CAREER: Atomically-Precise Single Photon Emitters

非技术描述：在小尺度上表征和控制物质的能力是技术进步的关键能力，特别是对于利用量子力学行为的技术。这种量子技术有望彻底改变我们传输和处理数据的方式。许多量子技术的关键组成部分是一种特殊类型的光发射器，称为单光子发射器（SPE）。在现代技术中SPE的实际实现所面临的一个主要问题是名义上相同的SPE之间的性能的可变性。理解并尽量减少这些可变性来源至关重要。本项目的研究目标是开发基于原子力显微镜（AFM）的实验技术，提供原子尺度的表征和控制，并加速SPE的发展。原子力显微镜是一种工具，它使用锋利的尖端与样品表面机械相互作用。这项研究使用AFM来测量和操纵材料的机械和电子特性，以了解机械应变，材料缺陷和量子行为之间的相互作用。该项目还支持开发和传播培训材料，教导研究人员如何在他们的研究中使用先进的AFM测量。此外，还开发和实施了材料科学和原子力显微镜（AFM）相关的实验室项目，面向从中学到研究生院的学生，旨在激发和培养学生的材料研究。技术说明：本项目的目标是开发原子力显微镜（AFM）功能，以加速量子技术和电子学应用的纳米材料的发现和开发。许多量子技术的关键组件是单光子发射器（SPE）。二维材料（2DM），如二硒化钨和六方氮化硼，已成为固态SPE主机的有前途的候选人。然而，为了使2DM SPE在技术上可行，必须在原子尺度上理解和控制这些材料。不幸的是，没有实验工具能够同时解决纳米尺度应变，原子缺陷和周围材料的层间效应的关键因素。该提案的研究目标是开发和使用一套新的AFM技术，以实现原子尺度的表征和控制的2DM结合光学表征，以了解基本的起源和来源的变化，在2DM SPE，这是实现2DM SPE具有足够的属性和可重复性，是有用的技术的关键一步。与这一领域的先前工作相比，本研究侧重于原子尺度的测量，这揭示了过去没有充分考虑的异质性。除了对SPE行为的深入了解外，本研究中开发的一般框架使2DM研究人员能够获得原子尺度下有关应变、缺陷和基底相互作用的知识，这对理解2DM具有深远的影响。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并被认为值得通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估来支持。

Nontechnical Description:The ability to characterize and control matter at small length-scales is a critical capability for the advancement of technologies, specifically for technologies which harness quantum mechanical behavior. Such quantum technologies are poised to revolutionize how we transmit and process data. A key component of many quantum technologies is a special type of light emitter called a single photon emitter (SPE). One major problem facing the practical implementation of SPEs in modern technologies is the variability of performance between nominally identical SPEs. It is critical to understand and minimize these sources of variability. The research goal of this project is to develop experimental techniques based on atomic force microscope (AFM) that provide atomic-scale characterization and control, and accelerate the development of SPEs. An AFM is a tool which uses a sharp tip to mechanically interact with the sample surface. This research uses AFMs to measure and manipulate the mechanical and electronic properties of materials to understand the interplay between mechanical strain, material imperfections, and quantum behavior. This project also supports development and dissemination of training materials that teach researchers how to use advanced AFM measurements in their research. Additionally, the principal investigator develops and implements laboratory projects related to materials science and AFMs that are geared to students ranging from middle school through graduate school, with the intention of inspiring and training students in materials research.Technical Description:The goal of this project is to develop atomic force microscope (AFM) capabilities that accelerate the discovery and development of nanomaterials for applications in quantum technologies and electronics. A key component of many quantum technologies is a single photon emitter (SPE). Two-dimensional materials (2DM), such as tungsten diselenide and hexagonal boron nitride, have emerged as promising candidates for solid-state SPE hosts. However, for 2DM SPEs to become technologically viable it is essential to understand and control these materials at the atomic scale. Unfortunately, there are no experimental tools capable of simultaneously addressing the key factors of nano-scale strain, atomic defects, and interlayer effects from surrounding materials. The research goal of this proposal is to develop and use a suite of novel AFM techniques to achieve atomic-scale characterization and control of 2DM in conjunction with optical characterization to understand the fundamental origin and sources of variability in 2DM SPEs, which is a critical step toward realizing 2DM SPEs with sufficient attributes and repeatability to be useful in technologies. In contrast to prior work in this area, this research focuses on measurements at the atomic scale, which reveals heterogeneities that have not been adequately considered in the past. In addition to insights into SPE behavior, the general framework developed in this research enables 2DM researchers to obtain knowledge about strain, defects, and substrate interactions at the atomic scale, which has far-reaching impacts in the understanding of 2DM.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.