114C are approximately equal. In an example embodiment, the height of the second sequence of electrodes 114B may be smaller than the height of first and/or third sequence of electrodes 114A, 114C. In an example embodiment, the height of the RF rails <NUM> are approximately equal.

In various embodiments, the ion trap <NUM> is at least partially defined by a number of RF rails <NUM>. The RF rails <NUM> are formed with substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM> (e.g., 111A, 111B) and with substantially coplanar upper surfaces. For example, the RF rails <NUM> are substantially parallel such that a distance between the RF rails <NUM> is approximately constant along the length of the RF rails <NUM> (e.g., the length of an RF rail being along the longitudinal axes <NUM> of RF rail). For example, the upper surfaces of the RF rails <NUM> may be substantially flush with the upper surface of the ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the number of RF rails <NUM> comprises two RF rails <NUM> (e.g., 112A, 112B). In various embodiments, the ion trap <NUM> may comprise a plurality of number of RF rails <NUM>. For example, the ion trap <NUM> may be a two-dimensional ion trap that comprises multiple numbers (e.g., pairs and/or sets) of RF rails <NUM> with each number (e.g., pair and/or set) of RF rails <NUM> having substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a first number of RF rails <NUM> have mutually substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM>, a second number of RF rails <NUM> have mutually substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM>, and the longitudinal axes of the first number of RF rails and the longitudinal axes of the second number of RF rails are substantially non-parallel (e.g., transverse). <FIG> illustrates two RF rails <NUM>, though other embodiments may comprise additional RF rails in various configurations. In various embodiments, the height of the RF rails (e.g., dimension of the RF rails in the x-direction) and/or thickness of the RF rails (e.g., dimension of the RF rails in the z-direction) may be varied as suitable for particular applications. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, as used herein, the x-axis corresponds to a transverse direction of the ion trap <NUM> (e.g., perpendicular/orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of ion trap and in the plane of the surface ion trap <NUM>), the y-axis corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the ion trap <NUM>, and the z-axis corresponds to vertical direction relative to an upper surface of the ion trap. For example, the longitudinal axes <NUM> of the number of RF rails <NUM> are substantially parallel to the y-axis.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in various embodiments, a number of RF rails <NUM> can be fabricated above an upper surface of a substrate <NUM>. In various embodiments, other materials (e.g., dielectrics, insulators, shields, etc.) can be formed between the substrate <NUM> and components (e.g., RF rails <NUM>, sequences of TT electrodes <NUM>) fabricated above the upper surface of the substrate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the RF rails <NUM> may be formed with substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM> (e.g., that are substantially parallel to the y-axis). As noted in some embodiments (e.g., two-dimensional ion trap embodiments), a first set of RF rails <NUM> may be formed with substantially parallel axes (e.g., that are substantially parallel to the y-axis), and a second set of RF rails <NUM> may be formed with substantially parallel axes (e.g., that are substantially parallel to the x-axis) and that are substantially non-parallel (e.g., transverse) with respect to the longitudinal axis of each RF rail of the first set of RF rails <NUM>. In various embodiments, each of the RF rails <NUM> are formed with substantially coplanar upper surfaces (e.g., that define a plane substantially parallel to the x-y plane).

In various embodiments, two adjacent RF rails <NUM> may be separated (e.g., insulated) from one another by a longitudinal gap <NUM>. For example, the longitudinal gap may define (in one or two dimensions) the confinement channel or region of the ion trap <NUM> in which one or more ions may be trapped at various locations within the trap. In various embodiments, the longitudinal gap <NUM> defined thereby may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes <NUM> of the adjacent RF rails <NUM>. For example, the longitudinal gap <NUM> may extend substantially parallel to the y-axis. In an example embodiment, the longitudinal gap <NUM> may be at least partially filled with an insulating material (e.g., a dielectric material). In various embodiments, the dielectric material may be silicon dioxide (e.g., formed through thermal oxidation) and/or other dielectric and/or insulating material. In various embodiments, the longitudinal gap <NUM> has a height (e.g., in the x-direction) of approximately <NUM> to <NUM>. In various embodiments, one or more sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> (e.g., a second sequence of TT electrodes 114B) may be disposed and/or formed within the longitudinal gap <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, a transverse gap may exist between neighboring and/or adjacent electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> of the one or more sequences of electrodes <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the transverse gap may be empty space and/or at least partially filled with a dielectric material to prevent electrical communication between neighboring and/or adjacent electrodes. In an example embodiment, the transverse gap between neighboring and/or adjacent electrodes may be in the range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an example embodiment, a longitudinal gap exists between a sequence of TT electrodes <NUM> and a neighboring and/or adjacent RF rail <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the longitudinal gap may be at least partially filled with a dielectric and/or insulating material to prevent electrical communication between TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> of the sequence of electrodes <NUM> and the RF rail <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the longitudinal gap between neighboring and/or adjacent electrodes may be in the range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM>.

In various embodiments, the RF rails <NUM> may be fabricated from a conductive material (e.g., copper, silver, gold, and/or the like) or alloys of two or more conductive materials selected as suitable for conduction and/or transmission of an appropriate signal. In various embodiments, an RF rail <NUM> may be fabricated, for example, from copper with a cross-sectional thickness (in the z-direction) of approximately. <NUM> to <NUM>. In various embodiments, the RF rail <NUM> may be fabricated with a cross-sectional height (in the x-direction) in a range of from approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the RF rails (e.g., in an xz plane) is determined as appropriate to conduct a current (e.g., from around <NUM>. 01A to around <NUM>. 0A) oscillating at an RF frequency (e.g., from around <NUM> to <NUM>).

In various embodiments, the ion trap <NUM> may be at least partially defined by a number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> (e.g., first sequence of TT electrodes 114A, second sequence of electrodes 114B, third sequence of TT electrodes 114C). Each sequence of TT electrodes <NUM> is formed to extend substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM> of the RF rails <NUM>. For example, the number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> may extend substantially parallel to the y-axis as shown in <FIG>. In various embodiments, the number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> comprises two, three, four, and/or another number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the ion trap <NUM> comprises a plurality of number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM>. For example, the ion trap <NUM> may be a two-dimensional ion trap that comprises multiple numbers of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> that each extend substantially parallel to a substantially parallel longitudinal axes of a corresponding number of RF rails <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a first number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> extend substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM> of a first number of RF rails <NUM>, a second number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> extend substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM> of a second number of RF rails <NUM>, and the longitudinal axes of the first number of RF rails and the longitudinal axes of the second number of RF rails are substantially non-parallel (e.g., transverse). In some embodiments, each of the TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> of the number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> can be formed with substantially coplanar upper surfaces that are substantially coplanar with the upper surfaces of the RF rails <NUM>.

In an example embodiment (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>), a number (e.g., pair) of RF rails <NUM> may be formed between a first sequence of TT electrodes 114A and a third sequence of TT electrodes 114C with a second sequence of TT electrodes 114B extending along the longitudinal channel <NUM> between the RF rails <NUM>. For example, each sequence of TT electrodes <NUM> may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes <NUM> of the RF rails (e.g., in the y-direction). In various embodiments, the upper surfaces of the sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> are substantially coplanar with the upper surfaces of the RF rails <NUM>. In other words, the RF rails <NUM> and TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed with substantially the same thickness (e.g., in the z-direction). In an example embodiment, the first and second sequences of electrodes 114A, 114B may have a greater thickness (z-dimension) and/or height (x-dimension) than the RF rails <NUM> and the third sequence of electrodes 114C, which may have substantially the same thickness and/or height.

In various embodiments, the number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> may be fabricated as a plurality of matched TT electrodes. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a first sequence of TT electrodes 114A may include a first TT electrode (e.g., 116A, 118A), a second sequence of TT electrodes 114B may include a second TT electrode (e.g., 116B, 118B), and a third sequence of TT electrodes 114C may include a third TT electrode (e.g., 116C, 118C). The first TT electrode 116A, 118A, second TT electrode 116B, 118B, and third TT electrode 116C, 118C may be a matched group of TT electrodes <NUM> (e.g., 140W, 140N, as shown in <FIG>). For example, the first, second, and third TT electrodes 116A, 116B, 116C or 118A, 118B, 118C may be colinear along a line substantially perpendicular to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM> of the corresponding RF rails <NUM>. For example, the first, second, and third TT electrodes 116A, 116B, 116C or 118A, 118B, 118C may be colinear along a line substantially parallel to the x-axis. For example, the first, second, and third TT electrodes 116A, 116B, 116C or 118A, 118B, 118C may have the same width (e.g., in the y-direction) and maybe aligned (e.g., be positioned at a same forward edge and/or backward edge) in the longitudinal direction of the ion trap <NUM> (e.g., in the y-direction). For example, a sequence of TT electrodes <NUM> comprises a plurality of TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> that are aligned in the longitudinal direction (e.g., y-axis) of the ion trap <NUM>. A matched group of TT electrodes <NUM> comprises a plurality of TT electrodes 116A, 116B, 116C or 118A, 118B, 118C that are aligned in a direction transverse and/or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ion trap <NUM>. For example, a matched group of TT electrodes <NUM> comprises a plurality of TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> that are aligned in the x-direction.

In various embodiments, the ion trap <NUM> comprises a plurality of wide TT electrodes <NUM> and a plurality of narrow TT electrodes <NUM>. A wide TT electrode <NUM> is longer and/or wider, in a dimension substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ion trap <NUM> (e.g., substantially parallel to the y-axis), than a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. In an example embodiment, each wide TT electrode <NUM> of the ion trap <NUM> has approximately a first width W<NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ion trap <NUM> (e.g., the y-direction) and each narrow TT electrode <NUM> of the ion trap <NUM> has approximately a second width W<NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ion trap <NUM>, with the first width W<NUM> being longer and/or wider than the second width W<NUM>. In various embodiments, the first width W<NUM> is approximately at least twice the second width W<NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first width W<NUM> is approximately two times to approximately six times the second width W<NUM>. In an example embodiment, the first width W<NUM> is approximately three times to approximately five times the second width W<NUM>. In various embodiments, the ion trap <NUM> may comprise TT electrodes having a width (in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ion trap <NUM>, aka the y-direction) that is longer and/or wider than the first width, between the first and second width, or narrower than the second width, as appropriate for the application. In an example embodiment, the first width W<NUM> is in the range of approximately <NUM> to <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the second width W<NUM> is in the range of approximately <NUM> to <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a sequence of TT electrodes <NUM> comprises both wide TT electrodes <NUM> and narrow TT electrodes <NUM>. In various embodiments, a matched group of TT electrodes consists of only wide TT electrodes <NUM> (e.g., wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W) or only narrow TT electrodes <NUM> (e.g., narrow matched groups of TT electrodes 140N). For example, a matched group of TT electrodes <NUM> does not contain both wide TT electrodes <NUM> and narrow TT electrodes <NUM>, in an example embodiment.

According to the invention, the sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> are arranged and/or formed into a number of zones, as shown in <FIG>. For example, the zones may comprise action zones, intermediary zones, storage zones, and/or the like. Each zone comprises two wide matched groups TT electrodes 140W on the periphery of the zone and at least one narrow matched group TT electrodes 140N disposed between the two wide TT electrodes. As noted above, the wide TT electrodes <NUM> are longer and/or wider in a direction substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM> (e.g., in the y-direction) of the RF rails <NUM> than the at least one narrow TT electrode <NUM>. In various embodiments, each zone maybe optimized for a particular function and/or set of functions that are to take place in the zone. In various embodiments, the functions may include transportation of an ion through at least a portion of the zone, stabilizing and/or storing the ion within the zone, manipulating the ion via a manipulation source (e.g., laser beam, microwave field, and/or the like), interacting two or more ions, swapping and/or separating two ions (e.g., dividing two ions that were in the same potential well into two distinct and/or separate potential wells), and/or other functions that may enable the controlled evolution of a quantum state of one or more ions trapped within the ion trap <NUM>. In various embodiments, the ion trap <NUM> may comprise one or more repeated patterns of zones.

In various embodiments, RF signals may be applied to the RF rails <NUM> to generate an electric and/or magnetic field that acts to maintain an ion trapped within the ion trap <NUM> in directions transverse to the longitudinal direction of the ion trap <NUM> (e.g., the x- and z-directions). In various embodiments, TT voltages may be applied to the TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> to maintain and/or cause transport of an ion trapped in the ion trap <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the ion trap <NUM> (e.g., in the y-direction).

In various embodiments, the number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> may, in combination, be biased, with TT voltages that contribute to a variable combined electrical and/or magnetic field to trap at least one ion in a potential well above at least one of either an upper surface of the sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> and/or the RF rails <NUM>. For example, the electrical and/or magnetic field generated at least in part by voltages applied to the TT electrodes of the sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> may trap at least one ion in a potential well above the upper surface of the second sequence of TT electrodes 114B and/or the longitudinal gap <NUM>.

The at least one ion can be trapped in variable locations in the ion trap <NUM> by the electrical and/or magnetic fields being controlled by one or more connected devices (e.g., a controller <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and/or the like) via leads <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, depending on the positive or negative charge on the at least one ion, TT voltages may be raised or lowered for TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> on either side of a particular TT electrode to promote transit of the at least one ion to the particular TT electrode and/or to form an electrical potential well that resists further transit of the at least one ion.

Depending on such factors as the charge on the at least one ion and/or the shape and/or magnitude of the combined electrical and/or magnetic fields, the at least one ion can be stabilized at a particular distance (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) above an upper surface of the ion trap <NUM> (e.g., the coplanar upper surface of the sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> and RF rails <NUM>). To further contribute to controlling transit between the variable locations and/or stabilizing the at least one ion trapped in a particular location, the ion trap <NUM> may be operated within a cryogenic and/or vacuum chamber capable of cooling the ion trap to a temperature of less than <NUM> Kelvin (e.g., less than <NUM> Kelvin, less than <NUM> Kelvin, less than <NUM> Kelvin, less than <NUM> Kelvin, and/or the like), in various embodiments.

As shown in <FIG>, the ion trap apparatus <NUM> may further comprise a plurality of TT leads, wire bonds, interconnects, and/or the like (referred to herein as TT leads <NUM>). For example, the TT leads <NUM> may enable electrical communication between a TT voltage driver and/or voltage source and a corresponding one of the TT electrodes. For example, a TT electrode may be biased with a TT voltage generated and/or provided by a TT voltage driver and/or voltage source via a corresponding one of the TT leads <NUM>. The ion trap apparatus <NUM> may further comprise RF leads, wire bonds, interconnects, and/or the like (referred to herein as RF leads <NUM>). For example, the RF leads <NUM> may enable electrical communication between an RF driver and/or voltage source and the RF rails <NUM>. For example, the RF rails <NUM> may be biased with a voltage that alternates at an RF rate and that is generated and/or provided by an RF driver and/or voltage source via RF leads <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the ion trap <NUM> is designed and/or configured to minimize the number of input/outputs (I/O) (e.g., number of TT leads <NUM>) and electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> of the ion trap <NUM> while simultaneously allowing all needed transport operations for performing ion manipulation in accordance with the intended application (e.g., operations for using ions within the ion trap <NUM> as qubits of a quantum computer, in an example embodiment). In various embodiments, the design of the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> maximizes the harmonic and quartic potential energy coefficients of the electrical and/or magnetic field generated by biasing the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> while fulfilling other constraints of the intended application.

<FIG> provides a schematic diagram of an example quantum computer system <NUM> comprising an ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment. In various embodiments, the quantum computer system <NUM> comprises a computing entity <NUM> and a quantum computer <NUM>. In various embodiments, the quantum computer <NUM> comprises a controller <NUM>, a cryostat and/or vacuum chamber <NUM> enclosing an ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM>, and one or more manipulation sources <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the one or more manipulation sources <NUM> may comprise one or more lasers (e.g., optical lasers, microwave sources, and/or the like). In various embodiments, the one or more manipulation sources <NUM> are configured to manipulate and/or cause a controlled quantum state evolution of one or more ions within the ion trap <NUM> of the ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM>. For example, in an example embodiment, wherein the one or more manipulation sources <NUM> comprise one or more lasers, the lasers may provide one or more laser beams to the ion trap <NUM> within the cryogenic and/or vacuum chamber <NUM>. In various embodiments, the quantum computer <NUM> comprises one or more voltage sources <NUM>. For example, the voltage sources <NUM> may comprise a plurality of TT voltage drivers and/or voltage sources and/or at least one RF driver and/or voltage source. The voltage sources <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the corresponding TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or RF rails <NUM> of the ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM> via the corresponding leads <NUM>, <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a computing entity <NUM> is configured to allow a user to provide input to the quantum computer <NUM> (e.g., via a user interface of the computing entity <NUM>) and receive, view, and/or the like output from the quantum computer <NUM>. The computing entity <NUM> may be in communication with the controller <NUM> of the quantum computer <NUM> via one or more wired or wireless networks <NUM> and/or via direct wired and/or wireless communications. In an example embodiment, the computing entity <NUM> may translate, configure, format, and/or the like information/data, quantum computing algorithms, and/or the like into a computing language, executable instructions, command sets, and/or the like that the controller <NUM> can understand and/or implement.

In various embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to control the voltage sources <NUM>, cryogenic system and/or vacuum system controlling the temperature and pressure within the cryogenic and/or vacuum chamber <NUM>, manipulation sources <NUM>, and/or other systems controlling various environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, and/or the like) within the cryogenic and/or vacuum chamber <NUM> and/or configured to manipulate and/or cause a controlled evolution of quantum states of one or more ions within the ion trap <NUM>. In various embodiments, the ions trapped within the ion trap <NUM> are used as qubits of the quantum computer <NUM>.

<FIG> provides an example zone architecture <NUM> of an example embodiments of an ion trap <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the ion trap <NUM> comprises a number (e.g., pair) of RF rails <NUM> (e.g., 112A, 112B) formed with substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM> (e.g., 111A, 111B). The RF rails <NUM> are formed with substantially coplanar upper surfaces. <FIG> illustrates a top view of the ion trap <NUM> such that the upper surface of the RF rails <NUM> and the sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> are illustrated in the plane of the page. The example architecture <NUM> of the ion trap <NUM> comprises two action zones <NUM> (e.g., 330A, 330B) and three intermediary zones <NUM> (e.g., 320A, 320B, 320C). In various embodiments, an intermediary zone <NUM> is located adjacent to each action zone <NUM>. For example, intermediary zones 320A and 320B are adjacent action zone 330A and intermediary zones 320B and 320C are adjacent action zone 330B. For example, each action zone <NUM> is adjacent, on either side, to an intermediary zone <NUM> such that each action zone <NUM> is neighbored by two intermediary zones <NUM>. In other words, when an ion is transported out of an action zone <NUM>, the ion enters an intermediary zone <NUM> prior to entering any other action zone <NUM>.

In various embodiments, an intermediary zone <NUM> comprises two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W (e.g., a matched group of TT electrodes comprising a wide TT electrode from each sequence of TT electrodes of the number of sequences of TT electrodes). For example, an intermediary zone <NUM> may comprise two wide TT electrodes <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes (e.g., a matched group of wide TT electrodes 116A, 116B, 116C. Between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W, is at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N (e.g., a matched group of TT electrodes comprising a narrow TT electrode from each sequence of TT electrodes of the number of sequences of TT electrodes). For example, an intermediary zone may comprise at least one narrow TT electrode <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes (e.g., a matched group of narrow TT electrodes 118A, 118B, 118C). The at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N is disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W of the intermediary zone <NUM>. In an example embodiment, each intermediary zone <NUM> consists of two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W and one narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N disposed and/or formed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W. In an example embodiment, a wide TT electrode <NUM> is approximately at least twice as wide (e.g., in a dimension that is substantially parallel to the y-axis) as a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. For example, a wide TT electrode <NUM> may be in the range of approximately two times to approximately six times longer and/or wider than a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a wide TT electrode <NUM> is in the range of approximately three times to approximately five times longer and/or wider than a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. In various embodiments, an intermediary zone <NUM> is configured for stabilizing and/or storing an ion therein, separating at least one ion from a potential well having multiple ions therein into a different potential well, and for transporting the ion therethrough. In various embodiments, an intermediary zone <NUM> is configured and/or designed to accommodate storage and/or stabilization of one or more ions during various ion transport steps.

In various embodiments, an action zone <NUM> comprises two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W. For example, an action zone <NUM> may comprise two wide TT electrodes <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes (e.g., 116A, 116B, 116C). Between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W, at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N is disposed and/or formed. For example, an action zone <NUM> may comprise at least one narrow TT electrode <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes (e.g., 118A, 118B, 118C). The at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N is disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W of the action zone <NUM>. In an example embodiment, each action zone comprises at least two narrow matched groups of TT electrodes 140N disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W of the action zone <NUM>. In an example embodiment, each action zone <NUM> consists of two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W and three narrow matched groups of TT electrodes 140N disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W. In an example embodiment, a wide TT electrode <NUM> is approximately at least twice as wide as a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. For example, a wide TT electrode <NUM> may be in the range of approximately two times to approximately six times longer and/or wider (e.g., in a dimension that is substantially parallel to the y-axis) than a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a wide TT electrode <NUM> is in the range of approximately three times to approximately five times longer and/or wider than a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. In various embodiments, an action zone <NUM> is configured for acting on one or more ions using a manipulation source, interacting two or more ions, separating at least one ion from a potential well having multiple ions therein into a different potential well (e.g., swapping and/or separating two or more ions), and for transporting the ion therethrough. In various embodiments, an action zone <NUM> is configured and/or designed to provide predetermined laser and/or other manipulation source interaction areas where laser beams and/or other manipulation sources may be interacted with one or more ions trapped within the ion trap <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the narrow TT electrodes <NUM> of an intermediary zone <NUM> and the narrow TT electrodes <NUM> of an action zone <NUM> have the same width (e.g., in a dimension substantially parallel to the y-axis). In an example embodiment, the width (e.g., in a dimension substantially parallel to the y-axis) of a narrow TT electrode <NUM> of an intermediary zone <NUM> and the width of a narrow TT electrode <NUM> of an action zone <NUM> are different. In various embodiments, the wide TT electrodes <NUM> of an intermediary zone <NUM> and the wide TT electrodes <NUM> of an action zone <NUM> have the same width (e.g., in a dimension substantially parallel to the y-axis). In an example embodiment, the width (e.g., in a dimension substantially parallel to the y-axis) of a wide TT electrode <NUM> of an intermediary zone <NUM> and the width of a wide TT electrode <NUM> of an action zone <NUM> are different. For example, in an example embodiment, the width of a wide TT electrode of an action zone <NUM> is longer and/or wider than the width of a wide TT electrode of an intermediary zone <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the width of a wide TT electrode of an action zone <NUM> is approximately <NUM> - <NUM> longer and/or wider than the width of a wide TT electrode of an intermediary zone <NUM>.

<FIG> provides an example zone architecture <NUM> of an example embodiments of an ion trap <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the ion trap <NUM> comprises a number (e.g., pair) of RF rails <NUM> (e.g., 112A, 112B) formed with substantially parallel longitudinal axes <NUM>. The RF rails <NUM> are formed with substantially coplanar upper surfaces. <FIG> illustrates a top view of the ion trap <NUM> such that the upper surface of the RF rails <NUM> and the sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> are illustrated in the plane of the page. The illustrated example architecture <NUM> of the ion trap <NUM> comprises four action zones <NUM> (e.g., 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D), six intermediary zones <NUM> (e.g., 520A, 520B, 520C, 520D, 520E, 520F), two storage zones <NUM> (e.g., 540A, 540B), and a loading zone <NUM>. Various embodiments may comprise more or fewer action zones <NUM>, more or fewer storage zones <NUM>, and a corresponding greater or lesser number of intermediary zones <NUM>. For example, an example embodiment comprises five action zones <NUM>, two storage zones <NUM>, eight intermediary zones <NUM>, and one loading zone <NUM>. A variety of numbers of action zones <NUM>, storage zones <NUM>, intermediary zones <NUM> and various arrangements thereof may be used in various embodiments, as appropriate for the application.

In various embodiments, an intermediary zone <NUM> is disposed between adjacent actions zones <NUM>, between an action zone <NUM> and an adjacent storage zone <NUM>, and/or between the loading zone <NUM> and an adjacent action zone <NUM> and/or storage zone <NUM>. For example, intermediary zone 520B is disposed and/or formed between adjacent action zones 530A and 530B. For example, intermediary zone 520A is disposed and/or formed between storage zone 540A and action zone 530A. For example, intermediary zone 520F is disposed between storage zone 540B and loading zone <NUM>. For example, an intermediary zone <NUM> may be directly adjacent each action zone <NUM>, storage zone <NUM>, and loading zone <NUM>. In other words, when an ion is transported out of an action zone <NUM>, storage zone <NUM>, and/or loading zone <NUM>, the ion enters an intermediary zone <NUM> prior to entering any other action zone <NUM> and/or storage zone <NUM>.

In various embodiments, an intermediary zone <NUM> comprises two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W (e.g., a matched group of TT electrodes comprising a wide TT electrode from each sequence of TT electrodes of the number of sequences of TT electrodes). For example, an intermediary zone <NUM> may comprise two wide TT electrodes <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes <NUM> (e.g., a matched group of wide TT electrodes 116A, 116B, 116C). Between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W, is at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N (e.g., a matched group of TT electrodes comprising a narrow TT electrode from each sequence of TT electrodes <NUM> of the number of sequences of TT electrodes 114A, 114B, 114C). For example, an intermediary zone <NUM> may comprise at least one narrow TT electrode <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes (e.g., a matched group of narrow TT electrodes 118A, 118B, 118C). The at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N is disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W of the intermediary zone <NUM>. In an example embodiment, each intermediary zone <NUM> consists of two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W and one narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N disposed and/or formed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W. In an example embodiment, a wide TT electrode <NUM> is approximately at least twice as wide (e.g., in a dimension that is substantially parallel to the y-axis) as a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. For example, a wide TT electrode <NUM> may be in the range of approximately two times to approximately six times longer and/or wider than a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a wide TT electrode <NUM> is in the range of approximately three times to approximately five times longer and/or wider than a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. In various embodiments, an intermediary zone <NUM> is configured for stabilizing and/or storing an ion therein, separating at least one ion from a potential well having multiple ions therein into a different potential well, and for transporting the ion therethrough. In various embodiments, an intermediary zone <NUM> is configured and/or designed to accommodate storage and/or stabilization of one or more ions during various ion transport steps.

In various embodiments, an action zone <NUM> comprises two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W. For example, an action zone <NUM> may comprise two wide TT electrodes <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes (e.g., 116A, 116B, 116C). Between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W, at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N is disposed and/or formed. For example, an action zone <NUM> may comprise at least one narrow TT electrode <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes (e.g., 118A, 118B, 118C). The at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N is disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W of the action zone <NUM>. In an example embodiment, each action zone <NUM> comprises at least two narrow matched groups of TT electrodes 140N disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W of the action zone <NUM>. In an example embodiment, each action zone <NUM> consists of two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W and three narrow matched groups of TT electrodes 140N disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W. In an example embodiment, a wide TT electrode <NUM> is approximately at least twice as wide as a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. For example, a wide TT electrode <NUM> may be in the range of approximately two times to approximately six times longer and/or wider (e.g., in a dimension that is substantially parallel to the y-axis) than a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a wide TT electrode <NUM> is in the range of approximately three times to approximately five times longer and/or wider than a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. In various embodiments, an action zone <NUM> is configured for acting on one or more ions using a manipulation source, interacting two or more ions, separating at least one ion from a potential well having multiple ions therein into a different potential well (e.g., swapping and/or separating two or more ions), and for transporting and/or trapping the ion therethrough. In various embodiments, an action zone <NUM> is configured and/or designed to provide predetermined laser and/or other manipulation source interaction areas where laser beams and/or other manipulation sources may be interacted with one or more ions trapped within the ion trap <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a storage zone <NUM> comprises two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W (e.g., a matched group of TT electrodes comprising a wide TT electrode from each sequence of TT electrodes of the number of sequences of TT electrodes). For example, a storage zone <NUM> may comprise two wide TT electrodes <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes (e.g., a matched group of wide TT electrodes 116A, 116B, 116C. Between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W, is at least two narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N (e.g., a matched group of TT electrodes comprising a narrow TT electrode from each sequence of TT electrodes <NUM> of the number of sequences of TT electrodes 114A, 114B, 114C). For example, storage zone <NUM> may comprise at least two narrow TT electrode <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes (e.g., a matched group of narrow TT electrodes 118A, 118B, 118C). The at least two narrow matched group of TT electrodes 140N are disposed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W of the storage zone <NUM>. In an example embodiment, each storage zone <NUM> consists of two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W and at least three narrow matched groups of TT electrodes 140N disposed and/or formed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a storage zone <NUM> comprises five narrow matched groups of TT electrodes 140N disposed and/or formed between the two wide matched groups of TT electrodes 140W of the storage zone <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a wide TT electrode <NUM> is approximately at least twice as wide (e.g., in a dimension that is substantially parallel to the y-axis) as a narrow TT electrode <NUM>. For example, a wide TT electrode <NUM> may be in the range of approximately two times to approximately six times longer and/or wider than a short TT electrode <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a wide TT electrode <NUM> is in the range of approximately three times to approximately five times longer and/or wider than a short TT electrode <NUM>. In various embodiments, a storage zone <NUM> is configured for stabilizing and/or storing an ion therein, swapping and/or separating two ions (e.g., dividing two ions that were in the same potential well into two distinct and/or separate potential wells), and for transporting the ion at least partially therethrough. In various embodiments, a storage zone <NUM> is configured and/or designed to accommodate storage and/or stabilization of one or more ions during various ion transport steps. For example, an ion trapped within the ion trap <NUM> may be stored in a storage zone <NUM> while a plurality of actions are being applied to other ions trapped within the ion trap <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the loading zone <NUM> is configured to receive ions from an ion source such that ions may be loaded into the ion trap <NUM>. For example, the loading zone <NUM> may comprise a loading hole <NUM>. The loading hole is a through hole extending through the ion trap <NUM> and through the substrate <NUM> to allow an ion source to be disposed below the ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM> such that an atom from the ion source may travel through the loading hole <NUM> into the loading zone <NUM>. Once the atom enters the loading zone <NUM> through the loading hole <NUM>, the atom may be ionized and the resulting ion may become trapped due to the electrical and/or magnetic fields and/or corresponding potential generated by the number of sequences of TT electrodes <NUM> and the number of RF rails <NUM>. In an example embodiment, an atom may enter the loading zone <NUM> via the loading hole <NUM> and be interacted with by a manipulation source (e.g., a laser beam) that ionizes the atom such that the resulting atom is trapped within the ion trap <NUM>. In various embodiments, the loading zone <NUM> may be configured to receive an ion (or atom) through the loading hole <NUM>, stabilize the ion (e.g., an ionized atom) within the loading zone <NUM>, enable manipulation of the ion via one or more manipulation sources (e.g., to initialize the ion and/or to ensure the ion is in a known, initial quantum state), and/or the like. The loading zone <NUM> may be further configured to aid in the transport of the ion out of the loading zone <NUM> and into a directly adjacent intermediary zone <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the loading zone <NUM> may comprise one or more loading TT electrodes <NUM>. For example, the loading zone <NUM> may comprise at least one loading TT electrode <NUM> from each sequence of TT electrodes <NUM> of the number of sequences of TT electrodes. In various embodiments, the loading TT electrodes <NUM> may comprise wide and/or short TT electrodes in matched groups <NUM> (e.g., 140W and/or 140N). In an example embodiment, the loading TT electrodes <NUM> comprise at least one wide matched group of TT electrodes 140W. In an example embodiment, the width of the loading TT electrodes <NUM> may be different from the width of the wide and/or narrow TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the loading TT electrodes <NUM> may of a third width W<NUM> that is different from the first and/or second widths W<NUM>, W<NUM> corresponding to the wide and narrow TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>. In various embodiments, the third width W<NUM> may be longer and/or wider than the first width W<NUM>, narrower than the second width W<NUM>, and/or in a range between the first and second widths W<NUM>, W<NUM>.

In various embodiments, the narrow TT electrodes <NUM> of an intermediary zone <NUM> and the narrow TT electrodes <NUM> of an action zone <NUM> and/or storage zone <NUM> have the same width W<NUM> (e.g., in a dimension substantially parallel to the y-axis). In an example embodiment, the width (e.g., in a dimension substantially parallel to the y-axis) of a narrow TT electrode <NUM> of an intermediary zone <NUM> and the width of a narrow TT electrode <NUM> of an action zone <NUM> and/or storage zone <NUM> are different. In various embodiments, the wide TT electrodes <NUM> of an intermediary zone <NUM> and the wide TT electrodes <NUM> of an action zone <NUM> and/or storage zone <NUM> have the same width L<NUM> (e.g., in a dimension substantially parallel to the y-axis). In an example embodiment, the width (e.g., in a dimension substantially parallel to the y-axis) of a wide TT electrode <NUM> of an intermediary zone <NUM> and the width of a wide TT electrode <NUM> of an action zone <NUM> and/or storage zone <NUM> are different.

Various embodiments provide technical solutions to the technical problem of providing an ion trap apparatus that provides sufficient ion location control, enables various ion transport functions (e.g., transport ions, separating two or more ions within one potential well into different potential wells, swapping and/or separating two ions (e.g., dividing two ions that were in the same potential well into two distinct and/or separate potential wells) and/or the like), and enables manipulation of ions within the ion trap via manipulation sources. The novel zone architecture incorporating electrodes of different sizes enables for predetermined manipulation source (e.g., laser), interaction areas (e.g., action zones), and ion storage areas (e.g. intermediary zones, storage zones) to accommodate storage during various ion transportation steps while minimizing the number of I/Os of the ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM> and the number of electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> of the ion trap <NUM>.

In various embodiments, an ion trap apparatus and/or package <NUM> is incorporated into a quantum computer <NUM>. In various embodiments, a quantum computer <NUM> further comprises a controller <NUM> configured to control various elements of the quantum computer <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured to control the voltage sources <NUM>, a cryogenic system and/or vacuum system controlling the temperature and pressure within the cryogenic and/or vacuum chamber <NUM>, manipulation sources <NUM>, and/or other systems controlling the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, and/or the like) within the cryogenic and/or vacuum chamber <NUM> and/or configured to manipulate and/or cause a controlled evolution of quantum states of one or more ions within the ion trap <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in various embodiments, the controller <NUM> may comprise various controller elements including processing elements <NUM>, memory <NUM>, driver controller elements <NUM>, a communication interface <NUM>, analog-digital converter elements <NUM>, and/or the like. For example, the processing elements <NUM> may comprise programmable logic devices (CPLDs), microprocessors, coprocessing entities, application-specific instruction-set processors (ASIPs), integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), hardware accelerators, other processing devices and/or circuitry, and/or the like. and/or controllers. The term circuitry may refer to an entirely hardware embodiment or a combination of hardware and computer program products. In an example embodiment, the processing element <NUM> of the controller <NUM> comprises a clock and/or is in communication with a clock.

For example, the memory <NUM> may comprise non-transitory memory such as volatile and/or non-volatile memory storage such as one or more of as hard disks, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, MMCs, SD memory cards, Memory Sticks, CBRAM, PRAM, FeRAM, RRAM, SONOS, racetrack memory, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RDRAM, RIMM, DIMM, SIMM, VRAM, cache memory, register memory, and/or the like. In various embodiments, the memory <NUM> may store qubit records corresponding the qubits of quantum computer (e.g., in a qubit record data store, qubit record database, qubit record table, and/or the like), a calibration table, an executable queue, computer program code (e.g., in a one or more computer languages, specialized controller language(s), and/or the like), and/or the like. In an example embodiment, execution of at least a portion of the computer program code stored in the memory <NUM> (e.g., by a processing element <NUM>) causes the controller <NUM> to perform one or more steps, operations, processes, procedures and/or the like described herein for tracking the phase of an atomic object within an atomic system and causing the adjustment of the phase of one or more manipulation sources and/or signal(s) generated thereby.

In various embodiments, the driver controller elements <NUM> may include one or more drivers and/or controller elements each configured to control one or more drivers. In various embodiments, the driver controller elements <NUM> may comprise drivers and/or driver controllers. For example, the driver controllers may be configured to cause one or more corresponding drivers to be operated in accordance with executable instructions, commands, and/or the like scheduled and executed by the controller <NUM> (e.g., by the processing element <NUM>). In various embodiments, the driver controller elements <NUM> may enable the controller <NUM> to operate a manipulation source <NUM>. In various embodiments, the drivers may be laser drivers; vacuum component drivers; drivers for controlling the flow of current and/or voltage applied to TT, RF, and/or other electrodes used for maintaining and/or controlling the ion trapping potential of the ion trap <NUM>; cryogenic and/or vacuum system component drivers; and/or the like. For example, the drivers may control and/or comprise TT and/or RF voltage drivers and/or voltage sources that provide voltages and/or electrical signals to the TT electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or RF rails <NUM> via leads <NUM>, <NUM>. In various embodiments, the controller <NUM> comprises means for communicating and/or receiving signals from one or more optical receiver components such as cameras, MEMs cameras, CCD cameras, photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, and/or the like. For example, the controller <NUM> may comprise one or more analog-digital converter elements <NUM> configured to receive signals from one or more optical receiver components, calibration sensors, and/or the like.

In various embodiments, the controller <NUM> may comprise a communication interface <NUM> for interfacing and/or communicating with a computing entity <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may comprise a communication interface <NUM> for receiving executable instructions, command sets, and/or the like from the computing entity <NUM> and providing output received from the quantum computer <NUM> (e.g., from an optical collection system) and/or the result of a processing the output to the computing entity <NUM>. In various embodiments, the computing entity <NUM> and the controller <NUM> may communicate via a direct wired and/or wireless connection and/or one or more wired and/or wireless networks <NUM>.

<FIG> provides an illustrative schematic representative of an example computing entity <NUM> that can be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention. In various embodiments, a computing entity <NUM> is configured to allow a user to provide input to the quantum computer <NUM> (e.g., via a user interface of the computing entity <NUM>) and receive, display, analyze, and/or the like output from the quantum computer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a computing entity <NUM> can include an antenna <NUM>, a transmitter <NUM> (e.g., radio), a receiver <NUM> (e.g., radio), and a processing element <NUM> that provides signals to and receives signals from the transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM>, respectively. The signals provided to and received from the transmitter <NUM> and the receiver <NUM>, respectively, may include signaling information/data in accordance with an air interface standard of applicable wireless systems to communicate with various entities, such as a controller <NUM>, other computing entities <NUM>, and/or the like. In this regard, the computing entity <NUM> may be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, and access types. For example, the computing entity <NUM> may be configured to receive and/or provide communications using a wired data transmission protocol, such as fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), digital subscriber line (DSL), Ethernet, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), frame relay, data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS), or any other wired transmission protocol. Similarly, the computing entity <NUM> may be configured to communicate via wireless external communication networks using any of a variety of protocols, such as general packet radio service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access <NUM> (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1X (1xRTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE <NUM> (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, <NUM> (WiMAX), ultra wideband (UWB), infrared (IR) protocols, near field communication (NFC) protocols, Wibree, Bluetooth protocols, wireless universal serial bus (USB) protocols, and/or any other wireless protocol. The computing entity <NUM> may use such protocols and standards to communicate using Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Domain Name System (DNS), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), HTTP over TLS/SSL/Secure, Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Network Time Protocol (NTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Telnet, Transport Layer Security (TLS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Datagram Congestion Control Protocol (DCCP), Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP), HyperText Markup Language (HTML), and/or the like.

Via these communication standards and protocols, the computing entity <NUM> can communicate with various other entities using concepts such as Unstructured Supplementary Service information/data (USSD), Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency Signaling (DTMF), and/or Subscriber Identity Module Dialer (SIM dialer). The computing entity <NUM> can also download changes, add-ons, and updates, for instance, to its firmware, software (e.g., including executable instructions, applications, program modules), and operating system.

The computing entity <NUM> may also comprise a user interface device comprising one or more user input/output interfaces (e.g., a display <NUM> and/or speaker/speaker driver coupled to a processing element <NUM> and a touch screen, keyboard, mouse, and/or microphone coupled to a processing element <NUM>). For instance, the user output interface may be configured to provide an application, browser, user interface, interface, dashboard, screen, webpage, page, and/or similar words used herein interchangeably executing on and/or accessible via the computing entity <NUM> to cause display or audible presentation of information/data and for interaction therewith via one or more user input interfaces. The user input interface can comprise any of a number of devices allowing the computing entity <NUM> to receive data, such as a keypad <NUM> (hard or soft), a touch display, voice/speech or motion interfaces, scanners, readers, or other input device. In embodiments including a keypad <NUM>, the keypad <NUM> can include (or cause display of) the conventional numeric (<NUM>-<NUM>) and related keys (#, *), and other keys used for operating the computing entity <NUM> and may include a full set of alphabetic keys or set of keys that may be activated to provide a full set of alphanumeric keys. In addition to providing input, the user input interface can be used, for example, to activate or deactivate certain functions, such as screen savers and/or sleep modes. Through such inputs the computing entity <NUM> can collect information/data, user interaction/input, and/or the like.

The computing entity <NUM> can also include volatile storage or memory <NUM> and/or non-volatile storage or memory <NUM>, which can be embedded and/or may be removable. For instance, the non-volatile memory may be ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, MMCs, SD memory cards, Memory Sticks, CBRAM, PRAM, FeRAM, RRAM, SONOS, racetrack memory, and/or the like. The volatile memory may be RAM, DRAM, SRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RDRAM, RIMM, DIMM, SIMM, VRAM, cache memory, register memory, and/or the like. The volatile and non-volatile storage or memory can store databases, database instances, database management system entities, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, and/or the like to implement the functions of the computing entity <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An ion trap apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
two or more radio frequency (RF) rails (<NUM>) formed with substantially parallel longitudinal axes (<NUM>) and with substantially coplanar upper surfaces; and
two or more sequences of trapping and/or transport, TT, electrodes (<NUM>) with each sequence formed to extend substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes (<NUM>) of the RF rails (<NUM>), the two or more RF rails (<NUM>) and the two or more sequences of TT electrodes (<NUM>) defining an ion trap, wherein the two or more sequences of TT electrodes (<NUM>) are arranged into a number of zones, each zone comprising wide matched groups of TT electrodes (<NUM>) and at least one narrow matched group of TT (<NUM>) electrodes disposed between the wide matched groups of TT electrodes (<NUM>) of the zone, wherein a wide TT electrode (<NUM>) of one of the wide matched groups of TT electrodes (<NUM>) is wider in a direction substantially parallel to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes of the two or more RF rails (<NUM>) than a narrow TT electrode (<NUM>) of the at least one narrow matched group of TT electrodes (<NUM>), wherein a matched group of TT electrodes (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of TT electrodes (<NUM>, <NUM>), that are aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substantially parallel longitudinal axes.