Micromotion in Trapped Ion Systems

Trapped ions have proven to be one of the most successful platforms for studies concerning fundamental quantum physics and quantum technologies. They are employed in the study of quantum computers and simulators, optical clocks, quantum networks, quantum sensors, and interactions between ultracold atoms and trapped ions, as well as in the study physics beyond the standard model.

Ions trapped in Paul traps exhibit motion at a corresponding frequency to that of the trap drive, which is known as micromotion. Micromotion presents a significant issue in a significant number of research areas and technologies which utilize trapped ions. As it affects different trapped ion studies in different ways, it must be understood for each system. For instance, Doppler shifts associated with micromotion limit the accuracy of trapped ion optical clocks and the fidelities of trapped ion quantum computers, while Stark shifts associated with micromotion limit the fidelities of trapped Rydberg ion gates. In addition, the energy associated with micromotion also inhibits the ability to probe quantum interactions between ultracold atoms and trapped ions. To mitigate the unwanted effects of micromotion, improved techniques are continuously being proposed and tested, to facilitate an improvement in trapped ion systems.

The scope of this Research Topic welcomes the submission of both theoretical and experimental manuscripts in letter or article format. Topics of particular interest include, but are not limited to:
- Precise measurements of trapped ion micromotion and mitigation studies
- Studies looking to better understand the effects of micromotion in various systems, in particular; novel trapped ion systems, such as composite systems of trapped atomic ions and trapped nanoparticles
- The development of systems exhibiting a reduced sensitivity to micromotion
- Studies regarding the advantageous implementation of micromotion, e.g. to conduct quantum gates, or to achieve controllable Doppler shifts.

In addition to this we aim to publish an expert’s review of the current status of the field.