2D materials for quantum technologies

Project dates: 2025 - Ongoing

Quantum technologies promise transformative applications in computation, communication, and sensing by leveraging quantum mechanical principles such as superposition, entanglement, and tunneling. The success of these technologies hinges on the development of materials that exhibit exceptional quantum coherence, tunability, and scalability. 2D materials, characterized by their atomic-scale thickness and unique electronic, optical, and mechanical properties, have attracted attention as enablers of quantum technologies.

Objectives

  • To investigate the quantum properties of 2D materials and their heterostructures.
  • To design and fabricate 2D-material-based quantum devices for computation, communication, and sensing.
  • To address challenges in scalability, stability, and integration of 2D materials with existing quantum platforms.
  • To evaluate the performance of 2D materials in practical quantum applications.

Background

Overview of 2D Materials

  • 2D materials consist of layers of atoms arranged in a plane with negligible interaction between layers. Notable examples include:
  • Graphene: Exhibits high carrier mobility, long coherence times, and linear band dispersion.
  • TMDs (e.g., MoS₂, WS₂): Feature strong spin-orbit coupling, direct bandgaps, and valley-selective properties.
  • hBN: Acts as an excellent substrate or insulating layer with a wide bandgap and high chemical stability.

Relevance to Quantum Technologies

  • Quantum Computing: 2D materials can host qubits in the form of quantum dots, spin states, or topological states.
  • Quantum Communication: Their strong light-matter interaction enables single-photon sources and quantum entanglement.
  • Quantum Sensing: 2D materials exhibit high sensitivity to environmental changes, making them ideal for nanoscale sensing.

Methodology

Materials Synthesis and Characterization

  • Synthesis: Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and mechanical exfoliation methods will be employed to obtain high-quality 2D materials.
  • Characterization: Advanced techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) will be used to study structural, electronic, and optical properties.
    h-BN lateral heteroepitaxy on graphene (Jonathan Bradford, Mahnaz Shafiei, Jennifer MacLeod, Nunzio Motta, Advanced Materials Interfaces, 6, 1900419, 2019)

Device Fabrication

  • Design and fabricate 2D-material-based quantum devices, such as quantum dots, superconducting circuits, and single-photon emitters, using lithography and etching techniques.
  • Integrate 2D materials with other quantum platforms (e.g., photonic circuits and superconducting qubits).

Computational Simulations

  • Perform density functional theory (DFT) and tight-binding simulations to predict and optimize the quantum properties of 2D materials.
  • Simulate device performance under varying conditions to guide experimental efforts.

Experimental Validation

  • Test fabricated devices at cryogenic temperatures to evaluate coherence times, quantum gate fidelity, and noise characteristics.
  • Use photoluminescence and electroluminescence measurements to study single-photon emission and entanglement properties.

Key Challenges

  • Material Quality: Achieving defect-free synthesis and controlling layer uniformity.
  • Integration: Seamlessly integrating 2D materials with existing quantum platforms.
  • Scalability: Ensuring reproducibility and scalability of 2D-material-based devices for large-scale quantum systems.
  • Decoherence: Minimizing environmental interactions that degrade quantum coherence.

Expected Outcomes

  • High-Performance Devices: Demonstration of quantum devices with enhanced coherence times and operational efficiency.
  • Scalable Architectures: Development of scalable 2D-material-based quantum architectures.
  • Foundational Knowledge: Deeper understanding of the quantum behavior of 2D materials and their heterostructures.
  • Applications: Prototypes for quantum computing, secure communication, and high-resolution sensing.

Impact

This research has the potential to revolutionize quantum technologies by leveraging the unique properties of 2D materials. By addressing fundamental and practical challenges, the project aims to contribute to the development of scalable, efficient, and robust quantum devices, fostering advancements in computing, communication, and sensing applications.

PhD scholarships available on this project: Contact Prof. Nunzio Motta

Funding: QUT Quantum and Advanced Technologies Global Talent Attraction Scholarship

Research Centre: Centre for Materials Science – QUT

Facilities: Central Analytical Research Facility – QUT


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