Quantum Simulations with Complex Geometries and Synthetic Gauge Fields in a Trapped Ion Chain

• Published in: PRX quantum Vol. 1; no. 2; p. 020303
• Main Authors: Manovitz, Tom, Shapira, Yotam, Akerman, Nitzan, Stern, Ady, Ozeri, Roee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Physical Society 01.10.2020
• ISSN: 2691-3399; 2691-3399
• DOI: 10.1103/PRXQuantum.1.020303

In recent years, arrays of atomic ions in a linear radio-frequency trap have proven to be a particularly successful platform for quantum simulation. However, a wide range of quantum models and phenomena have, so far, remained beyond the reach of such simulators. In this work we introduce a technique that can substantially extend this reach using an external field gradient along the ion chain and a global, uniform driving field. The technique can be used to generate both static and time-varying synthetic gauge fields in a linear chain of trapped ions, and enables continuous simulation of a variety of coupling geometries and topologies, including periodic boundary conditions and high-dimensional Hamiltonians. We describe the technique, derive the corresponding effective Hamiltonian, propose a number of variations, and discuss the possibility of scaling to quantum-advantage-sized simulators. Additionally, we suggest several possible implementations and briefly examine two: the Aharonov-Bohm ring and the frustrated triangular ladder.