Objective
Recent progress in ion-trap quantum computing has been driven largely by quasi-2D RF trap architectures and ion–photon modules, which already enable high-fidelity gate operations and small-scale algorithms. However, scaling these systems to the fault-tolerant regime remains a key challenge due to increasing hardware overhead and control complexity. Penning traps, which employ strong magnetic fields to stabilize large ion arrays, offer a fundamentally different architecture that has so far been scarcely explored for quantum computation. In this regime, the strong magnetic field modifies the energy structure such that one no longer speaks of hyperfine qubits but rather of nuclear spin or electronic spin qubits. The nuclear spin states of 43Ca+ provide a rich multi-level manifold, enabling more information to be stored per ion and reducing the number of physical qubits required for large-scale processing.
In this project, we aim to establish surface Penning traps as a competitive platform for quantum computing through three tightly connected objectives. The first objective is to identify and benchmark the nuclear spin qubit of 43Ca+ under high magnetic fields, providing the foundation for robust state preparation and measurement. The second objective is to explore the qudit manifold of the nuclear spin, implementing single- and two-qudit gates. The third objective is to demonstrate spin-cat states in this manifold, using them as intrinsically error-protected encodings and targeting the first experimental demonstration of error correction in a Penning trap device.
All experiments will be carried out in a microfabricated surface Penning trap with individual trapping sites for each ion, enabling flexible geometries and scalability. Supported by close integration of theory, experiment, and industrial collaboration, the project will deliver the first robust multi-level quantum processing in a Penning trap and reinforce Europe’s position in quantum technologies.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkaline earth metals
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science data processing
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.