MRI: Development of a Quantum Engineering Laboratory

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This MRI proposal seeks NSF funds to develop unique cross-disciplinaryQuantum Engineering Laboratory for comprehensive characterization and developmentof future generation of information devices that are based on quantum principles.Particularly, we propose to develop new material characterization tool capable ofsimultaneous millimeter-wave, magnetic resonance, and electrical experimentalmeasurements (correlated spin and charge transport measurements) on arrays of single-electron quantum dots and other novel semiconductor materials.Intellectual merit of the proposed activity. The principal features of the proposedtool are (1) milli-Kelvin temperature and high magnetic field capabilities, required toreach high spin polarization and a quantum regime for single-electron informationdevices, and (2) capability for simultaneous electrical & magnetic measurement, requiredto examine the spin physics of charged carriers. Acquiring such a capability we will beable to understand the fundamental quantum physics in such systems and to exploit thespin degree of freedom for the new generation of information and communication devicesthat are based on quantum principles.To achieve these goals we propose to develop the first of its kind in the worldmaterials characterization tool which will utilize high homogeneity (at least 10 ppm) 9 Tmagnet with the cold-bore to accommodate a top-loading sorption refrigerator with thebase temperature of ca. 300 mK. It is proposed to develop a specialized top-loadinginsert to conduct synchronized electrical measurements while the spin states aremanipulated by millimeter-wave pulses at 95, 130, and, possibly, 225 GHz. Theinstrument will be also capable of comprehensive electrical characterization of quantumdot materials at high spin polarization states as well as for electron spin resonance (ESR)measurements to understand the mechanisms of relaxation and spin-spin coupling.The broader impacts of the proposed activity. The major impact of the proposedactivity will be in enhancing the infrastructure for research and education. Specifically,development of the Quantum Engineering Laboratory at NCSU fits the goal of the NSFMRI program because it will serve the following high priority areas: (1) to fill the gapbetween materials characterization facilities currently available in the USA and newquantum information devices which are theoretically proposed and which prototypes arealready fabricated and will be fabricated in the upcoming months; (2) to facilitate thediscovery of fundamental phenomena in spin-coupled and other materials containingunpaired electron spins for quantum information processing; (3) to foster the integrationof these multidisciplinary efforts in quantum information devices and technology and totrain students in this emerging technology;We are engaged in developing advanced instruction in this field throughproviding courses in engineering and chemistry at NCSU. Specifically, it is proposedthat students and postdoctoral research associates will participate in all aspects of theinstrument development and materials research studies. To publicize the development ofnext generation characterization tool it is proposed to hold a workshop during the grantperiod to educate the scientific community of this emerging technology. Twice a year, ashort training course for students at NCSU and UNC will be offered. The coursematerials will be made freely available via Internet.We believe that these quantum electronic devices will become important to ourNation and therefore are in support of the national research infrastructure. This belief issupported by NSFs roadmap in information science and the developing roadmap inQuantum Computing being currently prepared by a coalition of government researchfunding agencies.