QLC:EAGER: Precisely configurable 2-dimensional array of colloidal perovskite quantum dots as a new platform for chemical qubits

量子计算是一种新的范式，可以解决用现有计算技术难以解决的高度复杂的问题。要实现一台实用的量子计算机，一个重要的前提是构建执行量子计算的基本硬件单元，称为量子比特。量子比特类似于现代数字计算机中的比特。然而，与可以处于两种不同状态之一的比特不同，量子比特可以以多种不同的状态存在。量子计算面临的挑战之一是大规模、稳健地构建量子比特，以实现量子计算的实用和低成本。在化学系大分子、超分子和纳米化学项目的支持下，德克萨斯农工大学的孙栋和阿基莫夫教授正在开发一种新的量子比特平台，该平台基于化学合成的量子点，可以以极高的均匀度大规模生产，并以精确控制的方式组装。虽然在纳米尺度上制造和定位量子点的风险很大，但这项研究可能对量子计算机和量子信息系统的发展具有广泛的影响。该项目还为学生提供了在化学和量子光学相结合的跨学科环境中进行培训的机会。Son教授和Akimov教授正在与他们的学生一起开发模板策略，以基于有限大小的钙钛矿量子点阵列来制造量子比特结构，每个结构都可以大规模复制多次。这种方法利用了化学合成结构相同的量子点作为量子比特的构建块的最新进展。了解和控制掺杂在量子点阵列中的磁性杂质的量子力学耦合激子和自旋的行为对于验证新结构的功能尤为重要。为此，光致发光光学显微镜方法被用来表征量子比特结构，并确认放大的量子比特平台作为健壮的量子计算机所需的量子力学行为。这些都是将量子计算应用于解决现实世界问题的必要步骤。该团队由一名化学家和一名物理学家组成，还在积极开发跨学科和推广计划，利用现代科学的新前沿来教育下一代科学家。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Quantum computation is a new paradigm that can solve highly complex problems that are difficult to tackle with current computing technology. To realize a practical quantum computer, an important prerequisite is the construction of the basic hardware units for performing quantum computation, called qubits. The qubit is analogous to the bit found in modern digital computers. However, unlike a bit, which can be in one of two different states, qubits can exist in many different states. One of the challenges in quantum computation is the construction of the qubits in large scale and in a robust manner for practical and low-cost implementation of quantum computation. With support from the Macromolecular, Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry program in the Division of Chemistry, Professors Dong Son and Alexey Akimov at Texas A&M University are developing a new qubit platform based on chemically synthesized quantum dots that can be mass-produced with extremely high uniformity and assembled in a precisely controlled manner. While the fabrication and positioning of the QDs on the nanometer scale is very risky, the research may have broad implications for the development of quantum computers and quantum information systems. The project also provides training opportunities for students, in an interdisciplinary environment that combines chemistry and quantum optics. Working alongside with their students, Professors Son and Akimov are developing templating strategies to fabricate qubit structures based on finite-sized arrays of perovskite quantum dots, with each structure being replicated many times in large scale. The approach takes advantage of recent progress in chemical synthesis of structurally identical quantum dots used as the building blocks of the qubits. Understanding and controlling the behavior of the quantum mechanically coupled excitons and spins of the magnetic impurities doped in the quantum dot arrays is particularly important to verify the functionality of the new structures. For this purpose, photoluminescence optical microscopy methods are used to characterize the qubit structures and to confirm the quantum mechanical behavior needed for the scaled-up qubit platform to function as a robust quantum computer. These are necessary steps to take towards the application of quantum computation to solve real-world problems. The team, composed of a chemist and a physicist, is also actively developing the interdisciplinary and outreach programs that utilize the new frontiers of modern science to educate the next-generation scientists.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.