A quantum theorist whose proposals helped turn trapped ions into a computing architecture and entanglement purification into a strategy for long-distance quantum communication.
Max Planck Institute of Quantum OpticsPhysical Review LettersarXivCirac’s contributions connect the abstract requirements of quantum information with specific physical systems. His trapped-ion proposal with Peter Zoller described how laser-controlled ions could perform quantum computation. His work with Briegel, Dür and Zoller then addressed the different challenge of preserving entanglement across long communication distances. Both examples show why architecture matters: a useful quantum device needs a method for combining imperfect physical operations into a larger, coordinated task.
Max Planck Institute of Quantum OpticsPhysical Review LettersarXivThe work behind the recognition
Work, in context- 1995
A trapped-ion computing architecture
Cirac and Peter Zoller proposed quantum computation with cold ions held in a linear trap. Their scheme used laser interactions and shared quantized motion to connect individually controlled ions, providing a concrete architecture for quantum logic.
Joint author of the trapped-ion computing proposal with Peter Zoller.
Source-supported recordPhysical Review Letters - 1998
Quantum repeaters
With Hans-Jürgen Briegel, Wolfgang Dür and Peter Zoller, Cirac proposed a nested entanglement-purification approach to quantum repeaters. It addressed the accumulation of noise that obstructs direct distribution of entanglement over long communication channels.
Coauthor of the repeater proposal with Hans-Jürgen Briegel, Wolfgang Dür and Peter Zoller.
Source-supported recordarXiv
The evidence map
Both views link each contribution to its sources. Choose a contribution on the map or read them all in the list.
A trapped-ion computing architecture
Quantum Computations with Cold Trapped Ions
Supports: Cirac–Zoller proposal, trapped ions, laser control and shared motion.
Published 15 May 1995 · Checked 19 Sept 2026Credit & limits: Joint author of the trapped-ion computing proposal with Peter Zoller.
Read the full contribution| Contribution | Evidence & what it supports | Credit & limits |
|---|---|---|
| A trapped-ion computing architecture1995 | Primary paperQuantum Computations with Cold Trapped Ions Cirac–Zoller proposal, trapped ions, laser control and shared motion. Published 15 May 1995 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Joint author of the trapped-ion computing proposal with Peter Zoller. |
| Quantum repeaters1998 | Primary paperQuantum repeaters for communication Authors and nested purification repeater proposal. Published 20 Mar 1998 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Coauthor of the repeater proposal with Hans-Jürgen Briegel, Wolfgang Dür and Peter Zoller. |
Follow the evidence
3 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- Max Planck Institute of Quantum OpticsInstitutional record
Ignacio Cirac
Director since 2001 and research identification.
Checked 19 Sept 2026 - Physical Review LettersPrimary paper
Quantum Computations with Cold Trapped Ions
Cirac–Zoller proposal, trapped ions, laser control and shared motion.
Published 15 May 1995 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXivPrimary paper
Quantum repeaters for communication
Authors and nested purification repeater proposal.
Published 20 Mar 1998 · Checked 19 Sept 2026