Research
Defect-bound spins in semicondutors
Atom-scale impurities in solids can trap individual electrons, forming analogs of molecules in free space. Particularly in wide-bandgap semiconductors like diamond, the quantum coherence of such trapped electron spins can be remarkably long lived, even at room temperature, and individual defect spins can be controlled using optics and electronics. A prime example is the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, which shows promise as an optically-addressable quantum bit in future technologies for quantum information processing and nanoscale sensing. Harnessing the versatility of semiconductor fabrication technology, we aim to realize practical implementations of quantum technologies based on such systems.
Besides the diamond NV center, we are investigating alternative spin defects in diamond and other materials that might have even more desirable properties. Many potential applications would benefit from the identification of defect spins active at convenient wavelengths, with large optical cross sections, and in technologically mature materials.
Besides the diamond NV center, we are investigating alternative spin defects in diamond and other materials that might have even more desirable properties. Many potential applications would benefit from the identification of defect spins active at convenient wavelengths, with large optical cross sections, and in technologically mature materials.
Quantum dynamics in Low-Dimensional Materials
Quantum-mechanical effects become progressively more important in materials with reduced dimensions, offering both a challenge for the continued miniaturization of traditional electronics and an opportunity for developing new quantum technologies. The vast scope of recent research in 1D and 2D carbon nanomaterials -- nanotubes and graphene, respectively -- attests to their fundamental interest and technological potential. Our group combines optical and electrical techniques to study quantum dynamics in 1D and 2D nanomaterials, particularly in semiconducting "beyond-carbon" materials such as boron nitride. These emerging materials offer many of the appealing features of their carbon counterparts but with additional advantages, particularly for optical measurements. We are interested in both the fundamental physics of these materials and their potential as electrical & optical components, sensors, and in quantum information technology.
Quantum sensors
Highly localized, optically controllable spins can serve as remote sensors of their nanoscale environment, providing detailed information about their local conditions such as magnetic and electric fields, crystal strain, and temperature. This capability suggests many exciting applications, particularly in materials science, chemistry, and biology, where the ability to monitor fields and their dynamics on nanometer length scales could lead to breakthroughs in understanding protein dynamics, cellular communication, and complex quantum materials.
We are developing quantum sensing applications based on spins in solids, particularly for nanomaterials and biological systems.
We are developing quantum sensing applications based on spins in solids, particularly for nanomaterials and biological systems.
Support
We are grateful to the following organizations for supporting our research:
