Zeeman-splitting-assisted quantum-logic spectroscopy of trapped ions

We present a quantum logic scheme to detect atomic and molecular ions in different states of angular momentum based on their magnetic g factors. The state-dependent magnetic g factors mean that electronic, rotational, or hyperfine states may be distinguished by their Zeeman splittings in a given magnetic field. Driving motional sidebands of a chosen Zeeman splitting enables reading out the corresponding state of angular momentum with an auxiliary logic ion. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, we show that we can detect the ground electronic state of a Yb+174 ion using Yb+171 as the logic ion. Further, we can distinguish between the Yb+174 ion being in its ground electronic state versus the metastable 2D3/2 state. We discuss the suitability of this scheme for the detection of rotational states in molecular ions.

Duke Scholars

Author Huanqian Loh Electrical and Computer Engineering