UROP Project

Scalable Quantum Computing and Networking with Trapped Atomic Ions

quantum computing; quantum networking; qubits; quantum; photonics

Research Mentor: Mikhail Shalaev,
Department, College, Affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: ms26dc@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: ms26dc@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and other STEM
Project Location: IRCB, 2010 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU Bus from main campus every 30 min
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10 hrs, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

• Day: Friday, September 4
  Start Time: 2:00
  End Time: 3:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/4176836029
• Day: Wednesday, September 2
  Start Time: 12:00
  End Time: 1:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/4176836029
• Day: Monday, August 31
  Start Time: 5:00
  End Time: 6:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/4176836029

Project Description

Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionize computing, secure communication, sensing, and precision measurement. Among the leading platforms for quantum technologies are trapped atomic ions, which provide exceptionally high-quality quantum memories, with the highest-fidelity quantum operations and longest coherence times demonstrated to date.

During this research experience, the student will participate in establishing a cutting-edge experimental laboratory based on trapped-ion quantum systems. In particular, the student will contribute to addressing one of the major challenges in quantum computing: scalability. Our approach is to use photonic interconnects to network smaller quantum processing units together, enabling distributed and modular quantum computation.

The student will gain hands-on experience with a broad range of experimental quantum technologies. Depending on their interests and background, they may participate in setting up and testing laser and optical systems; working with electronic equipment, including RF and DC sources; and developing software to control experimental sequences using Python and FPGA-based systems. These tools are used to precisely manipulate the quantum states of individual atoms that serve as quantum bits (qubits).

The student may also contribute to the development of novel photonic devices designed to efficiently collect and interface light emitted by trapped-ion quantum memories in a scalable architecture. The design of these photonic nanostructures involves advanced computational methods, including finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and finite-element method (FEM) simulations, as well as AI-based and inverse-design optimization techniques. The resulting devices are fabricated using widely adopted semiconductor fabrication technologies, providing a path toward reliable and repeatable production of large numbers of devices.

The broader goal of this research is to develop technologies that could enable large-scale quantum computers capable of addressing problems beyond the reach of conventional computers. The project is also closely connected to technologies being developed across the rapidly growing quantum industry. As a result, students will gain exposure to experimental methods, computational tools, instrumentation, and technical approaches relevant to both academic research and industry careers in quantum technology.

Research Tasks: Literature review; programming; numerical simulations; building and testing optical setups; assisting with experiments; and data collection and analysis. Tasks will be tailored to the student's interests and experience, and training will be provided.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: curiosity, reliability, careful attention to detail, willingness to learn, and an interest in experimental physics and quantum technology.

Recommended but not required: coursework or experience in physics, engineering, optics, electronics, programming, numerical simulation, or laboratory work.