Design and assembly of a barium ion quantum processor*

We present our progress on the assembly of a Ba-133 trapped ion testbed with a surface trap. Since Ba-133 is radioactive, only microgram quantities can be used to satisfy safety regulations. We outline two recipes for fabricating ablation targets aimed at enhancing the production of neutral atoms and isotope selective loading of barium ions. We also discuss progress and challenges in assembling our unique apparatus which grants improved optical access and low vacuum pressure to the trapped ions. Finally, we describe a novel individual addressing system that provides maximum flexibility in controlling individual ion qubits.