The harmonic oscillator is a simple and ubiquitous physical system. This paper reports a new realization in the quantum regime, achieving direct controllable coupling between quantized mechanical oscillators. The oscillators are ions held in trapping potentials (separated by 40 micrometres) and coupled through their mutual Coulomb interaction. The system could be used as a building block for quantum computers and simulators.
- K. R. Brown
- C. Ospelkaus
- D. J. Wineland
