Implementation and Characterization of a Cryogenic Two-Dimensional Ion Trap Array

Two-dimensional arrays of ions in individual microtraps are a promising technology for quantum computation and simulation. In collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories, we have developed micro-fabricated surface electrode traps that confine three ions on the vertices of equilateral triangles, with each ion confined in a separate potential well. This feature, and the small inter-ion distance (30 µm), allows for selective coupling between ions that can be dynamically changed during single experiments. In an effort to reduce motional decoherence of the ions, the traps are operated at cryogenic temperatures (~4 K). In principle, this approach enables simulation of arbitrary, tunable spin-lattice Hamiltonians. Quantum simulations of bosons in synthetic magnetic fields can also be performed using motional excitation of the ions (phonons) as the controllable quantum system of interest instead of the internal ion states. We will discuss recent results trapping and manipulating ions in one of these two-dimensional array traps. We also present characteristic features of this trap, including ion heating rates that indicate our ability to study single-quantum phenomena.