Project description
New architecture for fault-tolerant quantum systems
Penning traps, which use strong magnetic fields to hold ions in place, open new possibilities for quantum computing by stabilising large ion groups. Unlike trap architectures commonly used in trapped-ion quantum computing, Penning traps allow the use of nuclear spin qubits – units of quantum information stored in the atom nucleus – such as 43Ca+ ions. These qubits can hold more information per ion, reducing the need for extra hardware. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CAPTAIN Q project will focus on improving nuclear spin qubits under strong magnetic fields, creating advanced quantum operations for multi-level systems and developing error-resistant quantum states. Using microfabricated sites, CAPTAIN Q aims to make Penning traps a scalable and reliable option for future quantum computers.
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
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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)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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.
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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
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
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