Microtraps

Ion traps for metrology-related research into quantum computing, sensing and fundamental physics

The primary aim of the NPL microtraps team is to develop microfabricated ion traps and test them for applications in quantum computing, quantum sensing (such as atomic clocks) and fundamental physics. The group is led by Dr Alastair Sinclair and includes Dr Guido Wilpers, Mr William Broe, and Dr Stephanie Webster.  

The group has two key research focuses:

Trap design and fabrication for high performance quantum computing/ sensing/ fundamental physics

There are several themes we are interested in; the challenge of scalability & fidelity related to the microfabrication of the NPL ion trap; further we are looking at variety of trap designs to advance the simulations for ion transport and our low ion heating rate; in addition, there is a strand of research concerning micro-optics design, fabrication and vacuum packaging.  

Trap testing and experiments 

We are building an extensive test bed which includes many measurement techniques to characterise the trap performance and apparatus performance. Ongoing microtrap developments will target high yield chip scale microfabrication and packaging, modelling, system-level streamlining of optical and electronic systems.

Contact our quantum team