Trapping Lanthanum Ions for Quantum Interfaces (LaIQ)

We are now accustomed to the usual computers and gadgets being connected in networks: from small local networks to global internet. Similarly, quantum devices such as quantum computers or sensors will offer a wider range of applications when connected, forming quantum networks. Developing such networks based on trapped-ion quantum processors is a significant ongoing effort at the University of Innsbruck, pursued by a collaboration of several research groups. This work is an important part of broader national and Europe-wide programs to build quantum networks. At the heart of such networks is an interface between photons and the quantum processor, realized by an optical resonator surrounding the ions in our approach. The key characteristics, and thus the potential applications, of the network depend on how exactly single photons interact with single ions in the resonator. In this new project we aim to develop tools for controlling trapping and cooling of a novel species of trapped ions. Thanks to specific internal properties, namely strong transition at the telecommunication wavelength, exploiting such species will boost the coupling between the single photons and ions and enable radically better performance of our platform for quantum networks.