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Atomic scale coherent manipulation of the electron spin in semiconductors

Project description

Expanding our understanding of electron spin in semiconductors

Recent experimental research has focused on implementing qubits in various physical systems, driven by the discovery of optically active point defects in two-dimensional (2D) materials that serve as single-photon sources. These materials show spin-dependent optical emissions, making them strong candidates for spin-photon interfaces. Furthermore, advancements in local probe techniques have improved the detection of magnetic resonance in single atomic spins and facilitated the manipulation of point defects in 2D semiconductors. The ERC-funded OneSPIN project will investigate single electronic spins localised at point-centres in 2D semiconductors and engineer their atomic environment. The project aims to develop innovative approaches using unique scanning tunnelling microscopy techniques to overcome current limitations and challenges, while deducing key new insights.

Objective

Currently, a great deal of experimental research is dedicated to implement qubits on a wide variety of physical systems. In the last decade researchers have observed optically-active point-defects in 2D materials which serve as single photon sources and present spin-dependent optical emission, making them promising spin-photon interfaces. In parallel, new local probe techniques have been developed to detect magnetic resonance on single atomic spins, and more recently to demonstrate controlled charging and positioning of point-centres in 2D semiconductors. OneSPIN lies at the junction of these very active fields. Inspired by the opportunity that these recent findings bring, I propose to coherently probe single electronic spins localized at point-centres in 2D semiconductors and to engineer their atomic environment. The ultimate goal of this proposal is the demonstration of long spin coherence times for quantum information applications.

To achieve this ambitious goal, I will develop a novel approach based on a unique scanning tunnelling microscopy technique which allows for the engineering, excitation and optical detection of single spin resonance. This approach provides a solution to the current lack of tools capable of simultaneously recording the atomic and electronic structure of defects, their optoelectronic response, and the coherence properties of their spins. Using this tool, it will be possible to not only determine the role of the environment on spin coherence, but also to engineer it by deterministically moving localization centres over the surface, creating tailored ensembles of localized spin states. I will use 2D semiconductors which, being chemically stable and “all surface”, are systems which can naturally be addressed, manipulated and engineered using local probe techniques. OneSPIN has the potential to open new opportunities in the fields of material science, quantum information and semiconductor-based quantum technologies.

Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2022-STG

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Host institution

ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 913 122,50
Address
ROUTE DE SACLAY
91128 PALAISEAU CEDEX
France

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 913 122,50

Beneficiaries (1)

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