OSC Colloquium: Curtis Volin, "Optical Engineering for Ion Trap Quantum Computers"

March 7, 2022
Curtis Volin
Title: Optical Engineering for Ion Trap Quantum Computers 
 
Abstract: 
Trapped-ions are a leading candidate for the implementation of quantum computers and other quantum applications including atomic sensors and secure communications. In trapped-ion systems, most of the control operations performed on the ions are implemented using very precise light fields. As the development of trapped-ion quantum computers transitions from research-scale demonstrations to highly engineered commercial systems, the implementation of scalable optomechanical subsystems becomes uniquely challenging. In this talk I will review the mechanisms by which ions are controlled using optical fields, with emphasis on optomechanical challenges faced in the industry. 
 
Speaker Bio: 
Dr. Curtis Volin is a Principal R&D Scientist with Quantinuum (until recently, Honeywell Quantum Solutions). Prior to joining Honeywell in 2020, he co-founded the Quantum Systems Group at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) in 2005. He holds a B.S. in Applied and Engineering Physics from Cornell and a Ph.D. in Optical Sciences from The University of Arizona. As the field of quantum computing emerged, Curtis combined his expertise in engineering, physics and optics into the then-novel role of Quantum Systems Engineer. He specializes in design and modeling of ion traps as well as planning and implementation of optics in experimental quantum systems.