SBIR-STTR Award

Solid-state quantum defects play a central role in quantum information science and technology as single- photon sources, optically accessible quantum memories, quantum sensors, and quantum-state transducers. However, discovery, screening, and optimization of quantum defects and emitters has remained challenging because of a lack of an integrated instrument for rapid quantum defect characterization of their full set of relevant physical parameter in a multimodal fashion. Conventional approaches require switching of samples among different probe stations designed for different measurements, which is exceedingly time consuming and critically limits the ability to correlate optical spectroscopic data with spin response and structural information. This bottleneck severely limits progress in screening, discovery, and optimization of quantum defects for next-generation quantum sensors, quantum communication systems, and quantum networks. Advanced Research Systems (ARS) in collaboration with Professor Markus Raschke and Professor Shuo Sun (University of Colorado and JILA, Boulder) will develop a cryogenic quantum optical and spin probe station for high-throughput characterization of solid-state quantum defects. This instrument includes local probe imaging with atomic resolution, nano-optical and confocal spectroscopy, and spin resonance measurement. The instrument provides for a qualitatively new correlative approach and tool for rapid quantum defect spectroscopy, imaging, and screening. The instrument is enabled through an innovative approach by ARS based on the development of a 4 K pneumatic drive Solvay cryocoolers and their techniques for decoupling the cryocooler cold head from the sample space using a helium exchange gas interface in combination with a new tabletop vibration isolation structure. This provides for the necessary minimal vibrations and drift for the multiscale characterization of quantum defects with large field of view and down to atomic resolution. Spectroscopy and imaging implementations include novel optical nano-probe imaging and spectroscopy (Raschke), with correlative and automated spectroscopy and spin resonances probing for quantum defect discovery and research (Sun). The Phase I development will build on the already established collaboration between ARS and Raschke. We will 1) design, build, and test key cryogenic components enabling low base temperature, low sample vibration, and low mechanical drift; 2) extend the cryogenic optical-nanoprobe imaging instrument that ARS and Raschke have developed together; 3) leverage Sun’s expertise to include customized components for quantum defect characterization; and 4) develop and test concepts for automated measurement, data acquisition, processing, and real-time visualization. The instrument with automated test and measurement, data acquisition and processing, and real-time visualization will have a global market with wide range of customers in academia, national labs, and industry worldwide for a standardized, rapid, and facile characterization and discovery of quantum defect for quantum information science and technology. Beyond this specific target of quantum information applications we expect the instrument, also in future customized version to find a broad market in materials science, conventional semiconductor device characterization, optoelectronic and photonic device manufacturing, single molecule spectroscopy, or polymer, thin film, and electrode interface characterization, i.e., advancing materials science where defects and associated structural heterogeneities play a crucial role controlling materials properties.

Solid-state quantum defects (e.g., single atomic defects and dopants in solids, semiconductor quantum dots, or organic molecules) play a central role in quantum information science and technology. The discovery, screening, and optimization of quantum defects and emitters are essential for America’s global competitiveness. However, these goals are extremely challenging because of the lack of an integrated instrument for rapid quantum defect characterization of their full set of relevant physical parameters in a multimodal fashion. Advanced Research Systems (ARS) in collaboration with Professor Markus Raschke and Professor Shuo Sun (University of Colorado and JILA, Boulder) will develop a cryogenic quantum optical and spin probe station for high-throughput characterization of solid-state quantum defects. This instrument includes local probe imaging with atomic resolution, nano-optical and confocal spectroscopy, and spin resonance measurement. The instrument provides a new correlative approach and tool for rapid quantum defect spectroscopy, imaging, and screening. The instrument is enabled through an innovative approach by ARS based on the development of 4 K pneumatic drive Solvay cryocoolers and their techniques for decoupling the cryocooler cold head from the sample space using a helium exchange gas interface in combination with a new tabletop vibration isolation structure. During Phase I the tabletop vibration isolation prototype was designed, manufactured, and tested at ARS, then shipped to the University of Colorado for integration and testing with an atomic force microscope (AFM). The noise levels using the tabletop prototype matched those of a permanently anchored AFM benchmark system, paving the way for further development in Phase II. Additional Phase I accomplishments included setup and automation of far-field optical components, which will be integrated with the AFM/near-field components in the proposed Phase II prototype. Phase II will focus on the development of a fully integrated quantum probe station for correlative and automated laser scanning, optical nano-probe, and spin resonance measurements at variable and cryogenic temperature. Automated realignment and measurement at variable temperature, magnetic field, and excitation wavelength will be developed. The Phase II goals are to demonstrate the quantum probe station performance for large-scale screening and discovery of solid-state quantum defects, leading to the commercialization of this system. The quantum probe station product will be manufactured and sold by ARS under the name “Avalanche”. It will feature automated test and measurement, data acquisition and processing, and real-time visualization. It will have a global market with wide range of customers in academia, national labs, and industry worldwide for a standardized, rapid, and facile characterization and discovery of quantum defect for quantum information science and technology. Beyond this specific target of quantum information applications, the instrument may be customized to find a broader market in materials science, conventional semiconductor device characterization, optoelectronic and photonic device manufacturing, single molecule spectroscopy, or polymer, thin film, and electrode interface characterization, i.e., advancing materials science where defects and associated structural heterogeneities play a crucial role controlling materials properties.