Nanocrystal Solids for Quantum Technology

The interest in optical quantum computers drives a need for microscopic coherent light sources.

Solution-processed assemblies of luminescent colloidal nanocrystals are promising candidates for such light sources because they can achieve cooperative light amplification.

However, utilizing such materials is difficult because of two challenges: the unpredictable cooperativity between the nanocrystals and reliance on cadmium- and lead-based compositions, which restrict technological integration and commercialization. This project combines materials chemistry and tools of quantum optics to tackle these challenges.

It starts with a concept of light-coupled nanocrystal solids where light-matter interactions are engineered through structure and composition, and materials are produced by self-assembling nanocrystals into colloidal crystals.

By utilizing colloidal luminescent nanocrystals of heavy metal-free phosphides, chalcogenides, and lead-free metal halides, the greener compositions of nanocrystal solids are achieved.

Next, measurements of temporal emission coherence and photon statistics on nanocrystal solids are used to dissect the roots and properties of cooperative emission.

Finally, the utility of light produced by such solids is benchmarked through statistical measurements in an optical quantum device.

As a result, the application of nanocrystals for quantum technologies will be expanded, and the developed materials may yield new uses in materials science.