Increased control over ions’ motions may help improve quantum computers

A single ion was put into quantum states with up to 100 quanta of energy

physicist laser beryliium ion

ION MANEUVERS  Physicist Katie McCormick (shown manipulating a mirror that directs a laser beam) and colleagues coaxed a beryllium ion to go through the motions. The ion exhibited precise quantum movements within an electromagnetic field.

Burrus/NIST

Physicists are taking their quantum powers to the next level — the next energy level, that is.