Bringing quantum materials to life

The CQSE materials theme is a multi-materials-based cluster bringing together quantum materials scientists interested in the growth, processing, properties and applications of materials within quantum technologies.

With crossovers with 2D materials as well as spins and qubits themes, there are strong links to a variety of material systems such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, creation, control, characterization and properties of colour centres and other defects in crystals, as well as materials underpinning semiconducting and photonic platforms for quantum technologies.

Our research vision  

The theme is vast in scope of materials and therefore rich in techniques. With each material system bringing its own challenges, but also solutions, we aim to bring them together to share and understand the wider materials problems faced. Our research looks at the materials properties from single ions to bulk doping, from fundamentals to device architecture.

Key areas of research

Several research groups at The University of Manchester work across key areas of this theme, including:

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  Single ion defect creation

  The ability to create precise single ion implantation and defect engineering is a key challenge for solid state silicon-based quantum technologies. Our facilities are looking at the deterministic single ion approach as well as how isotopically pure ion beams can also deliver enriched silicon for silicon-based quantum technologies.

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  Closing the loop

  The characterisation of such materials for quantum provides a vital feedback to their manufacture and closes the feedback loop needed to excel these material fabrication.  From quantum optoelectronic metrology on the nanoscale to a variety of other optical and magnetic characterisation techniques with the ability to individually activate and characterise defects within these materials for materials, housing these within the same centre enables accelerated growth.

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  Semiconductors and beyond

  With a suite of photonic characterisation systems, the ability to probe the quantum states of CMOS compatible type materials is a key area of interest, but the depth of materials goes much further. From the spin dynamics within molecular materials to materials for fibre and planar photonic platforms, from the localisation of fermion in layered structures to superconducting devices. The breadth of research spans the entire centre.