Single atoms that are trapped by electromagnetic fields in pristine vacuum environments have been used to realize among the best qubits ever produced. Because of the inherent identical nature and the fine degree of control that such atoms possess, they hold world records in many of the most important metrics for quantum computing: high-fidelity state preparation, high-fidelity readout, and gate operations between adjacent qubits. There have been substantial advances in recent years in our ability to arrange both neutral and ionic species in arbitrary patterns. Powerful tools include optical tweezer arrays for both atomic and molecular neutral species, substantial advances in control of multi-species ion traps and associated quantum logic spectroscopy, superlative vacuum allowing for large (N > 50) arrays of trapped atomic ions, and ground state laser cooling of ions in a Penning trap. It is the task of the next generation of quantum researchers, exemplified by our NRT trainees, to apply these powerful tools to access new science and new quantum information milestones. The challenging and powerful technologies undergirding such experiments include cutting-edge optics, electronics, and analytics. Training the next generation of graduate students in these technologies is not only necessary to move forward quantum technologies but also leaves those students exceptionally well prepared to develop the tools for use in adjacent fields. In contrast to many scientific areas, the machines used in AMO physics are typically built by the groups themselves, and primarily by graduate students. This vertical integration, where the students are responsible for every step, from assembly to publication, presents a powerful training opportunity with payoff well beyond the sphere of quantum technologies. A unifying theme of our work in patterned atom arrays leveraging interactions between nearby or neighboring atoms to realize well-controlled, global Hamiltonians. In trapped ion experiments (Jayich, Patterson), quantum gate operations between adjacent molecular ions have never been demonstrated; this milestone relies on both fine control of the multi-species Coulomb crystals and agile control of states within the molecular ions. Coherent coupling between atomic ion qubits and polyatomic ions would open the door to exploiting polyatomic molecular ions as complex, low-decoherence quantum systems. A related goal with a more immediate payoff is the realization of trapped ion clocks comprised of multiple clock ions; controlling and reducing Stark shifts in such a setup will again require development of novel trap designs. Ultracold neutral atoms in optical lattices (Weld) offer a complementary playground for quantum science, especially well-suited to the exploration of many-body quantum dynamics. All of these techniques rely heavily on NRT students mastering skills that will serve them well both within the broader quantum workforce and beyond.
