A method of performing a computation using a quantum computer includes generating a plurality of laser pulses used to be individually applied to each of a plurality of trapped ions that are aligned in a first direction, each of the trapped ions having two frequency-separated states defining a qubit, and applying the generated plurality of laser pulses to the plurality of trapped ions to perform simultaneous pair-wise entangling gate operations on the plurality of trapped ions. Generating the plurality of laser pulses includes adjusting an amplitude value and a detuning frequency value of each of the plurality of laser pulses based on values of pair-wise entanglement interaction in the plurality of trapped ions that is to be caused by the plurality of laser pulses.