DNA-templated Materials for Quantum Information Science and Technology
Abstract
Next-generation quantum technologies for sensing, simulation, and computing will be enabled by new materials that offer full, programmable control over quantum photonic and qubit properties at the nanoscale integrated into meso- and macroscopic materials and device architectures. While conventional, top-down manufacturing is capable of spatial patterning and functional material deposition on the >10 nm scale, it is severely limited on the sub-10 nm scale needed for quantum devices. In contrast, bottom-up self-assembly of DNA has been demonstrated in prototypical applications to offer full control over quantum materials on the sub-10 nm scale, but it has not been applied to spatially pattern quantum dots and rods as photonic quantum emitters or molecular qubits as quantum sensors and logic gates. Towards this end, in the proposed research top-down lithography is integrated together with bottom-up self-assembly of DNA templates hosting either colloidal quantum dots and rods or molecularqubits spatially organized at the nanometer-scale to enable scalable and error-free fabrication of quantum materials with sub-10 nm spatial resolution at the wafer-scale. In the first aim,wafer-scale spatial patterning of arbitrary ~50nm DNA templates is enabled by close-packed self-assembly, sparse patterning guided by electron beam lithography, or intermediate scale patterning combining self-assembly and lithographic patterning. In the second aim this wafer-scale patterning of DNA templates is first applied to quantum dots and rods to control their single-photon emission as well as their multi-modal photonic properties using orthogonal placement and patterned photonic cavities. Then, covalently integrated molecular qubits are spatially organized within DNA templates and characterized in solution and on patterned 2D wafer-scale surfaces. 2D patterned materials are converted to silica to offer long-term stability including in harsh environments. This research leverages numerous advances made by the PI in 2D DNA template design and fabrication, quantum dot/rod conjugation to DNA templates, and high-throughput synthesis, screening, and characterization made possible by past ONR DURIP awards. If successful, this research will offer the possibility of breakthrough quantum capabilities with broad implications for naval warfare pertaining to sensing, computing and decision-making, encryption, and simulation.Approved for public release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 12, 2025
- Source ID
- N000142512217
Entities
People
- Mark Bathe
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy