Electric-field noise from the surfaces of ion-trap electrodes couples to theion's charge causing heating of the ion's motional modes. This heating limitsthe fidelity of quantum gates implemented in quantum information processingexperiments. The exact mechanism that gives rise to electric-field noise fromsurfaces is not well-understood and remains an active area of research. In thiswork, we detail experiments intended to measure ion motional heating rates withexchangeable surfaces positioned in close proximity to the ion, as a sensor toelectric-field noise. We have prepared samples with various surface conditions,characterized in situ with scanned probe microscopy and electron spectroscopy,ranging in degrees of cleanliness and structural order. The heating-rate data,however, show no significant differences between the disparate surfaces thatwere probed. These results suggest that the driving mechanism forelectric-field noise from surfaces is due to more than just thermal excitationsalone.
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