Development of the Quantum Scientific Computing Open User Testbed (QSCOUT)

The Quantum Scientific Computing Open User Testbed (QSCOUT) at Sandia National Laboratories is a quantum computing testbed based on trapped ions with the goal of providing low-level access to quantum hardware for scientific computing applications. Our system uses one of Sandia's microfabricated surface electrode traps to host a chain of trapped Yb-171 ions harnessing their high-fidelity gate operations, indistinguishability, qubit connectivity, and routes to scalability. Here, we present the experimental development of QSCOUT, along with design decisions and hardware details, the capabilities of the testbed, and opportunities for use of this platform. We also discuss some of the first algorithms run on this machine.