QUTECH · Molecular electronics and tunable photonics for quantum technology
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2007-06-04 → 2009-06-03
- EU contribution
- €172,253
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- EIF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - QuTech (Molecular Electronics and Tunable Photonics for Quantum Technology)
This project was concerned with AtomChips. AtomChips are a novel experimental tool, first realized in 1999, in which two fields were integrated, namely the successful field of semi-conductor chips forming the base for the computer and other electronic devices and ultracold atoms, for which Nobel prizes of 1997 and 2001 were awarded, which constituted a controllable quantum system. The idea was to create chips based on quantum laws of nature, thereby enabling a novel insight into the theory of quantum mechanics as well as the development of new quantum technology such as ultra-high precision clocks, magnetic sensors and navigation systems, quantum communications, which were completely secure, and the quantum computer which could perform much faster than present-day computers. The aim of the project was to integrate a third kind of technology within the AtomChip, namely molecular electronics. Although the AtomChip achieved miraculous firsts during the last 10 years, it became evident that using normal metallic conductors had disadvantages in the very delicate quantum world. Following several theoretical calculations by numerous groups worldwide, we set out to realise the first AtomChip device based on molecular conductors and specifically focussed on the carbon nano-tube (CNT). The CNT is a 10 nm wide conductor, self-assembled by the atoms themselves under appropriate conditions. It is therefore very pure in its chemical composition and geometrical structure. The main challenge when one attempts to integrate these tubes with conventional semi-conductor chips is that they need special conditions to grow, at times incompatible with the required conditions for other parts of the chip for which standard fabrication is used. Furthermore, it is hard to electrically connect to these conductors as the interface between normal metals and these tubes is complex. Finally, there is no good method for deterministically fixing the location and direction of this conductor. We successfully simulated, designed and fabricated an AtomChip in which a CNT was integrated. The next step would be to actually test this new device with cold atoms.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Matter wave quantum technology (MWQT) is an emerging field in which fundamental systems are kept isolated from their environment long enough for them to be useful as quantum systems. Such systems, involving ultra cold atoms or ions, have for example already set the best time standards. They are now being developed via interferometric schemes into acceleration sensors for ultra accurate navigation systems, and as highly sensitive gravitational field sensors. More futuristic applications involve secure communication (quantum cryptography) and the quantum computer. Although much progress has been made, many problems remain to be solved. In order to bring these systems closer to the level of applicable technologies, much effort has been dedicated in recent years to miniaturization and integration. A specific example of a successful effort has been the 'atomchip' wherein techniques from the semiconductor industry are used to create magnetic fields in which atoms are trapped or guided above a chip. This combination of the fields of quantum optics and microelectronics has brought about great achievements in the past 5 years. Similar efforts have been made with the 'ionchip' where a quantum logic gate has been achieved. This expertise serves as the base for the project, while this proposal emphasizes adding new know-how by a unique synergism of experts from the fields of molecular electronics and photonics. In this project, we suggest combining two additional, completely new fields--molecular electronics and tunable photonics--with the above atomchip and ionchip devices, thus enabling a leap in their capabilities. In both fields, much adaptation is needed of the presently available technology, but the effort is worthwhile as a final successful outcome will provide a major step forward for MWQT. The MC fellow has extensive related background. He will receive expert training in all the above four disciplines of science and technology.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- BEN GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV · BEER-SHEVACoordinatorIsrael
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union