Generation of spin-motion entanglement in a trapped ion using long-wavelength radiation

Abstract

Applying a magnetic-field gradient to a trapped ion allows long-wavelength radiation to produce a mechanical force on the ion's motion when internal transitions are driven. We demonstrate such a coupling using a single trapped $^{171}\mathrm{Yb}^{+}$ ion and use it to produce entanglement between the spin and motional state, an essential step toward using such a field gradient to implement multiqubit operations.