Trapped ions are one of the best laboratories for exploring the world of Quantum Mechanics. Because the ions are isolated from the environment in ultra-high vacuum chambers, any quantum behavior is not easily disturbed. The use of precisely tuned lasers will allow us to prepare, manipulate, and measure the quantum behavior of a single outer electron on a single Calcium ion.

This probe will enable us to experiment with the non-intuitive aspects of the theory of Quantum Mechanics and eventually to build unique systems that harness some of the power of the Quantum world to solve specific problems.