Ideal intersections for radio-frequency trap networks

We investigate the possible form of ideal intersections for two-dimensional rf trap networks suitable for quantum information processing with trapped ions. We show that the lowest order multipole component of the rf field that can contribute to an ideal intersection is a hexapole term uniquely determined by the tangents of the intersecting paths. The corresponding ponderomotive potential does not provide any confinement perpendicular to the paths if these intersect at right angles, indicating that ideal right-angle X intersections are impossible to achieve with hexapole fields. Based on this result, we propose an implementation of an ideal oblique-X intersection using a three-dimensional electrode structure.