William Tokumaru Rose Hills
Spectroscopic Analysis of Surface Ion Traps for Scaling Quantum Information Processing
A quantum computer applies the concepts of quantum physics to make near instantaneous calculations. It is perhaps the best method for creating smaller and faster computers and it is able to apply Shors algorithm to break even the strongest contemporary encryption. The method of trapped ions is able to create a quantum computer by manipulating atoms suspended above and shuttled between surface traps by means of an electromagnetic field. Engineering these devices relies on scaling them up to simultaneously control many ions individually. At the moment, a major challenge to this scaling is electrical noise that appears to come from hydrocarbons deposited on the surface during the vacuum baking phase of cleaning. We plan to use Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify the molecular structure of the contaminants, which will help us determine how exactly the materials create noise and how best to remove them.
Message To Sponsor
Besides contributing to human understanding of the universe and helping create the future of technology, this project is is quite meaningful to my academic development. This fellowship made possible by the Rose Hills Foundation enables me to afford research over summer in place of work, allowing me to develop my skills as an aspiring researcher. It will allow me to begin my official foray into academia, and to help direct my career planning. Finally, I expect to enjoy myself along the way and help make the world better for everyone.