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Ion Quantum Technology Group2022-10-25T11:50:22+01:00

Ion Quantum Technology at Sussex

Welcome to the web page of the Ion Quantum Technology group at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. The group is headed by Prof. Winfried Hensinger. Our aim is to develop new quantum technologies, in particular, the ion trap quantum computer. For this purpose our research focuses on applied experimental quantum information science and development of new scalable methods to build ion trap arrays and the next generation of large scale entanglement. We are in the process of constructing a quantum simulation engine and a large-scale trapped-ion quantum computer. Another research area is the development of quantum sensors. The group is part of the UK Quantum Technology Hub on Networked Quantum Technologies and the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology. The group is part of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies.

More information about our research, grouped by different target groups, can be found in the Research Section. Here you can find videos, explanations, interviews with current students and other useful information.

You can also go on a Virtual Lab Tour exploring our labs and the technology we develop. A good summary of our research in quantum computing can be found here.

The Frontier of Computing

Department of Energy

General News

Universities of Sussex and Bristol jointly launch £24m doctoral training centre

By: Alice IngallLast updated: Wednesday, 13 March 2024

Professor Winfried Hensinger in the quantum technologies lab at the University of Sussex

The University of Sussex, in partnership with the University of Bristol, has announced today (Wednesday 13 March 2024) that it is to receive millions in funding to launch a brand new quantum technologies Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT).  

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies was one of 65 new CDTs announced yesterday (Tuesday 14 March) by the Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan.  

It will receive £24 million of funding via the government’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), industry and other government organisations, as part of wider work to support leading research in areas the government has designated of national importance. 

This includes a support package of £11.6 million from project partners including the National Quantum Computing Centre and National Physical Laboratory and private investment from companies such as BT, Hewlett Packard and Oxford Instruments and a vast array of quantum technology companies, including PsiQuantum and University of Sussex spin-out, Universal Quantum, which is based in the Greater Brighton Metropolitan area and Hamburg, Germany.   

Professor Winfried Hensinger, Director of the University of Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies and Co-founder and Chairman of Universal Quantum, heads up the new Centre for Doctoral Training at Sussex. Professor Hensinger says: Quantum computing has the power to change the world for the better. But currently the UK doesn’t have the necessary number of skilled professionals to help achieve the Government’s ambition of being a world leader in this area.  The establishment of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies at the University of Sussex marks a significant step in addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in the quantum technology sector.   

The University will now offer the full life cycle of education in quantum technologies, from undergraduate up to postgraduate level, with a real focus on research, technology development and work with industry partners. We will not only expose students to the captivating world of quantum physics but also provide them with the necessary expertise and research background to excel in the burgeoning quantum technology industry in the UK – and further our goal of transforming the south coast into the UK’s quantum silicon valley. Investing in top-tier training for students is a crucial foundation for nurturing the growth of quantum technology across the country.”  

The pioneering Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies has been set up with the aim of producing the future leaders of the UK’s emerging quantum technologies sector, working in innovation, research, policy, entrepreneurship, and business.   

The centre will be delivered by a leading team of academics from Sussex and Bristol universities, along with industrial partners and will provide an innovative four-year, fully-funded programme of training and research in quantum technologies for postgraduate students from September 2024.  

Doctoral Training Centres train tomorrow’s leading researchers to address science related problems for the benefit of society, addressing key societal challenges, including net zero, AI, defence and security, healthcare and quantum technologies.   

The Centre for Doctoral Training will provide structured PhD training focusing on multidisciplinary challenges in modern science, with groups of doctoral students working in a defined scientific area.  Students from both Sussex and Bristol universities will be able to work ‘alongside’ each other, through live lab feeds and will be able to study quantum technology modules from both universities.  

Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said: As innovators across the world break new ground faster than ever, it is vital that government, business and academia invests in ambitious UK talent, giving them the tools to pioneer new discoveries that benefit all our lives while creating new jobs and growing the economy. 

 By targeting critical technologies, we are supporting world class universities across the UK to build the skills base we need to unleash the potential of future tech and maintain our country’s reputation as a hub of cutting-edge research and development.” 

In November 2023, the University of Sussex announced that it would be the first in the UK to launch a new quantum technology undergraduate degree where undergraduates participate in quantum technology research from day one of their degree. 

Earlier in 2023, researchers from the University, alongside Universal Quantum, made a major breakthrough by showing for the first time that quantum bits (qubits) can directly transfer between quantum computer microchips. They demonstrated this with record-breaking speed and accuracy,  resolving a major challenge in building quantum computers large and powerful enough to tackle complex problems that are of critical importance to society. 

The University of Sussex is also home to the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies, a Centre of Excellence at the University – a classification reserved for world-leading research that will drive progress and make an important contribution to the planet and its people. Students in the centre are currently working withSussex academics and industry partners on building a quantum computer.  The centre led on the creation of the world’s first blueprint for constructing a large-scale trapped ion quantum computer. 

Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex said:  “At the University of Sussex, our researchers are carrying out pioneering work in quantum technology. Our new EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies will provide students with unparalleled access to this expertise, allowing them to engage in ground-breaking research.  

Sussex is investing significantly in quantum computing and technology, acknowledging their transformative potential on a global scale. These technologies hold promise across various fields, from enhancing drug development and national security to addressing challenges related to climate change. With our quantum technology courses, Sussex students at all levels have the opportunity to contribute to and be part of this transformative journey.” 

Applications for places on the quantum technology undergraduate degrees and the Centre for Doctoral Training, starting in September 2024, are now open.  

Prospective students for the Physics (Quantum Technology Research Placement) MPhys undergraduate degree can apply here: 

https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/physics-quantum-technology-research-placement-mphys  

Prospective students for the Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies can apply for a scholarship funded place here: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/centres/sussex-centre-for-quantum-technologies/training-quantum-technologies/quantum-information-science-technologies-phd  

March 13th, 2024|

BBC Breakfast: Making quantum computers modular

Researchers from the University of Sussex and Universal Quantum have demonstrated for the first time that quantum bits (qubits) can directly transfer between quantum computer microchips and demonstrated this with record-breaking speed and accuracy. This breakthrough resolves a major challenge in building quantum computers large and powerful enough to tackle complex problems that are of critical importance to society.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX4gDPkHYJc

November 13th, 2023|

The future of quantum computing in academia and industry

Professor Winfried Hensinger presented his personal journey spanning three continents and four countries, in a bid to achieve his goal of building a scalable quantum computer. He discussed the future of quantum computing and quantum technologies in academia and industry at the Careers in Quantum online event on 3 June 2021, organised by the University of Bristol Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training. You can watch the advice he gave here.

September 1st, 2021|

University announces strategic partnership with Universal Quantum

We are happy to announce a strategic partnership with full stack quantum computing company Universal Quantum. Universal Quantum is a spin-out from the Sussex Ion Quantum Technology group. This partnership will allow us to develop and construct practical quantum computers. More information can be found here.

November 25th, 2020|

Sussex quantum physicist gives evidence to MPs on future of technology

Professor Winfried Hensinger, Director of the SussexCentre for Quantum Technologies and Head of the Sussex Ion Quantum Technology Group appeared before the House of Commons’ Science and Technology Select Committee on 17 July, to give evidence as part of the Committee’s inquiry exploring the opportunities and challenges for new quantum technologies. (more…)

July 19th, 2018|

Sussex physicist advises German Parliament on quantum computing

Professor Winfried Hensinger, Director of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies and Head of the Sussex Ion Quantum Technology Group, was invited by the German Parliament to testify about the ideas and technology behind quantum computing. (more…)

June 8th, 2018|

June 2016

PhD student Anna Webb has won a University-wide competition explaining her PhD in just three minutes. A news article describing this achievement can be found here.

June 1st, 2016|

March 2016

Four Phd positions in quantum technologies with trapped ions are availalable in the areas of: Microwave Quantum Computing and Simulation with Trapped Ions, Developing a trapped-ion quantum computer demonstrator device, Quantum technology for finance and other commercial applications, Quantum sensing with trapped ions. Info available here.

March 1st, 2016|

December 2014

The IQT group at Sussex becomes part of the UK National Quantum Technology Programe, a press release can be found here here).

December 12th, 2014|

December 2014

We currently have an opening for a postdoctoral position. More details can be found here. We expect to have further vacancies that will be advertised shortly. If you are interested, please contact Dr.Winfried Hensinger for more information.

December 2nd, 2014|

December 2014

Phd positions in Quantum Technologies with trapped ions are available. There are a number of positions availalable in the areas of microwave quantum logic, quantum simulation and quantum sensing (info available here).

December 1st, 2014|

October 2013

Book author John Gribbin, Biolologist Laurence Pearl, PhD student Kim Lake and Winfried Hensinger give a short introduction to quantum computing for the Physics World special about 5 physics spin-offs that will change our lives.

October 1st, 2013|

August 2013

Details on the 1st Workshop on Quantum Simulations with Trapped Ions (IQSim13), to be held 16-19 December in Brighton can be found here.

August 2nd, 2013|

June 2013

Chris Reed is awarded the prize for the best BSc. project in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Sussex.

June 1st, 2013|

January 2013

The Sussex Ion Quantum Technology group is featured in EPSRC’s Pioneer magazine, you can find the article here, see p.18 and 19.

January 3rd, 2013|

October 2012

Come and explore Ion Quantum Technology research at Sussex using our new interactive display, located in the Pevensey 2 building right in front of the IQT lab.

October 2nd, 2012|

October 2012

PhD position available. You can find more information here. Application deadline is 20 December 2012 (applications after this deadline may be considered if position is not filled).

October 1st, 2012|

June 2011

The IQT group received a grant from the Sussex Enterprise Development Fund for another commercialisation project.

June 1st, 2011|

January 2011

There will be a special Issue on “Ion Trapping” in Applied Physics B – Lasers and Optics, edited by Winfried Hensinger, Danny Segal and Richard Thompson. Details can be found here. Submission deadline is 30 April 2011.

January 1st, 2011|

December 2010

The electronic proceedings of the 1st European Conference on Trapped Ions (ECTI 2010) have now been published and can be found here. We also added some conference pictures to the website and you can find them here.

December 1st, 2010|

October 2010

Postdoctoral research fellow / associate position in Trapped Ion Quantum Technology and Nano-science is available. More details can be found here.

October 1st, 2010|

June 2009

The IQT group received a grant from the Sussex Enterprise Development Fund to commercialize a specialized laser.

June 2nd, 2009|

June 2009

Ben Jacques-Parr is the recipient of the departmental Pamela Rothwell prize for an outstanding BSc. research project.

June 1st, 2009|

June 2008

Marcus Hughes is the recipient of the departmental prize for an outstanding Master of Physics research project.

June 1st, 2008|

March 2008

Rajiv Ramasawmy is featured on the cover of the departmental prospectus featuring lasers in the mist (in our lab).

March 2nd, 2008|

July 2007

Jessica Grove-Smith is the co-recipient of the departmental prize for an outstanding Master of Physics research project.

July 1st, 2007|

April 2007

Dan Brown, Nik Davies, Jack Friedlander, Jessica Grove-Smith, Ben Pruess, David Scrivener and Tim Short successfully complete their undergraduate research projects.

April 2nd, 2007|

Science News

A High-Fidelity Quantum Matter-Link Between Ion-Trap Microchip Modules

We present the demonstration of a quantum matter-link in which ion qubits are transferred between adjacent QC modules. Ion transport between adjacent modules is realised at a rate of 2424 1/s and with an ion-transfer fidelity in excess of 99.999993%. Furthermore, we show that the link does not measurably impact the phase coherence of the qubit. The realisation of the quantum matter-link demonstrates a novel mechanism for interconnecting quantum computing modules. This achieves a key milestone for the implementation of modular quantum computers capable of hosting millions of qubits. Published on 8 February in Nature Communications.

University of Sussex Press Release

BBC News, Yahoo Finance

Manuscript: A High-Fidelity Quantum Matter-Link Between Ion-Trap Microchip Modules

March 29th, 2022|

The Impact of Hardware Specifications on Reaching Quantum Advantage in the Fault Tolerant Regime

We have determined how a quantum computer could break the encryption of Bitcoin and simulate the FeMo-co molecule, a crucial molecule for Nitrogen fixation. We show that in certain situations, architectures with considerably slower code cycle times will still be able to reach desirable run times, provided enough physical qubits are available. Four years ago, we estimated that a trapped ion quantum computer would need a billion physical qubits to break RSA encryption equating to a size 100m2. With innovations across the board, the size of such a quantum computer would now just need to be 2.5m2.

The paper was published on 25 Jan 2022 in AVS Quantum Science.

Manuscript: The Impact of Hardware Specifications on Reaching Quantum Advantage in the Fault Tolerant Regime

Press release: Sussex Scientists Reveal how Quantum Computing can Break Bitcoin and Help Tackle World Hunger

January 28th, 2022|

Robust Entanglement by Continuous Dynamical Decoupling of the J-Coupling Interaction

We propose a new microwave gate which uses the intrinsic J-coupling of ions in a static magnetic gradient. The gate is virtually insensitive to common amplitude noise of the microwave fields and enables high fidelities despite qubit frequency fluctuations, while the J-coupling interaction’s inherent robustness to motional decoherence is retained. Errors far below the fault-tolerant threshold can be achieved at high initial temperatures, negating the requirement of sideband cooling below the Doppler temperature.

Manuscript : Robust Entanglement by Continuous Dynamical Decoupling of the J-Coupling Interaction

July 15th, 2021|

A Scalable Helium Gas Cooling System for Trapped-Ion Applications

Microfabricated ion-trap devices offer a promising pathway towards scalable quantum computing. Addition of on-chip features, however, increases the power dissipated by components such as current-carrying wires and digital-to-analogue converters (DACs). Presented here is the development of a modular cooling system designed for use with multiple ion-trapping experiments simultaneously enabling efficient cooling to 70K while provide significant and scalable cooling power.

Manuscript: A Scalable Helium Gas Cooling System for Trapped-Ion Applications

 

June 15th, 2021|

Efficient Qubit Routing for a Globally Connected Trapped Ion Quantum Computer

The cost of enabling connectivity in Noisy-Intermediate-Scale-Quantum devices is an important factor in determining computational power. A particular architecture for trapped-ion quantum computing relies on shuttling ions. An efficient ion routing algorithm has been created along with an appropriate error model, which can be used to estimate the achievable circuit depth and quantum volume as a function of experimental parameters.

Our paper has been published in Advanced Quantum Technologies 3, June 2020 Efficient Qubit routing for a globally connected trapped ion quantum computer

University of Sussex Research News press release, August 2020 Sussex study enables predicting computational power of early quantum computers

February 28th, 2020|

Engineering of Microfabricated Ion Traps and Integration of Advanced On-Chip Features

Ion trap microchips form the core of many quantum technologies, in particular, the trapped ion quantum computers. We provide an overview of state-of-the-art microfabrication techniques, as well as various considerations which motivate the choice of materials and processes. Finally, we discuss current efforts to include advanced, on-chip features into next generation ion traps. Our paper has been published in Nature Review Physics, June 2020.

Manuscript: Engineering of Microfabricated Ion Traps and Integration of Advanced On-Chip Features

July 1st, 2019|

Generation of high-fidelity quantum control methods for multi-level systems

We introduce a powerful technique to transform all existing two-level quantum control methods to new multi-level quantum control methods. We illustrate the technique by coherently mapping between two different qubit types with error well below the relevant fault-tolerant threshold, creating another important tool towards constructing a large scale quantum computer. (more…)

October 1st, 2018|

Blueprint for a microwave trapped-ion quantum computer

We unveil the first industrial blueprint on how to build a large-scale quantum computer. The work features a new invention permitting actual quantum bits to be transmitted between individual quantum computing modules in order to obtain a fully modular large-scale machine. The work is published in Science Advances. (more…)

February 1st, 2017|

Trapped-ion quantum logic with global radiation fields

We describe a new approach for trapped-ion quantum computing based on the application of global radiation fields and voltages applied to individual gate zones. Using this technique we demonstrate a two-qubit quantum gate producing a maximally entangled state with fidelity close to the fault-tolerant threshold. This quantum gate also constitutes a simple-to-implement tool for quantum metrology, sensing and simulation. (more…)

November 1st, 2016|

Ground-state cooling of a trapped ion using long-wavelength radiation

We demonstrate ground-state cooling of a trapped ion using long-wavelength radiation. This is a powerful tool for the implementation of quantum operations, where long-wavelength radiation instead of lasers is used for motional quantum state engineering.
Published in Physical Review Letters.

Manuscript: Ground-state cooling of a trapped ion using long-wavelength radiation

University of Sussex Press Release

July 1st, 2015|

Efficient preparation and detection of microwave dressed-state qubits and qutrits with trapped ions

We have developed a new method to efficiently prepare dressed state qubits and qutrits, thereby significantly reducing the experimental complexity of gate operations with dressed-state qubits. Dressed states are well protected from noise making them ideal for use in many quantum technology applications. Published in Physical Review A and selected as ‘Editor’s Suggestion’.

Manuscript: Efficient preparation and detection of microwave dressed-state qubits and qutrits with trapped ions

January 12th, 2015|

Generation of spin-motion entanglement in a trapped ion using long-wavelength radiation

We demonstrate spin-motion entanglement using longwave radiation. This is a critical step towards the experimental realisation of high-fidelity two-qubit gates using microwaves rather than laser radiation. Published in Physical Review A.

Manuscript: Generation of spin-motion entanglement in a trapped ion using long-wavelength radiation

University of Sussex Press Release

January 10th, 2015|

Fabrication and operation of a two-dimensional ion-trap lattice on a high-voltage microchip

Demonstration of the first two-dimensional ion lattice integrated on a microchip. We realize a two-dimensional ion-trap lattice on a microchip using a new fabrication method that allows very-high voltages to be applied to the chip, enabling very deep ion traps. Published in Nature Communications.

Manuscript: Fabrication and operation of a two-dimensional ion-trap lattice on a high-voltage microchip

University of Sussex Press Release

April 4th, 2014|

Versatile ytterbium ion trap experiment for operation of scalable ion-trap chips with motional heating and transition-frequency measurements

Article on design and operation of an ytterbium ion trap experiment with a setup that can host advanced surface and multilayer ion trap chips. We make a heating rate measurement and provide transition frequency measurements more precise than previously published work, published in Phys. Rev. A (21 Jan. 2011)

Manuscript: Versatile ytterbium ion trap experiment for operation of scalable ion-trap chips with motional heating and transition-frequency measurements

July 1st, 2010|

Single ytterbium ions are trapped in an experimental setup

Single ytterbium ions are trapped in an experimental setup particularly designed for the development of advanced ion trap chips. This setup allows for rapid turn-around time, optical access for all type of ion trap chips and up to 100 electric interconnects. The particular ion trap used features an ion – electrode distance of 300 microns and we observed an ion life time of more than 1 hour.

December 9th, 2009|

Measurement of motional decoherence scaling for an ion trap with moveable electrodes

September 06

Measurement of motional decoherence scaling for an ion trap with moveable electrodes, demonstrated significant suppression of patch potential heating, demonstrated ion trap with 23 microns ion-electrode spacing in experiments at the University of Michigan published in Physical Review Letters.

Manuscript

September 1st, 2006|

First two-dimensional shuttling operations including corner-turning and swapping two ions inside a T-junction

Experiments carried out at the University of Michigan reporting first two-dimensional shuttling operations including corner-turning and swapping two ions inside a T-junction published in Applied Physics Letters.

Manuscript

January 10th, 2006|

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