Silicon, a mature platform of modern semiconductor technology, is also emerging as a versatile host for quantum and nanoscale systems. In addition to its low-loss and low-noise properties, silicon can host defects that provide localized states with rich electronic and mechanical responses. In this project, we investigate defect-mediated electromechanical coupling in silicon, where lattice imperfections act as active media connecting electrical and vibrational degrees of freedom. By fabricating high-quality mechanical and superconducting resonators on silicon, we probe how defects influence and enhance electromechanical interactions at the quantum level. Our approach leverages the strong nonlinear response of individual defects, the long coherence of mechanical resonators, and the high sensitivity of superconducting circuits, offering a new pathway to harness defects as quantum resources. This study establishes a platform for exploring defect-based quantum functionalities and advances the integration of mechanical, electrical, and quantum degrees of freedom in silicon.
Project is currently funded by: Federal