Ali Khatai

Research Assistant at The Institute of Quantum Computing | Trapped Ion Quantum computing

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

About

Passionate about merging the worlds of physics and computer science, I hold a Bachelor's degree in both disciplines. Currently embarking on a thrilling journey to expand my expertise, I am pursuing a Master's degree in Physics with a focus on Quantum Information at the Institute of Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. I am working in the laboratory for Quantum information with trapped Ions. I am driven to contribute to the cutting-edge advancements in Quantum technologies. As I delve deeper into the captivating field of Quantum technology, I am excited to connect with fellow enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals who share my passion.

Experience

  • University of Waterloo (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada · On-site)
    • Research Assistant
      Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

      Research Assistant in the QuantumION group at the institute of Quantum Computing. - Working on trapped-ion system infrastructure for a barium-133 based surface electrode ion trap system.

    • Graduate Reseacher
      Aug 2023 - Sep 2025 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      As a graduate researcher in the QuantumIon group, I contributed to the development of a Barium-133 trapped-ion quantum processor using a surface-electrode ion trap. I was involved in: - Building a UHV, high-optical-access vacuum chamber for a 16-qubit Ba-133 trapped-ion quantum processor, reaching base pressures of ≈ 3 × 10⁻¹¹ mbar. - Developing and assembling a custom in-vacuum wire harness to route signals to ~100 trap electrodes, enabling reliable electrical connectivity to a centrally mounted surface-electrode ion trap. The centrally mounted geometry provides high optical access and high conductance for low vacuum pressures. - Tested multispecies ablation targets, including experimental feasibility and integration considerations , and found that metallic barium produces a larger population of slower-moving atoms than BaCl₂, making it a promising atomic source for surface-trap loading. - Simulated single-ion trajectories in the Phoenix surface trap, demonstrating stray-field compensation up to Ex ≈ 3000 V/m, Ey ≈ 3800 V/m, Ez ≈ 600 V/m, confirming robust micromotion compensation capability.

  • Illinois Wesleyan University (Part-time · 3 yrs 1 mo)
    • Resident Assistant
      Aug 2021 - May 2023 · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Teaching Assistant
      Aug 2021 - May 2023 · 1 yr 10 mos

      Lab teaching Assistant, IWU Department of Physics

    • Teaching Assistant
      Aug 2020 - Apr 2023 · 2 yrs 9 mos

      Teaching assistant at IWU Mathematics Department.

  • Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity
    Mar 2020 - Mar 2020 · 1 mo

  • Student Staff at Sodexo
    Oct 2019 - Mar 2020 · 6 mos

    Worked as a student worker at Sodexo Campus Dining Services.