Momentum-State Quantum Computer

The qubits of a quantum computer can be coded within the ladder of states of a quantum manifold or continuous variable, such as the momentum of a single cold atom [1] or the vibrational state of a trapped ion [2]. While the scaling of such systems limits their potential for quantum information processing (QIP), they are intriguing because they allow an algorithmic approach to the coherent control of these quantum systems: by addressing not so much the quantum data as their physical manifestations, we may design new, efficient cooling processes for atoms and ions. This project will for the first time implement a momentum-state quantum computer experimentally on our newly upgraded atom interferometry apparatus in Southampton [3], and investigate a parallel scheme for the manipulation of ions in a Penning trap in Imperial College [4].