While all of the basic primitives required for universal quantum computing (QC) have been demonstrated in trapped-ion qubits with high fidelity, it is currently not possible to simultaneously realize the highest achieved fidelities in a single ion species - typically two species are required. This is a serious impediment to the development of practical quantum computers. However, there is the possibility for achieving high-fidelity, full functionality in a single species: augmentation of an existing species with new functionality via novel encoding schemes in metastable states. I will present recent experimental progress towards implementing this in 40Ca+ ions.

Motional modes of trapped ions have been shown to be a useful tool for quantum sensing as well as a platform for performing continuous variable quantum computing (CVQC). Both applications require the ability to prepare well-defined motional states with high fidelity. Many of these states can be conveniently generated from motional ground states by parametric excitation without the use of laser fields. We generate one- and two-mode squeezing, and beamsplitter operations and use them to create SU(2) and SU(1,1) motional state interferometers.

Refreshments will be offered half an hour before the colloquium in Weniger 379