Materials and devices for fundamental quantum science and quantum technologies
Marco Polini, Francesco Giazotto, Kin Chung Fong, Ioan M. Pop, Carsten Schuck, T. Boccali, G. Signorelli, Massimo D’Elia, Robert H. Hadfield, Vittorio Giovannetti, Davide Rossini, Alessandro Tredicucci, Dmitri K. Efetov, Frank H. L. Koppens, Pablo Jarillo‐Herrero, Anna Grassellino, Dario Pisignano
Technologies operating on the basis of quantum mechanical laws and resources such as phase coherence and entanglement are expected to revolutionize our future. Quantum technologies are often divided into four main pillars: computing, simulation, communication, and sensing & metrology. Moreover, a great deal of interest is currently also nucleating around energy-related quantum technologies. In this Perspective, we focus on advanced superconducting materials, van der Waals materials, and moiré quantum matter, summarizing recent exciting developments and highlighting a wealth of potential applications, ranging from high-energy experimental and theoretical physics to quantum materials science and energy storage.
Technologies operating on the basis of quantum mechanical laws and resources such as phase coherence and entanglement are expected to revolutionize our future. Quantum technologies are often divided into four main pillars: computing, simulation, communication, and sensing & metrology. Moreover, a great deal of interest is currently also nucleating around energy-related quantum technologies. In this Perspective, we focus on advanced superconducting materials, van der Waals materials, and moiré quantum matter, summarizing recent exciting developments and highlighting a wealth of potential applications, ranging from high-energy experimental and theoretical physics to quantum materials science and energy storage.
This exhaustive quality-research paper covers the field of emerging materials and their intrinsic properties and including how they can be used in the future in quantum technologies. The arrival of quantum mechanics is one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century, with the promise of new computer generations, enhanced information transfer and precision measurement. However, the development of future quantum technology is highly dependent on the discovery of new materials that enable us to control quantum phenomena. This article carefully considers a range of advanced materials that have emerged recently, such as novel superconductors, topological insulators and graphene derivatives, to explore the unique quantum properties of these materials and how they can be exploited in quantum devices. By using advanced experimental techniques, including angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), advanced instruments that allow us to probe electronic structures, spin textures and topological properties with atomic electron and spin resolution, the areas with most interesting quantum properties can be discovered, key for the development of quantum technologies. This paper details understanding of quantum coherence and decoherence mechanisms of the advanced materials. Quantum coherence is one of the most important properties for using the quantum features of materials for information processing. Through quantum states and entanglement, the quantum coherence can be manipulated and enhanced, which is also intertwined with the environment. Better understanding of quantum coherence and the mechanisms of decoherence can help to improve future generations of quantum technologies. The results reported here help to explain the mechanisms leading to design and performance of new materials for the quantum technology revolution. Studying advanced materials not only advance the understanding of quantum nature but will also power future quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing devices. Current research can take advantage of all aspects of these new materials and advance the boundaries of science, engineering, computing, information exchange and sensing.
Abstract The materials challenge is often a major hurdle for translating good ideas in science into technologies. This is no different in the arena of quantum technologies which has seen a resurgence of interest in the last decade. This perspective provides a unique insight into the recent collaborative works by research groups in Singapore to surmount key quantum materials and processing bottlenecks that have impeded quantum technologies in the areas of sensing, computing, and communications. We highlight recent important materials related breakthroughs that have made possible novel advancements such as integrated ion traps, light frequency conversion, highly efficient cryogenic contacts to atomically thin quantum devices, and gate defined quantum dots, to name just a few. We also discuss the potential applications and conclude with our perspective on the remaining challenges to be addressed and the prospects enabled by these materials advances for future collaborations and co-developments to advance quantum technologies.
A broad perspective of quantum technology state of the art is provided and critical stumbling blocks for quantum technology development are identified. Innovations in demonstrating and understanding electron entanglement phenomena using bulk and low-dimensional materials and structures are summarized. Correlated photon-pair generation via processes such as nonlinear optics is discussed. Application of qubits to current and future high-impact quantum technology development is presented. Approaches for realizing unique qubit features for large-scale encrypted communication, sensing, computing, and other technologies are still evolving; thus, materials innovation is crucially important. A perspective on materials modeling approaches for quantum technology acceleration that incorporate physics-based AI/ML, integrated with quantum metrology is discussed.
Quantum materials, characterized by their unique electronic, magnetic, and optical properties, are poised to revolutionize the future of computing and communication. These materials, including topological insulators, superconductors, and two-dimensional materials like graphene, exhibit quantum mechanical effects at macroscopic scales, offering unprecedented capabilities for technological advancement. In computing, quantum materials enable the development of quantum bits (qubits) that can perform complex computations at speeds unattainable by classical computers, significantly enhancing processing power and efficiency. For communication, they facilitate ultra-secure quantum communication networks through quantum entanglement and superposition, ensuring data integrity and privacy. Additionally, quantum materials support the creation of novel electronic devices with superior performance and energy efficiency. As research progresses, integrating quantum materials into practical applications will address current limitations and open new horizons in information technology, marking a pivotal shift toward a pioneering future in computing and communication.
The field of quantum sensing leverages quantum mechanical resources such as superposition, entanglement, and squeezing to surpass classical limits in measurement precision and enable new sensing modalities. This Special Topic Collection in Applied Physics Reviews brings together recent advances spanning theory, materials, device engineering, and applications of quantum sensors. Contributions cover a wide range of platforms, including atomic, solid-state, optomechanics, and photonics, highlighting both fundamental science and emerging technologies. The collection illustrates the transition of quantum sensing from foundational concepts toward scalable technologies and broadens its impact across physics, engineering, and applied sciences.
Discover the foundations of quantum mechanics, and explore how these principles are powering a new generation of advances in quantum engineering, in this ground-breaking undergraduate textbook. It explains physical and mathematical principles using cutting-edge electronic, optoelectronic and photonic devices, linking underlying theory with real-world applications; focuses on current technologies and avoids historic approaches, getting students quickly up-to-speed to tackle contemporary engineering challenges; provides an introduction to the foundations of quantum information, and a wealth of real-world quantum examples, including quantum well infrared photodetectors, solar cells, quantum teleportation, quantum computing, band gap engineering, quantum cascade lasers, low-dimensional materials, and van der Waals heterostructures; and includes pedagogical features such as objectives and end-of-chapter homework problems to consolidate student understanding, and solutions for instructors. Designed to inspire the development of future quantum devices and systems, this is the perfect introduction to quantum mechanics for undergraduate electrical engineers and materials scientists.