Site-resolved ion imaging and precision beam positioning for Penning-trap quantum simulation and sensing

Laser-cooled ions in a Penning trap are a promising candidate for near-term quantum simulation of exotic forms of quantum magnetism as well as the search for dark matter using quantum sensing [1,2]. To this end we have recently implemented a high bandwidth time-correlated single-photon-counting camera which allows efficient single-site detection of individual ions in large 2D ion crystal, a prerequisite to investigate spatial correlations in many-body quantum systems. The large amount of image data is analysed by an object detection algorithm using an artificial neural network. Next, to overcome the issue of precise entangling laser beam alignment in the difficult to access Penning trap system, we have developed a laser beam delivery system based on compact piezo-actuated optical mirrors which allow an efficient beam position tuning. This system also enables us to maximize the ratio of spin-spin interaction strength to spontaneous emission, a critical ratio for experiments with Be-9 ions in a Penning trap. In this talk I will give an overview of these technical developments and present first results.

[1] H. Ball et. al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 90, 053103 (2019)

[2] K. A. Gilmore et. al., Science 373, 673 (2021)