MATERIALS AND NANOSTRUCTURES LABORATORY: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND QUANTUM SENSING

Module MATERIALS AND NANOSTRUCTURES LABORATORY: QUANTUM SENSING

The specific learning objectives of this course are related to three main areas: 1) engineering, 2) optimization, and 3) characterization of materials for quantum technologies, together with the processing and analysis of experimental data.

In particular:

1) Engineering

• understanding of the physical phenomena underlying quantum sensing mechanisms and identification of suitable procedures for the appropriate modification of the starting material;
• acquisition of knowledge and skills related to the engineering processes of materials of interest for quantum technologies, with reference to the most recent developments in the field;
• acquisition of basic knowledge of the operating principles of scientific instrumentation used for the controlled modification of these materials, such as morphological modification techniques (chemical etching) and structural modification techniques (ion irradiation).

2) Optimization

• understanding of the physical phenomena, both thermodynamic and kinetic, underlying the morphological and structural evolution of materials and nanostructures induced by ion irradiation and thermal stabilization processes;
• acquisition of basic knowledge of the operating principles of scientific instrumentation used for the morphological and structural modification of materials and nanostructures (furnaces, ion implanters).

3) Characterization and Experimental Data Processing

• understanding of the physical phenomena underlying the morphological, structural, compositional, and electronic characterization of materials and nanostructures;
• acquisition of knowledge and skills in the characterization of materials and nanostructures, with reference to the most recent developments in the field;
• acquisition of basic knowledge of the operating principles of scientific instrumentation used for the characterization of materials and nanostructures (confocal microscopy, autocorrelation analysis using an HBT interferometer);
• development of autonomy and critical thinking in experimental data processing, including accurate evaluation of experimental uncertainties and of the sensitivity of different analytical techniques, together with the ability to prepare a scientific report (written document or presentation) summarizing an experimental procedure and critically discussing the results obtained.

In addition, with reference to the so-called Dublin Descriptors, the course aims to provide the following knowledge and transversal skills:

Knowledge and Understanding

• critical understanding of the most recent developments in Modern Physics, both theoretical and experimental, and of the interconnections among different subject areas;
• mastery of the scientific method and understanding of the nature and methods of research in Physics.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

• ability to identify the essential elements of a phenomenon in terms of orders of magnitude and level of approximation, and ability to perform the required approximations;
• ability to use analogy as a tool for applying known solutions to new problems (problem-solving);
• ability to plan and apply experimental and theoretical procedures to solve problems in academic or applied research, or to improve existing results;
• ability to use analytical, numerical, and scientific computing tools, including software development.

Making Judgements

• awareness of safety issues in laboratory activities;
• ability to justify and discuss one's own interpretations of physical phenomena within a research team.

Communication Skills

• ability to discuss advanced physical concepts in both Italian and English;
• ability to present one's own research activity or a research topic to both expert and non-expert audiences.

Learning Skills

• ability to acquire appropriate tools for the continuous updating of one's knowledge;
• ability to access specialized literature both in one's specific field of expertise and in closely related fields;
• ability to use databases and bibliographic and scientific resources to extract information and guidance useful for better framing and developing one's study and research activities.

Lectures: 2 ECTS credits, corresponding to a total of 14 hours
Laboratory activities: 1 ECTS credit, corresponding to a total of 15 hours

The course will be aimed at identifying the most suitable experimental approach for the realization of single-photon emitters (SPEs), which are key elements for numerous applications in quantum technologies, including quantum sensing.1) Engineering

1.1) Lectures

• General introduction to light-assisted chemical etching techniques.
• Ion irradiation for the structural modification of materials: kinetic and thermodynamic physical principles, irradiation parameters, and experimental setups.

1.2) Laboratory Activities

• Morphological modification through photo-assisted chemical etching of materials commonly used in quantum technologies.
• Structural modification of the prepared substrates through ion irradiation.

2.1) Theoretical Lectures

• General introduction to the processes and basic physical parameters involved in the evolution of materials subjected to thermal treatments.

2.2) Laboratory Activities

• Thermal processing of the previously analyzed substrates.

3.1) Theoretical Lectures

• Confocal microscopy: basic principles and experimental setup.
• Interferometric analysis using an HBT interferometer: basic principles and experimental setup.

3.2) Laboratory Activities

• Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the prepared substrates, including the use of software for data and image analysis.
• Confocal microscopy analysis of localized photoluminescence from the prepared substrates, including the use of software for data and image analysis.
• Identification of the photon autocorrelation phenomenon using a Hanbury Brown and Twiss (HBT) interferometer.
• Processing and analysis of experimental data.

1. E. Rimini, “Ion Implantation: Basics to Device Fabrication”, Springer
2. James B. Pawley, "Handbook of biological Confocal Microscopy" Springer: Boston, MA, USA, 2006.
3. Loudon, Rodney, and Marlan O. Scully. "The quantum theory of light." Physics Today 27.8 (1974): 48-48.
4. M. Razeghi, Technology of Quantum Devices, Springer, 2010 — Chapter: Semiconductor Device Processing.

The final examination consists of a presentation prepared and discussed by the student, focusing on the experiment carried out during the course. Specifically, the student will be required to present the experimental method and the results obtained concerning the engineering, processing, and characterization of a material of interest for quantum technologies. The discussion of the presentation may then include questions on all topics covered in the course syllabus.

The final grade will be based equally on the student’s command of qualitative and quantitative aspects and on the critical analysis of the experimental results presented.