The Electronic Control System of a Trapped-Ion Quantum Processor: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

[Background] Ions in an ion trap are among the most promising technologies to implement a quantum processor. This machine is governed by a classic electronic control system, for which we found no systematic electronic system-level approach for its conception, design, implementation, and/or verification. The trapped-ion quantum processor cannot advance its roadmap without an appropriate and fitting electronic control system. To fully enable further advancements in the field, an understanding of the electronic control system as a system of its own and the conception of its electronic system-level description, are due needed. [Objective] Therefore, we want to address the electronic control system of a trapped-ion quantum processor as a system of its own by first identifying its published literature. [Method] For that purpose, we conducted a systematic literature review abiding by the APISSER methodology for systematic literature reviews in engineering, which describes and delimits the reach of this study. [Results] In this paper, we report the results of the study, classify them, and present possible research directions and considerations to be taken in the conception of this system. [Conclusion] This study lays a introductory foundation to grasp the requirements and environment of the electronic control system of a trapped-ion quantum processor. A foundation much needed to leverage further research on this topic by the engineering community. Furthermore, it serves as a checkpoint in time: listing and synthesizing, the existing published body-of-knowledge of this topic within the defined boundaries of our method.

Keywords

• Quantum computing
• processor
• trapped-ion
• electronic control system
• APISSER