Defects for quantum engineering*

Certain point defects in semiconductors exhibit quantum-mechanical features comparable to isolated atoms or molecules, in a solid-state materials platform amenable to nanofabrication, heterointegration with other materials and classical devices, and large-scale system engineering. Well-known quantum point defects such as the diamond nitrogen-vacancy center are leading candidates as robust quantum memories, versatile quantum sensors, and efficient light-matter interfaces. Meanwhile it is increasingly clear that alternative materials and defect systems offer potential advantages and new capabilities for quantum science [1]. However, millions of potential defects exist, and their identification is often tedious and challenging. This talk will introduce the opportunities and challenges of identifying point defects, including several new approaches to efficiently predict, characterize, and engineer their properties for quantum science and technology.

[1] L. C. Bassett, A. Alkauskas, A. L. Exarhos, and K.-M. C. Fu, "Quantum defects by design" Nanophotonics 8, 1867 (2019).