Ab-Initio Solid-State Quantum Materials: Design, Production, and Characterization at the Atomic Scale
Abstract
The rules of quantum mechanics enable technologies that are inherently more powerful than their classical counterparts, including unconditionally secure communication, quantum computing, and quantum-enhanced precision sensing. Among the various physical systems being developed, atom-like quantum emitters in solids have seen exceptional progress and now set the state of the art in several key quantum technologies, including single and entangled-photon emission, quantum sensors, and quantum memories. But research efforts to improve and scale solid-state quantum systems are running up against several underlying challenges: a lack of tools to fabricate and image materials at the atomic scale; a lack of spectroscopic tools to characterize and control complex, many-body quantum systems; and an inability of theoretical tools to model quantum materials quantitatively and to predict new candidate systems. To address these challenges, we assembled a multidisciplinary team with extensive expertise in ab-initio calculations, 2D materials fabrication and manipulation, 3D atomic imaging, and quantum spectroscopy. Bringing these diverse capabilities into one cohesive team enables an integrated feedback loop of ab-initio design, fabrication, imaging, and characterization of quantum materials at the atomic scale. This approach will provide a new level of predictive capability and scalable engineering of quantum materials that is impossible by todayÕs methods. Specifically, Task 1 will develop theoretical tools for ab-initio many-body predictions, modeling tied to experiments, and screening of optimal atom-like quantum emitters and host materials; Task 2 will realize first-of-a-kind tools for reconstruction of 3D and 2D materials fully at the atomic scale; Task 3 will develop revolutionary tools for nanometer-scale and even atomic-scale fabrication of quantum emitter systems; and Task 4 will develop revolutionary chip-integrated quantum devices, including for quantum error corrected memories, entanglement-assisted sensors, and superradiance/ sub-radiance control. Impact on DoD Capabilities: The proposed objectives will produce a unified framework for the prediction, production, evaluation, and use of quantum materials. Specific advances include theory tools for ab-initio many-body predictions, simulation and screening of quantum materials; and first-of-a-kind tools to pattern, image, and control quantum materials at the atomic scale. Closing the loop between design, fabrication, and characterization promises break-through advances in solid-state quantum systems for quantum information processing and sensing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810432
Entities
People
- Dirk Englund
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- United States Army