EAGER: Quantum Manufacturing: Building In-Operando Quantum Emitters and Simulators with Dynamically Tunable Moire Interfaces

这一早期概念探索性研究补助金(AGER)奖支持用于量子计算和量子网络的研究平台的开发和实施。它专注于在一种新的材料平台上研究和实现量子比特：原子薄的过渡金属二卤化物超晶格。在这些材料中，当一层相对于另一层旋转，然后堆叠在它的顶部时，就形成了一个超晶格，它可以作为实现可用于量子通信或量子模拟的二维量子点或量子比特阵列的平台。然而，这些量子点可以通过光学读出，然而，这项拨款解决的一个挑战是，这些量子点之间的距离很近，因此很难单独解决它们。该项目实现了一个平台，该平台结合了通过旋转层间扭角来控制超晶格的能力和近场扫描光学探测器来处理单个量子点，展示了一种独特的可扩展的方法来合成大型量子比特阵列。该项目通过对博士生的支持，通过为当地NSF实习生项目的参与者提供实习机会，以及通过向本科生开放参与机会，在培养多样化的量子劳动力方面发挥了重要作用。为了实现量子使能计算和通信的承诺，制造可以直接与量子比特耦合的高质量、按需单光子发射器是当务之急。除了耦合，这些发射器应该能够高效地读出，以便能够在不同的量子节点之间传输量子信息。过渡金属二卤化物等2D半导体的莫尔超晶格具有独特的能力，有利于应对这些挑战。在莫尔超晶格中，晶格的周期性排列和错位产生了一系列光学活性量子点，这些量子点容纳着单个发射体。这些发射体存在于平面晶体中，不依赖于晶体缺陷，具有可扩展性、电可调谐性和优化的光子提取效率的优势。该项目开发了一种通过动态控制层扭转角度来制造莫尔量子点阵列的方法，并通过近场光学读出有效地寻址单个点。这一量子制造平台的成功演示将莫尔发射器定位为单光子发射器和光学量子模拟器的理想系统。该奖项反映了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。

This EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) award supports the development and implementation of a research platform for use in quantum computing and quantum networking. It focuses on studying and realizing quantum bits (qubits) in a new materials platform: superlattices of atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides. In these materials, when one layer is rotated relative to another and then stacked on top of it, a superlattice is formed, which can act as a platform for realizing a 2-dimensional array of quantum dots or qubits that could be used in quantum communication or for quantum simulations. These quantum dots are amenable to optical readout, however, a challenge this grant addresses is that the dots are closely spaced, making it hard to address them individually. This project realizes a platform that combines the ability to control the superlattice through rotation of interlayer twist angle with a near-field scanning optical probe to address individual quantum dots, demonstrating a uniquely scalable approach to synthesizing large arrays of qubits. This project serves an important role of training a diverse quantum workforce through its support of PhD trainees, through providing internship opportunities for participants in local NSF traineeship programs, and through opening opportunities for undergraduate involvement.To fulfill the promise of quantum-enabled computing and communications, it is imperative to manufacture high quality, on-demand single photon emitters that can be directly coupled to qubits. Beyond the coupling, these emitters should be amenable to efficient read-out to enable transfer of quantum information between disparate quantum nodes. Moiré superlattices of 2D semiconductors, such as transition metal dichalcogenide, feature unique capabilities beneficial for addressing these challenges. In a moiré superlattice, the periodic alignment and misalignment of crystal lattices produces an array of optically active quantum dots which host single emitters. These emitters exist in a planar crystal and do not rely on crystal defects, giving the advantage of scalability, electrical tunability, and optimized photon extraction efficiency. This project develops an approach to manufacture moiré quantum dot arrays by dynamic control of the layer twist-angle and efficiently address individual dots via near-field optical read-out. A successful demonstration of this quantum manufacturing platform positions moiré emitters as ideal systems for single photon emitters and optical quantum simulators.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.