Abstract: Quantum processors are provided. A first plurality of neutral atoms is provided in an active zone, each in a respective optical trap of a first array. A first logical qubit is encoded into the first plurality of neutral atoms by first and second lasers. The first plurality of neutral atoms is illuminated while in the active zone by at least the first or second laser, thereby applying a gate to the first logical qubit. The first plurality of neutral atoms is adiabatically moved from the active zone to a readout zone, each to a respective optical trap of a second array. The first plurality of neutral atoms is illuminated while in the readout zone by a third laser. An image of the first plurality of neutral atoms is captures while in the readout zone, thereby determining the state of the first logical qubit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for quantum simulation, based on a linear chain of ions. A gradient field is imposed to break the symmetry of the ion chain, and bichromatic driving fields are applied to bridge the energy gaps induced by the gradient field and thereby establish resonance couplings among the ions according to their relative positions in the gradient field. The combination of the gradient field and the bichromatic driving fields implement excitation hopping to simulate a variety of topologies according to higher¬dimensional Hamiltonians and boundary conditions, including ring, torus, Mobius strip configurations, as well as topologies with periodic boundary conditions. In particular synthetic gauge fields allow simulation of magnetic flux.