CAREER: Quantum Information Science with Single Defects in ZnO

技术描述：本项目的研究目的是了解ZnO单点缺陷的光物理和自旋物理，为量子信息科学和量子增强计量学提供平台。虽然量子信息科学承诺了根本性的新技术能力，但在物理系统中实现这些理论思想是非常具有挑战性的。半导体晶体中的单点缺陷是一种很有前途的量子系统，通过与传统计算技术和其他量子系统的集成，具有可扩展性的潜力。本研究项目采用“单分子”方法，结合共聚焦荧光显微镜、时间分辨单光子计数和磁共振，研究氧化锌中的点缺陷，以了解这个可单独寻址的量子系统的结构和动力学。重点是理解自旋和光动力学，着眼于控制电子和核自旋的量子态，以及产生高质量的单光子源。此外，在主要研究者的实验室和合作中，研究了ZnO的生长，以了解和控制缺陷的形成以及它们如何与ZnO的电子和光子特性相互作用。非技术描述：本项目研究单原子尺度缺陷的光学和磁性行为。一个例子是在形成晶体的原子阵列中缺少一个原子。即使在室温下，这种缺陷在固态环境中也能表现得像单个原子一样。理解和控制这些点缺陷可以带来新的计算和通信技术，因为它们的行为是由量子力学控制的。研究小组通过检测单个缺陷在不同实验条件下和使用不同方法生长的样品中发出的单个光子，通过其光学特征来研究单个缺陷。从事该项目的研究生和本科生在一个刺激和跨学科的环境中受益于研究经验。首席研究员（PI）还开发了动手科学课程，包括教师可以通过康奈尔材料研究中心借阅图书馆借用的设备和用品。PI与教师合作开发这些工具包，并将教师带入实验室，以便他们体验科学研究并与学生分享。

Technical Description: The research aim of this CAREER project is to understand the photo-physics and spin-physics of single point defects in ZnO as a platform for quantum information science and quantum-enhanced metrology. While quantum information science promises fundamentally new technological capabilities, implementation of these theoretical ideas in a physical system is very challenging. Single point defects in semiconductor crystals are promising quantum systems with potential for scalability through integration with conventional computing technology and other quantum systems. This research project studies point defects in ZnO using a "single-molecule" approach, combining confocal fluorescence microscopy, time-resolved single-photon counting, and magnetic resonance to understand the structure and dynamics of this individually addressable quantum system. Emphasis is on understanding spin and photo dynamics with an eye toward controlling the quantum states of electronic and nuclear spins, and on the generation of high-quality single photon sources. In addition, ZnO growth is studied, both in the principle investigator's laboratory and through collaboration, to understand and control the formation of defects and how they interact with the electronic and photonic properties of ZnO.Non-technical Description: This project examines the optical and magnetic behavior of single atom-scale defects. An example is a single missing atom within the array of atoms that form a crystal. Such defects can behave like single atoms, even at room temperature, within a solid-state environment. Understanding and controlling these point defects could lead to new technology for computing and communication because their behavior is governed by quantum mechanics. The research team studies a single defect through its optical signature by detecting the individual photons it emits under different experimental conditions and in samples grown using different methods. Graduate and undergraduate students working on this project benefit from research experience in a stimulating and interdisciplinary environment. The principal investigator (PI) also develops hands-on science lessons, including equipment and supplies that may be borrowed by teachers through the Cornell Center for Materials Research lending library. The PI works with teachers on the development of these kits, and brings teachers into the laboratory so they can experience scientific research and share it with their students.