Quantum coherence of discrete kink solitons in ion traps

H. Landa*, S. Marcovitch, A. Retzker, M. B. Plenio, B. Reznik

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

We propose to realize quantized discrete kinks with cold trapped ions. We show that long-lived solitonlike configurations are manifested as deformations of the zigzag structure in the linear Paul trap, and are topologically protected in a circular trap with an odd number of ions. We study the quantum-mechanical time evolution of a high-frequency, gap separated internal mode of a static kink and find long coherence times when the system is cooled to the Doppler limit. The spectral properties of the internal modes make them ideally suited for manipulation using current technology. This suggests that ion traps can be used to test quantum-mechanical effects with solitons and explore ideas for the utilization of the solitonic internal modes as carriers of quantum information.

Original languageEnglish
Article number043004
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume104
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 29 Jan 2010
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Quantum coherence of discrete kink solitons in ion traps'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this