The advantages of trapped-ion quantum computation

Since the earliest multiqubit entangling experiments in the 1990s, quantum information with trapped ions has expanded to include demonstrations of universal reprogrammable computation, digital quantum simulation, and analog quantum simulation at computationally relevant scales. In this talk we will survey recent progress in the development of quantum computers using trapped ions and discuss the unique architectural and technical advantages they provide.We will highlight the current state-of-the-art at the leading edge of trapped-ion quantum computer system size and complexity, but will also address parallel technical demonstrations supporting long-term efforts to build useful quantum computers. These include the realization of ultra-high gate fidelities, novel quantum control techniques, remote entanglement generation, and quantum error correction. Considering a path forward, we will discuss the paradoxical observation that trapped-ion qubits appear best positioned to leverage advanced semiconductor manufacturing techniques. Microfabricated “chip traps” incorporate integrated digital and analog electronics, integrated photonic detectors, and even integrated optics for laser beam delivery, all fabricated in standard semiconductor process flows and in large-scale foundries.