Abstract
Schrödinger bemoaned the fact that one could never perform experiments on single atoms. None the less, in the 20 years since quantum computing was first proposed we have shown that we can actually do exactly that; we have superb control of single atoms, and can perform a variety of basic computational operations on them. Unfortunately, we now face the inverse problem: a computer does consist of single atoms, but of many hundreds or thousands of atoms (at least)! After reviewing how far quantum computing has been carried to date using trapped ions, I will look at the question, “Where do we go from here?” What steps must be taken to take the “ridiculous consequences” of quantum mechanics which Schrödinger feared, and preserve them even as we scale computers to such sizes that they are useful? Achieving this scaling in trapped-ion systems requires a radical rethink of how we make and operate traps, but will pave the way to the next generation of quantum computers.
Coffee and tea will be served 20 minutes prior to the seminar.