Trapped-ion toolkit for studies of quantum harmonic oscillators under extreme conditions.

Many phenomena described in relativistic quantum field theory are inaccessible to direct observations, but analogue processes studied under well-defined laboratory conditions can present an alternative perspective. Recently, we demonstrated an analogy of particle creation using an intrinsically robust motional mode of two trapped atomic ions. Here, we substantially extend our classical control techniques by implementing machine-learning strategies in our platform and, consequently, increase the accessible parameter regime.

Floquet-Engineered Vibrational Dynamics in a Two-Dimensional Array of Trapped Ions.

We demonstrate Floquet engineering in a basic yet scalable 2D architecture of individually trapped and controlled ions. Local parametric modulations of detuned trapping potentials steer the strength of long-range interion couplings and the related Peierls phase of the motional state. In our proof of principle, we initialize large coherent states and tune modulation parameters to control trajectories, directions, and interferences of the phonon flow.

Phonon Pair Creation by Inflating Quantum Fluctuations in an Ion Trap.

Quantum theory predicts intriguing dynamics during drastic changes of external conditions. We switch the trapping field of two ions sufficiently fast to tear apart quantum fluctuations, i.e.

Interference in a Prototype of a Two-Dimensional Ion Trap Array Quantum Simulator.

Trapped ions are a promising platform for envisioned quantum simulators, with outstanding results in one-dimensional ion crystals. However, theory requires not only interactions at long range, but also higher dimensionality. We operate a basic triangular array of three individually trapped ions based on scalable microfabrication technology.

Hybrid setup for stable magnetic fields enabling robust quantum control.

Well controlled and highly stable magnetic fields are desired for a wide range of applications in physical research, including quantum metrology, sensing, information processing, and simulation. Here we introduce a low-cost hybrid assembly of rare-earth magnets and magnetic field coils to generate a field strength of [Formula: see text]10.9 mT with a calculated spatial variation of less than 10 within a diameter of spherical volume of 150 μm.