Trapped Ion Computing Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the stability of frequencies in trapped ion systems, particularly in the context of power supply fluctuations affecting ion traps like Paul traps. Participants explore the implications of voltage and frequency changes on the performance of these systems, especially when used as atomic clocks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how stable frequencies are maintained in trapped ion systems despite potential drift in power supply voltages.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on which specific power supply is being referenced, noting that all power supplies have some degree of instability.
  • Concerns are raised about the effects of voltage variations on the trapped ions, with one participant suggesting that the impact may be minimal, primarily resulting in Doppler shifts.
  • A participant mentions that their workplace does not utilize sophisticated power stabilization methods for ion traps, indicating that this may not be a significant issue in practice.
  • There is a request for further inquiry into whether colleagues can detect ion movements in their traps due to voltage drift.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific effects of power supply fluctuations on trapped ions, with no consensus on the significance of these effects or the necessity for power stabilization in ion traps.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the types of power supplies involved or the specific voltages in question, which may limit the clarity of the discussion. The implications of voltage and frequency changes remain unresolved.

jonlg_uk
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Hi all, I have a question about trapped ion. How can they achieve such stable frequencies if the power supply which supply's the ion trap drifts over time? For example if you use a paul trap as an atomic clock, how do you compensate for any fluctuations in power supply voltage and frequency?
 
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I am not sure I understand the question: Which power supply are you talking about? The read-out electronics, lasers, vauum equipment, magnets...
An unstable PSU (an ALL PSUs are unstable to some degree) can of course be a problem; but I am don't quite understand why you think this would be especially important for ion traps?
 
f95toli said:
I am not sure I understand the question: Which power supply are you talking about? The read-out electronics, lasers, vauum equipment, magnets...
An unstable PSU (an ALL PSUs are unstable to some degree) can of course be a problem; but I am don't quite understand why you think this would be especially important for ion traps?

For incidence if you have a paul trap and the voltage was to vary and then the frequency what effect would that have on the ion trapped inside?

BTW I am not sure if it will effect an ion computer, I am just curious of the effects of voltage and frequency changes in paul traps
 
But again: Which voltage?
I assume you mean the voltage that drives the part of the setup that generates the electric field. Well, yes an unstable voltagr would have an effect but it will be quite small (I assume the main problem would be doppler shift).
As far as I know this is not a serious problem; none of the traps we have where I work use - any form of sophisticated power stabilisation (although I don't actually work in that field so I could be wrong).
 
f95toli said:
But again: Which voltage?
I assume you mean the voltage that drives the part of the setup that generates the electric field. Well, yes an unstable voltagr would have an effect but it will be quite small (I assume the main problem would be doppler shift).
As far as I know this is not a serious problem; none of the traps we have where I work use - any form of sophisticated power stabilisation (although I don't actually work in that field so I could be wrong).

Thanks for your reply. Do you think you could ask the question to your colleagues as to whether they can detect ion movements in their (Paul/Penning) ion traps, due to voltage drift??
 

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