Building a helical resonator for an ion trap

• Grant number: 25/11213-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Principal Investigator: Amilson Rogelso Fritsch
• Grantee: Mayara Soares Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/08433-8 - Building an Ion-Trap for Quantum Computing and Precise Measurements, AP.QUTIA.JP

Abstract

This undergraduate research project is part of our main proposal for building an ion trap, which will be primarily used in quantum computing experiments. This type of trap operates with high voltages, on the order of kilovolts (kV), and high frequencies, on the order of megahertz (MHz), which are applied to the electrodes to generate the electric field necessary for ion confinement.Due to the combination of high voltage and high frequency, a device known as a helical resonator is essential to couple the function generator with pre-amplified output to the trap electrodes. The helical resonator, among other functions, is responsible for amplifying the generator's voltage, filtering out frequencies different from those for which the trap is designed, matching the impedance between the circuit and the trap, and protecting the equipment from current backflow.Since it is not possible to find a commercially available device with the required specifications, this undergraduate project will focus on building a helical resonator specifically designed for our ion trap.