Nanostructures and nanoelectromechanical devices for precise control of topological defects/matter in superfluid helium

Projektinformationen

N2PCON

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101061892

DOI

10.3030/101061892

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 7 Juli 2022

Startdatum 1 August 2022

Enddatum 31 August 2024

Finanziert unter

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Gesamtkosten

Keine Daten

EU-Beitrag

€ 199 694,40

Koordiniert durch

AALTO KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - N2PCON (Nanostructures and nanoelectromechanical devices for precise control of topological defects/matter in superfluid helium)

Berichtszeitraum: 2022-08-01 bis 2024-08-31

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

This project aims developing new nanodevice tools for probing and manipulating phenomena in quantum fluids. To be specific, in the first part of this work, a NEMS-based oscillator has been developed. This nano oscillator should be able to precisely probe quantum vortices in liquid He-3. In the second part of this work, a nanopillar structure has been developed and it should be able to confine quantum vortices and half quantum vortices.

By accomplishing these goals, new tools would be introduced to the research community of quantum fluids, largely accelerating the development of this field. The nanodevices developed in this project could also be exploited in other research communities like medical science, microelectronics, etc.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

1. By introducing a new low-stress SiNx sacrificial layer technology, a sensitive NEMS oscillator was developed. The resonating first-order resonance frequency is below 100 kHz, which fits the measurement scheme. Different designs of oscillators were developed, of which the lightest one is ~2 pg and the highest Q-factor is 8000. These figure-of-merits ensure the capability of precisely probing quantum vortices. Moreover, multiple oscillators on the sample chip were also developed, which allows more possibility of manipulating quantum vortices and probing more fascinating phenomena.

2. By developing a new electron beam lithography patterning technique, I successfully accomplished patterning of an array of circles (11 nm-13 nm) which can be used for the creation of the high-aspect ratio nanostrands. The resulted nanostrands are with 11 nm-13 nm diameter and 200 nm of height, which will satisfy the measurement scheme in liquid He-3.

3. Variation of the nanostrand structures (random structures without an array) were also developed and collaborated with other researchers for more application scenarios. A robust superhydrophobic surface was demonstrated and an optical diffuser application was also demonstrated. The optical diffuser shows light concentration capability which can be used to increase the performance of solar cells.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

In this project, nano-oscillator and nanostrands were developed and key figure-of-merits were analyzed to ensure they can work in He-3. Moreover, regarding the nanostrands, applications towards photonic and superhydrophobic surface were explored with collaborators.

1. In the future, both the oscillator and nanostrands can be deeply integrated with silicon MEMS devices (microgear systems, etc.) to allow more degrees of freedom. In this scenario, more complex measurement in liquid He-3 can be set up.

2. Regarding the oscillator, medical applications like molecular detection can be developed.