Project description
Integrating levitated nano-objects with electronic circuits
The fields of micro-electromechanical and nano-electromechanical (MEMS/NEMS) systems are developing rapidly. The transition from MEMS to NEMS, which comprise devices integrating electrical and mechanical functionality at the nanoscale, is promising. However, it is hindered by the unavoidable environmental contact as well as energy dissipation through strain. The EU-funded LeviTeQ project will cool the motion and rotation of tailor-made silicon particles, enabling full quantum-level control. It will pioneer the control of nanoparticles by electronic circuits, allowing simple technological integration in a room-temperature environment. The project research will pave the way for the creation of a levitated quantum object acting as a node in a quantum network, offering coherent signal storage and conversion.
Objective
Technology is continuously miniaturizing. As it reaches the nanoscale we face unique challenges, such as managing thermal. From the other direction, advances in the quantum physics of a few atoms, ions, and solid-state qubits mean that we increasingly wish to scale up quantum systems, or interface them with nanoscale devices.
Opto- and electro-mechanical (NEMS and MEMS) devices have been controlled at the quantum level in recent years, an amazing advance allowing even entanglement between light and mechanical motion. However, all such systems are plagued by unavoidable environmental contact, and energy dissipation through strain, limiting the potential of mechanical devices to participate in both classical and quantum technologies.
By levitating the mechanical element, these problems are overcome. LEVITEQ will, for the first time, cool the motion and rotation of tailor-made silicon particles, enabling full quantum level control. This ultra-low dissipation system offers exquisite force sensitivity, by driving the rotation of a levitated nanorod. LEVITEQ will pioneer the control of nanoparticles by electronic circuits, allowing simple technological integration in a room temperature environment. This all-electrical system will challenge existing quartz crystal oscillator technology.
LEVITEQ will explore new regimes of physics, by working in extreme vacuum, elucidating thermodynamics on the nanoscale. This research will pave the way for a levitated quantum object acting as a node in a quantum network, for coherent signal storage and conversion.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesquantum physics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesthermodynamics
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcomputer hardwarequantum computers
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrymetalloids
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Funding Scheme
ERC-STG - Starting GrantHost institution
WC2R 2LS London
United Kingdom