Quantum Nanostructures and Nanofabrication Group (QNN)

Nanofabrication, and nanolithography in particular, are the cornerstones of the modern microelectronics industry, and are integral to the future of nanotechnology as a whole. We are investigating fundamental challenges associated with continued scaling of electronic and nano-photonic device components, and are exploring the resolution limits of charged-particle lithography, including electron-beam and ion-beam lithography. The group also actively investigates the use of nanostructure arrays fabricated by nanolithography, as templates for: self-assembly of block copolymers, placement control of biomolecules or quantum dots and as sources for the production of coherent electron pulses. Continued scaling of devices toward molecular dimensions continues to unearth fascinating physical phenomena, which are of fundamental scientific interest as well as being critical to the development of future applications.
In addition, the Group is developing the ultimate light detection technologies characterized by high-sensitivity, broad spectral range, fast reset time and high-timing certainty. Resolving the information hidden in a light signal is essential for a broad range of applications, such as communication, quantum computation, microscopy and spectroscopy, as well as for optical, and thermal imaging systems.We initiate, design, model, fabricate, characterize and utilize single photon detectors that are based on superconducting nanowires (SNSPDs). We are doing so by integrating cutting-edge nano-fabrication capabilities with nano-optics and thermoelectric approaches, and we employ low-temperature, ultra-fast and high-sensitivity optical and electrical characterization methods and tools.

The frontier of electronic and photonic devices lies in nanoscience and nanotechnology research. At the nanoscale, materials and structures can be engineered to exhibit interesting new properties, some based on quantum mechanical effects. Our research focuses on pushing nanofabrication technology to the few-nanometer length-scale by using charged-particle beams combined with self-assembly. We use the technologies we develop to push the envelope of what is possible with photonic and electrical devices, focusing in particular on the nanowire-based superconductive photodetectors. Our research combines electrical engineering, physics, and materials science and helps push the boundaries of what is considered possible in nanoscale engineering.

The research areas in the Quantum Nanostructures and Nanofabrication Group span the fields of nanostructures; nanofabrication; and quantum mechanics and optics. We have a multi-disciplinary approach to the field, collaborating with materials-scientists, physicists, chemists, and other electrical engineers.