Researchers advance laser quantum emitters in two-dimensional materials

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a high-performance lubricant commonly used in engines and turbines that has attracted attention for its potential in materials science and technology. MoS2, along with other transition metal disulfide (TMD), is considered a key player in the two-dimensional (2D) materials space. These two-dimensional materials have unique properties and are expected to find applications in nanocomputers, integrated circuits and quantum information technology.

Empa researchers are now focused on studying atomic defects in TMD (specifically MoS2) and their potential as quantum emitters. These emitters connect electron spins and photons and are essential for quantum information processing and transmission. The team's goal is to use nanoscale ultrafast scanning tunneling microscopy to characterize the defects and explore their electronic and optical properties.

Accurate imaging and analysis of MoS2 defects is critical to understanding dynamic processes at the atomic scale. The team's goal is to detect and study defects with accuracy as low as an angstrome and record electronic excitation with a time-resolution of one picosecond.

The experimental setup consists of two parts: a scanning tunneling microscope, which scans the atomic surface and positions the tip at the defect site; And an infrared laser to generate short laser pulses to excite electrons in the MoS2 layer. Then the response of the defect site to the excitation pulse is analyzed to study the decoherence process and energy transfer.

Empa researcher Bruno Schuler and his team made significant progress on the experimental device, connecting the two halves of the system and successfully measuring the light-wave induced current. These developments mark an important milestone in the progress of the project.

The research was funded by a start-up grant from the European Research Council (ERC). With continued research and advances in the atomic defects of MoS2 and other two-dimensional materials, future applications of quantum technology and nanoelectronics are promising.

Source: Laser Network