NanoTechnology: Materials, Processes & Devices

Classical computing relies on large arrays of robust miniaturized bits. Similarly, the development of useful quantum computing requires millions of low-footprint error-tolerant qubits. Current state-of-the-art superconducting qubits are not compatible with this approach as they rely on large device areas to increase qubit lifetimes and reduce noise. This limits the practicality of building a scalable superconducting quantum computer given size constraint. We explore an alternative to this limitation, where we predict both orders-of-magnitude reduction in qubit footprint and...

Color centers in solid-state materials are promising candidates as single-photon emitters for quantum information technologies. For color centers in silicon, ion implantation and subsequent annealing are used to create emitters in wafers at a desired density. However, ion implantation introduces damage and additional defects into the silicon lattice, potentially impacting charge environments local to color centers. In this project, we focus on the creation of silicon T centers, which are point defects composed of two carbon atoms, and one hydrogen atom. We propose to use epitaxially grown...

We present a silicon photonic optical circuit switch (OCS) based on surface-micromachined MEMS actuators integrated with silicon photonic waveguides. The multilayer architecture separates the MEMS actuator layer from the optical layer, allowing mechanical structures and electrical interconnects to cross over optical waveguides without interference. This architecture enables more compact and fully addressable switching, while providing greater design flexibility and improved mechanical robustness through high-aspect-ratio springs and electrostatic actuators.

Project currently...

Disordered superconductors provide access to a unique regime of superconducting quantum circuits due to their large kinetic inductance, strong intrinsic nonlinearity, and high characteristic impedance. These properties enable compact microwave structures with strong electric field confinement, opening new opportunities for engineered light–matter interactions in reduced footprints. We are developing a DC-tunable, high-impedance superconducting nanowire platform based on TiN, a strongly disordered superconductor. The large kinetic inductance of TiN nanowires enables characteristic...