COLDQUANTA, INC. — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: A15A-T009

Description

We propose to develop a compact, integrated ion trap quantum system for quantum sensor, timekeeping, and processing applications. To do so, we leverage ColdQuantas expertise in miniature ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and atom chip technology and Duke Universitys expertise in microfabricated surface ion traps and quantum information processing experiments. We will produce designs and implementation plans for two room-temperature systems: a surface ion trap system in ColdQuanta channel cell technology, and a macro ion trap system based on a linear blade trap. These designs will incorporate system components developed in Phase I, including resistively heated oven sources, advanced carrier chips, high density DC and RF feedthroughs, through-chip windows, materials that have been experimentally determined to be compatible with close-proximity trapped ions, and plans to establish an in situ cleaning station and procedure. In parallel, we will develop a cryogenic surface ion trap system based on a package-level vacuum enclosure within a cryostat. As part of the cryo-system development, we will develop a laser ablation atomic source and demonstrate ion trapping in the integrated system. With these Phase I objectives, our team will be prepared to present a vetted system design for development, demonstration, and commercialization in Phase II.