Towards Improved Quantum Simulations and Sensing via Parametric Amplification

Improving spin coherence is a fundamental challenge in quantum simulations and sensing experiments on trapped ions. Here we discuss preliminary experiments attempting to enhance spin-motion coupling in large ion crystals via parametric amplification without a reduction in the spin coherence. These experiments are performed on 2D crystal arrays of over a hundred Be⁺ ions confined in a Penning trap. This device has been used to perform quantum simulations and sense displacements of the ion crystal that are small compared to the ground state zero-point fluctuations¹. By modulating the trapping potential at twice the center-of-mass mode frequency, we squeeze the motional mode, which can enhance spin-motion coupling while maintaining the spin coherence. This should enable higher fidelity simulations and improve our sensitivity to small displacements.
¹K. A. Gilmore et al. PRL 118, 263602 (2017).