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。这种量子技术将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的实际实现面临的一个主要问题是名义上相同的spe之间的性能可变性。理解和最小化这些可变性的来源是至关重要的。本项目的研究目标是发展基于原子力显微镜（AFM）的实验技术，提供原子尺度的表征和控制，加速spe的发展。AFM是一种工具，它使用一个锋利的尖端与样品表面机械地相互作用。本研究使用原子力显微镜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，教研究人员如何在他们的研究中使用先进的原子力显微镜测量。此外，首席研究员开发和实施与材料科学和原子力显微镜相关的实验室项目，这些项目面向从中学到研究生院的学生，旨在激励和训练学生进行材料研究。技术描述：该项目的目标是开发原子力显微镜（AFM）能力，以加速量子技术和电子应用中纳米材料的发现和开发。单光子发射器（SPE）是许多量子技术的关键组成部分。二维材料（2DM），如二硒化钨和六方氮化硼，已经成为固态SPE载体的有希望的候选者。然而，要使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等关键因素。本提案的研究目标是开发和使用一套新颖的AFM技术，结合光学表征来实现2DM的原子尺度表征和控制，以了解2DM spe中可变性的基本起源和来源，这是实现具有足够属性和可重复性的2DM spe在技术上有用的关键一步。与该领域先前的工作相反，本研究侧重于原子尺度的测量，揭示了过去未充分考虑的异质性。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研究人员能够在原子尺度上获得有关应变、缺陷和底物相互作用的知识，这对2DM的理解具有深远的影响。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并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，被认为值得支持。

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.