Michael Shor

Quantum computing uses the ideas of quantum physics to create a new type of computer that aims to extend the computational power of the fastest classical computers. A quantum computer uses a qubit instead of a classical bit as the fundamental piece of information. The specific type of quantum computing I am focusing on is trapped ion quantum computing, which traps various ions such as magnesium and beryllium as qubits. Trapping an ion allows qubits to be stored in the energy levels of an ion, in which the rules of quantum physics still apply. Trapped ions are an easier system to create and more efficient to run than most other quantum computing systems. 

One of the most important parts of the trapping process is the transport of the ion from various places inside the trap. In order to trap the ion initially and then move it around, a series of electronic signals need to be sent to the ion. However, problems begin occurring in this process when the signals that enter the trap carry noise. This means that the signal wanted is carrying with it extra signals that are at a different frequency and affect the ion in a different and negative way. Luckily, an electronic device called a low-pass filter can process signals that need to pass through it without getting distorted and safely enter the trap environment, and remove those signals that would have otherwise gone through into the trap. 

My goal is to design filters which maximize the number of bad signals filtered and let in the most amount of signals that are beneficial to the trap. In order to effectively design filters, I will be simulating various filters on real signals that my mentor's lab sends to the ion trap. In these simulations, I will be looking at how the output signals are affected by the filter and how much the signal is distorted.