Two-dimensional crystals of trapped ions are a promising system with which to implement quantum simulations of challenging problems such as spin frustration. Here, we present a design for a surface-electrode elliptical ion trap which produces a 2-D ion crystal and is amenable to microfabrication, which would enable higher simulated coupling rates, as well as interactions based on magnetic forces generated by on-chip currents. Working in an 11 K cryogenic environment, we experimentally verify to within 5% a numerical model of the structure of ion crystals in the trap. We also explore the possibility of implementing quantum simulation using magnetic forces, and calculate J-coupling rates on the order of 10^3 / s for an ion crystal height of 10 microns, using a current of 1 A.
@article{arxiv.1009.0036,
title = {A cryogenic surface-electrode elliptical ion trap for quantum simulation},
author = {Robert J. Clark and Ziliang Lin and Kenan S. Diab and Isaac L. Chuang},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1009.0036},
year = {2015}
}