Overview

• UC Berkeley researchers reported in Nature that high‑resolution two‑photon polymerization can fabricate miniaturized 3D ion traps with complex geometries on sapphire substrates, later metal‑coated for operation.
• They confined calcium ions with radial trap frequencies between 2 and 24 MHz and achieved a two‑qubit gate with Bell‑state fidelity of 0.978 ± 0.012, validating the traps for quantum operations.
• The printed designs delivered trap frequencies up to four times higher than typical macro 3D traps and surface traps, indicating tighter ion confinement at comparable voltages.
• Earlier lab evaluations found these mini traps captured ions up to 10 times more efficiently with shorter activation‑to‑use wait times than conventional designs, suggesting faster experimental turnarounds.
• Researchers say the approach could ease manufacturing bottlenecks for trapped‑ion systems, with plans to integrate optical components next and potential spillover to devices such as mass spectrometers.