Our objective is to develop and demonstrate a compact trapped-ion system capable of trapping a linear chain of ions for use in quantum entanglement experiments. During Phase I, we will design a three-dimensional symmetrical blade-type ion trap. This geometry offers advantages such as low heating rates, very efficient screening from stray electric fields, deep trapping potential, and high optical access. This trap will be fabricated out of a monolithic block of fused silica glass. This approach completely eliminates the severe internal alignment issues associated with all traditional (i.e. assembled) blade traps. As part of Phase I, we will also design a small ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber that meets the Armys requirement (Optical access via six 1-1/3 optical view ports; two re-entrant windows, etc.) Our ion-trap will incorporate electrical and mechanical features for interfacing to this UHV chamber. During Phase II, the full trapping assembly (i.e. trap installed in the UHV chamber) will be tested and its operational characteristics (heating rate, etc.) will be quantified. To meet existing Army resources, Yb+ and Ba+ loaded ovens will be incorporated into the assembly. This program will yield a complete, room-temperature, in-vacuo trapped ion package with an RF resonator for trapping.
