Abstract
Abstract Optically active point defects in wide-bandgap crystals are leading building blocks for quantum information technologies including quantum processors, repeaters, simulators, and sensors. Although defects and impurities are ubiquitous in all materials, select defect configurations in certain materials harbor coherent electronic and nuclear quantum states that can be optically and electronically addressed in solid-state devices, in some cases even at room temperature. Historically, the study of quantum point defects has been limited to a relatively small set of host materials and defect systems. In this article, we consider the potential for identifying defects in new materials, either to advance known applications in quantum science or to enable entirely new capabilities. We propose that, in principle, it should be possible to reverse the historical approach, which is partially based on accidental discovery, in order to design quantum defects with desired properties suitable for specific applications. We discuss the biggest obstacles on the road towards this goal, in particular those related to theoretical prediction, materials growth and processing, and experimental characterization.
Highlights
Miniaturization of electronic and opto-electronic semiconductor devices has been happening ever since the first such devices appeared
Whereas group IV materials are mainly available as bulk crystals, many other compound semiconductors are amenable to sophisticated synthesis via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) or synthetic chemistry and are available in various morphologies such as epitaxial thin films, nanocrystals, and nanowires
Nuclear spins generally remain unpolarized at experimentally accessible temperatures and magnetic fields, and random fluctuations in this bath induce decoherence for quantum point defects (QPDs)
Summary
Miniaturization of electronic and opto-electronic semiconductor devices has been happening ever since the first such devices appeared. One can envision a device that is composed of just a few atoms As these atoms ideally should not float in free space, but should be embedded in a solid-state matrix, this naturally brings one to the concept of a point defect (an impurity atom or complex of atoms) as the ultimate electronic or optoelectronic device. At such tiny length scales the behavior of physical systems is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. We highlight promising new directions in these domains and consider what is needed to achieve the goal of quantum defects by design
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
