Quantum mechanics

Algorithm

Spin (aerodynamics)

Quantum computer

Trapped ion quantum computer

Coherence (philosophical gambling strategy)

Computation

Phonon

Computer science

Coherence time

Statistical physics

Thermodynamics

Physics

Quantum technology

Quantum

Spin engineering

Qubit

Quantum information

Electron

Open quantum system

Spin polarization

Quantum metrology

Quantum simulator

Physical Review Letters

Trapped ions offer a pristine platform for quantum computation and simulation, but improving their coherence remains a crucial challenge. Here, we propose and analyze a new strategy to enhance the coherent interactions in trapped ion systems via parametric amplification of the ions' motion--by squeezing the collective motional modes (phonons), the spin-spin interactions they mediate can be significantly enhanced. We illustrate the power of this approach by showing how it can enhance collective spin states useful for quantum metrology, and how it can improve the speed and fidelity of two-qubit gates in multi-ion systems, important ingredients for scalable trapped ion quantum computation. Our results are also directly relevant to numerous other physical platforms in which spin interactions are mediated by bosons.

Trapped Ion Quantum Information Processing with Squeezed Phonons