Single Ion Cracks Quantum Chip Noise Problem: 3D Map, Record Sensitivity

Trapped ion quantum computing noise hit a 30-year wall until ETH Zurich researchers built a Penning-trap scanner using a single beryllium ion to create the first 3D electromagnetic field map above a chip surface, achieving a record 10 nanovolts-per-meter sensitivity that will let engineers screen chip materials directly before full quantum processor builds.