Deterministic fabrication of defect centers in solid state materials for quantum information technologies

Abstract

Quantum computing is a form of modern date information processing based on quantum mechanical phenomena such as entanglement and superposition. The first terms of quantum computing date back to the 1980s and was mentioned by many scientists and engineers such as Richard Feynman. Along with quantum computing, many other related technologies such as quantum key distribution have emerged. Most of all, many researchers have tried to find the appropriate real world element to perform these technologies, hence, to find an appropriate platform to encode the information into qubits, the basic element of quantum information. Since quantum computing is based on quantum mechanical based phenomena, the quanta or basic unit of physical elements such as single photons, spins, electrons, nano sized structures have been used to enable the processes, but the ultimate solution has yet to be found. Of all candidates, defect centers in solid state materials have emerged as a convenient platform for encoding information into so called qubits. Their high temperature stability up to room temperatures yield economic aspects compared to transistors and quantum dots, which can be used only at cryogenic temperatures. Defect centers have also shown to yield single photons and spins, which are both used as quantum information processing, providing a variety of physical phenomena for encoding qubits. Basic quantum information platforms have been performed using defect centers, but their low intrinsic density, slow emission rates, and difficult integrability with other photonic components hinders satisfactory conditions for modern technologies. In this research, we use high energy particle and high energy laser pulse irradiation for deterministic site controlled formation of defect centers in solid center materials. By these methods, we hope to increase the density of defect centers that can be used for such platforms and provide suitable site controllability for future integration with other photonic components.