Quantum materials at the atomic scale

原子尺度的量子材料

• 批准号: RGPIN-2022-05215
• 负责人: LuicanMayer, Adina
• 金额: $ 2.99万
• 依托单位: University of Ottawa
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=762636
• 关键词: Quantum; materials; atomic; scale

My research program is at the convergence of two rapidly evolving fields of research: quantum science and ultimately thin materials, 2D materials. In this space, there is an emerging opportunity for breakthroughs in the development of next-generation quantum technologies by harnessing the properties of 2D materials that are optimally suited for incorporation in quantum devices. Therefore, the long-term vision of the program is to create quantum functionality in 2D systems by combining fabrication and assembly techniques of 2D layers at the nanoscale as well as advanced scanning probe microscopy with atomic precision. In this proposal, my research group aims to advance towards this goal in three directions of research. A first direction of research is aimed at creating arrays of defects in 2D materials that can be used for quantum sensors. To that end, we will characterize the charge states of atomic defects using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) and subsequently devise protocols to deterministically pattern such defects into arrays. Such systems have the potential to represent highly sensitive single-photon or single-electron quantum sensors. A second direction of research aims to fabricate and characterize moiré patterns in twisted 2D layers that can be used as a quantum simulation platform, enabling the study of strongly correlated physics and topology in quantum materials. Changing the twist angle, the type of material for each layer, and applying external stimuli such as electric filed gating gives an unprecedented degree of control over symmetries and interactions among the moiré sites. Using techniques developed in my laboratory for controlled fabrication of twisted 2D materials, we will fabricate such moiré systems. Using STM/STS, we will study their electronic properties at the atomic scale, tune their interactions, and explore them as platforms for simulating controllable quantum Hamiltonians such as the Hubbard model or moiré ferromagnets, otherwise elusive experimentally. A third direction of research is taking on the challenge of demonstrating the building blocks of a topological quantum computing platform based on Majorana modes. We will use a newly discovered platform of layered magnetic topological insulators that are predicted to host Majorana modes when placed in heterostructures in proximity to superconductors. We will fabricate such proximal heterostructures and verify the presence and the degree of control over the predicted Majorana modes, pushing the boundaries towards systems where braiding can be controllably realized. Building on our expertise in this field and taking advantage of the ideally suited infrastructure in my laboratory, pursuing these research directions will open unprecedented opportunities for building quantum devices based on layered 2D materials.

我的研究项目是两个快速发展的研究领域的融合：量子科学和最终薄材料，二维材料。在这个领域，通过利用最适合纳入量子设备的2D材料的特性，在下一代量子技术的开发方面取得突破的机会正在出现。因此，该计划的长期愿景是通过结合纳米级2D层的制造和组装技术以及具有原子精度的先进扫描探针显微镜，在2D系统中创建量子功能。在这个建议中，我的研究小组旨在从三个研究方向朝着这个目标前进。第一个研究方向是在二维材料中创建可用于量子传感器的缺陷阵列。为此，我们将使用扫描隧道显微镜和光谱（STM/STS）的原子缺陷的电荷状态的特征，并随后设计协议，确定性地将这些缺陷图案成阵列。这样的系统有可能代表高灵敏度的单光子或单电子量子传感器。 第二个研究方向旨在制造和表征扭曲的2D层中的莫尔图案，该图案可用作量子模拟平台，从而能够研究量子材料中的强相关物理和拓扑结构。改变扭曲角、每层材料的类型以及施加外部刺激（例如电场门控），可以对莫尔条纹之间的对称性和相互作用进行前所未有的控制。使用我的实验室开发的扭曲二维材料的控制制造技术，我们将制造这样的莫尔系统。使用STM/STS，我们将在原子尺度上研究它们的电子特性，调整它们的相互作用，并将它们作为模拟可控量子哈密顿的平台，如哈伯德模型或摩尔铁磁体，否则难以在实验上实现。研究的第三个方向是承担挑战，展示基于马约拉纳模式的拓扑量子计算平台的构建模块。我们将使用一个新发现的层状磁性拓扑绝缘体平台，当放置在靠近超导体的异质结构中时，该平台预计将拥有Majorana模式。我们将制造这样的近端异质结构，并验证预测的马约拉纳模式的存在和控制程度，推动边界向系统编织可以可控地实现。基于我们在这一领域的专业知识，并利用我实验室理想的基础设施，追求这些研究方向将为构建基于分层2D材料的量子器件提供前所未有的机会。