Dr. Gloria Jia
University of Illinois
Abstract:
Advances in quantum computation and simulation rely critically on the ability to precisely control large-scale, coherent atomic systems. In this talk, I will present my work on engineering high-fidelity quantum control across two leading atomic platforms — trapped ions and neutral atom arrays — highlighting approaches to controlling internal and motional degrees of freedom under realistic experimental constraints.
I will first describe techniques developed during my PhD work in trapped-ion systems for robust multi-qubit operations, including building high-performance hardware, control of collective motional modes and pulse-design strategies that mitigate sensitivity to experimental imperfections. These methods enable reliable quantum operations in systems with many coupled degrees of freedom and provide a foundation for scalable architectures. I will then discuss my postdoctoral work on neutral ytterbium atom arrays, where long-lived atomic states and flexible optical control enable new opportunities for scalable quantum computation and simulation. I will present recent experimental advances in coherent control, non-destructive readout, and atom-photon remote entanglement. Together, these results illustrate a platform-spanning approach to precision quantum control and motivate future directions toward scalable atomic quantum systems that integrate computation, simulation, and modular architectures.