VISION-PREM RESEARCH
The PREM research focuses on advancing solid-state atom-like emitters to enable groundbreaking applications in quantum light generation and manipulation. By assembling emitters like coupled quantum dots and atomic defects into nano-topological structures, the project aims to achieve spectrally tunable single-photon emission, entangled photon generation, and nonlinear optical responses at non-cryogenic temperatures. This collaborative effort integrates expertise across three topics: Quantum Dot Meta-Structures, 2D-hosted atom-like structures, and Composite Optoelectronic Structures, fostering innovation in photonic circuitry and quantum technologies.
Research Topic 1 (RT1): Quantum Dot (QD) Meta-Structures
This research develops molecular-templated colloidal quantum dots through novel assembly techniques, with rapid cycles of synthesis, characterization, and theoretical modeling.
a) Molecular templated nano-assemblies of colloidal quantum dots:
This study uses DNA-based methods like Constrained Interparticle Ligand Shell Hybridization (COILISH) to arrange quantum dots into precise 1D, 2D and even 3D structures with interparticle gaps measuring just a few nanometers. Initial work on gold nanoparticles and CdSe QDs is expanding to advanced materials like InP QDs and perovskite QDs, targeting efficient quantum coupling and stable assemblies for quantum applications.
b) Structural and optoelectronic characterization of colloidal dot nano-assemblies:
Structural and optical characterization ensures functionality of nano-assemblies, using atomic force microscopy, photoluminescence, and Raman techniques. Advanced spectroscopy analyzes excitonic transitions, coupling effects, and potential quantum light applications. Lifetimes, coherence times, and emission behaviors are evaluated to optimize assemblies for quantum technologies.
Research Topic 2 (RT2): 2D-hosted atom-like structures
This research focuses on synthesizing coupled atom-like emitters embedded in two-dimensional van der Waals materials using innovative techniques.
a) Optoelectronic properties of atoms and molecules in 2D materials:
Van der Waals materials serve as hosts for robust quantum light sources, such as rare earth ions introduced via electrochemical intercalation and chemical vapor deposition. Advanced imaging techniques, like conductive atomic force microscopy, identify atomic emitters, defects, and dopants. Complementary spectroscopy and theoretical modeling predict and analyze electronic and optical behavior, exploring defect formation and structural distortions.
b) Strain and defect-engineered atom-like emitters in 2D materials:
This research creates single-photon emitter arrays in 2D TMDCs (e.g., MoS₂, WSe₂) through strain and defect engineering. Localized strain forms exciton-confined potential wells, while focused ion beams generate atomic defects for deterministic placement of emitters. Combined with rare-earth doping, these approaches aim to enable scalable quantum photonic devices and tunable cooperative radiative behavior.
Research Topic 3 (RT3): Composite Optoelectronic Structures
This research focuses on enhancing the tunability of quantum emitter structures by integrating them into electronic, photonic, and mechanical systems.
a) Hierarchical integration of solid-state atomistic assemblies:
Quantum dots (QDs) and nanoparticles are integrated into advanced devices to improve functionality. For example, in electronic integration, molecular templating positions gold nanorods near QDs, enabling plasmonic coupling, or the application of electric fields to tune optical transitions. For nanophotonic integration, DNA-templated QDs and rare-earth ions are placed in photonic crystals with nanocavities, enhancing light-matter interactions for applications like lasers. In mechanical integration, emitters are incorporated into temperature-responsive micromechanical structures, enabling periodic deformation to dynamically modify optical properties.
b) Light-matter interaction by design through spatial arrangement and photonic integration:
Researchers explore real-space topological photon transport by investigating topological quantum effects in QD and TMDC devices, using machine learning to optimize complex parameter spaces. The integration of nano-assemblies with mechanically variable structures will enable dynamic optical responses for applications like light pulse generation, nanoscale optical switches, and quantum-enhanced sensors, thereby advancing quantum photonic technologies.
During its seed phase VISION is placing an emphasis on RT1 while supporting undergraduate and graduate student fellows’ training and research across all RTs.
Listen to an AI-generated DeepDive discussion about the VISION-PREM:
