Oxford University researchers demonstrate rapid ion trap loading using QFX’s miniaturised atom source technology

In a recent arXiv preprint (https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.10514), ion trap quantum computing researchers at the University of Oxford report on the rapid loading of calcium ions using a pre-production prototype of QFX’s Miniaturised Atom Source (MAS) technology. The researchers study the performance of the ultra-low power consumption, optically heated atom source by both imaging the neutral atoms in the trapping zone and measuring fast ion loading rates. This milestone is of particular importance to the future of trapped-ion quantum processors, which will require the capability to rapidly recover from ion loss. This research shows the source provides an exceptionally stable and highly directional beam of atoms at low heating power, making it suitable for continuous operation, even in cryogenic systems, and enabling ion loading at sub-millisecond timescales. 

Ion traps are used for various applications in the quantum technology sector, including computing, sensing, simulation, and communication, as well as academic research. As these applications mature from experiments in university labs to commercial products, the source of atoms used in ion traps is an often-overlooked example of a component that could have become a significant roadblock to scalability and field deployment. The Oxford research group, co-led by QFX founder & CTO Joe Goodwin, has since successfully integrated commercial MAS units into a range of ion trap systems, including demonstrating isotopically enriched sources, and ion loading in cryogenic conditions.

QFX continues to develop the MAS product, improving performance and extending its applicability to additional operating environments. The unique advantages offered by QFX sources are recognised by a rapidly growing international customer base, including numerous leading quantum computing companies, national laboratories and academic groups. 

QFX wishes to thank the research group for undertaking this work.