Flat 'Ion Trap' Holds Quantum Computing Promise

by Tom Simonite NewScientist.com, 7 Jul 2006 Quantum computers could be more easily mass produced thanks to the development of a two-dimensional ion trap -- one of their key components. Ion traps have so far proved the best way to make qubits, allowing up to eight to be connected together. They work by trapping super-cooled ions in an electric field. Lasers can then be used to manipulate the ions to alter their quantum states. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Maryland have developed a new way to make ion traps that can be easily scaled up, using technologies common to today's electronics industry. Read more