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Trapped-Ion Quantum Physics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:37:53
Abstract
This course covers the physics of trapped ions at the quantum level described as harmonic oscillators coupled to spin systems, for which the 2012 Nobel prize was awarded. Trapped-ion systems have achieved an extraordinary level of control and provide leading technologies for quantum information processing and quantum metrology.
Objective
The objective is to provide a basis for understanding the wide range of research currently being performed with trapped ion systems: fundamental quantum mechanics with spin-spring systems, quantum information processing and quantum metrology. During the course students would expect to gain an understanding of the current frontier of research in these areas, and the challenges which must be overcome to make further advances. This should provide a solid background for tackling recently published research in these fields, including experimental realisations of quantum information processing using trapped ions.
Content
This course will cover trapped-ion physics. It aims to cover both theoretical and experimental aspects. In all experimental settings the role of decoherence and the quantum-classical transition is of great importance, and this will therefore form one of the key components of the course. The topics of the course were cited in the Nobel prize which was awarded to David Wineland in 2012. Topics which will be covered include: - Fundamental working principles of ion traps and modern trap geometries, quantum description of motion of trapped ions - Electronic structure of atomic ions, manipulation of the electronic state, Rabi- and Ramsey-techniques, principle of an atomic clock - Quantum description of the coupling of electronic and motional degrees of freedom - Laser cooling - Quantum state engineering of coherent, squeezed, cat, grid and entangled states - Trapped ion quantum information processing basics and scaling, current challenges - Quantum metrology with trapped ions: quantum logic spectroscopy, optical clocks, search for physics beyond the standard model using high-precision spectroscopy
Resources
Literature
S. Haroche and J-M. Raimond "Exploring the Quantum" (recommended) M. Scully and M.S. Zubairy, Quantum Optics (recommended)
Learning Materials (Links)
- Moodle course
- Moodle-Kurs / Moodle course
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 20 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Trapped-Ion Quantum Physics |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Trapped-Ion Quantum Physics
Exercises start in the second week of the semester.
|
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Doctorate Physics (More Information at: )
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Subject Specialisation (Please note that this is an INCOMPLETE list of courses.)
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Electives (This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.)
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