LTQ - Quantum Technologies Laboratory

 

(Edificio 10, locali n. 213 e 219)

The experimental quantum technologies laboratory of the DFA focuses on the fabrication, modification and study of materials and nanomaterials investigating how matter behaves at the quantum scale to enable next-generation devices. The lab combines advanced synthesis and modification techniques with state-of-the-art characterization methods to explore electronic, optical, and quantum properties. By engineering materials at the nanoscale, researchers aim to develop components for quantum sensing while deepening the understanding of quantum phenomena in solid-state systems. Examples include generation and control of defects in wide-bandgap materials for single photon emission, production of nanoclusters and nanodiamonds for ultrasensitive quantum sensing in healthcare and environment monitoring.

Quantum Design PPMS Dynacool

The Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) from Quantum Design is available in a truly cryogen-free package. The PPMS DynaCool uses a single two-stage Pulse Tube cooler to cool both the superconducting magnet and the temperature control system, providing a low vibration environment for sample measurements. It offers continuous low temperature control and precise field and temperature sweep modes.

Features

• No need for liquid cryogens
• Temperature range of 1.8 K – 400 K
• 9 T magnet available
• Continuous Low-Temperature Control – maintains temperatures below 4.2 K with smooth temperature transitions when warming and cooling through 4.2 K
• Controlled temperature Sweep Mode
• Fully automated operation of available PPMS measurement options
• Built-in Cryopump for high vacuum applications
• New electronics built using CAN architecture for improved reliability
• Standby mode conserves power while requiring only a short recovery time

Measurements

• AC resistance
• DC Resistance
• van der Pauw – Hall Transport

 

WITEC Alpha 300R

This is a ultra-high-resolution Confocal Raman Imaging System. The features of the alpha300 R system are capable of meeting the most demanding requirements in the field of Confocal Raman Imaging, delivering superior performance in terms of sensitivity, resolution, and acquisition speed.

Features

• Confocal Raman imaging with unprecedented performance in terms of speed, sensitivity, and resolution
• Hyperspectral imaging with a full Raman spectrum available at every pixel
• Excellent lateral resolution
• Exceptional depth resolution, ideal for 3D imaging and depth profiling
• Ultra-fast Raman imaging option with less than one millisecond integration time per spectrum
• Ultra-high-throughput spectroscopic system for maximum sensitivity and best spectral resolution performance
• Non-destructive imaging technique: no staining or fixation of the sample is required
• Available laser: 405 nm, 532 nm, 785 nm
• Picosecond pulsed laser (532 nm) for Fluorescence Lifetime Microscopy

Measurements

Confocal Raman Microscopy

• High-resolution 3D chemical imaging with sub-micrometer spatial resolution enables non-destructive molecular fingerprinting and stress/strain analysis in semiconductor nanostructures and quantum materials.
• Atomic Force Microscopy
• Multiple operational modes (contact, tapping, lateral force) provide quantitative topographical information and mechanical property mapping with angstrom-level vertical resolution.

 Time-Resolved Fluorescence

• StrobeLock module enables fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and time-resolved luminescence mapping (TLM), with Raman-fluorescence separation for enhanced sensitivity in quantum

Integrated Analysis Workflow

• Unified data acquisition and 3D reconstruction via WITec Suite.
• Correlated Raman–AFM analysis for structure–property relationships.

Quantaurus-QY Absolute PL quantum yield spectrometer

The Hamamatsu Quantaurus-QY Plus represents a flagship instrument for absolute quantum yield measurements and photoluminescence characterization across the ultraviolet to near-infrared spectral range. This system employs an integrating sphere methodology coupled with a xenon lamp excitation source, enabling precise determination of photoluminescent quantum efficiency without the need for reference standards.

Features

• Absolute Quantum Yield Measurement: Direct measurement of absolute photoluminescence quantum yield without reference materials, utilizing integrating sphere technology for accurate photon collection efficiency across UV-NIR wavelengths.
• Automated Spectral Scanning: Performs comprehensive quantum yield scans across user-defined excitation wavelength ranges, automatically identifying optimal excitation conditions for maximum emission efficiency in quantum emitters.
• Versatile Sample Compatibility: Accommodates solid-state samples, powders, and liquid solutions with dedicated sample holders. Currently equipped with liquid sample accessories for solution-phase quantum dot and molecular fluorophore characterization.

Malvern Panalytical Zetasizer Advance Ultra Dynamic Light Scattering and Zeta Potential Analysis

The Zetasizer Advance Ultra is a benchmark instrument for analyzing nanoparticle size distribution and colloidal stability through DLS and zeta potential measurements. Its multi-angle detection (backward, side, and forward) enables accurate characterization across a wide range of particle sizes and concentrations. Advanced DLS capabilities allow precise analysis of polydisperse systems with automatic attenuation optimization, while the 633 nm laser and fluorescence filter ensure reliable measurements even for fluorescent samples

Features

• Multi-Angle Size Analysis: Three detection angles provide comprehensive particle sizing from sub-nanometer to micron scale.
• Temperature Control: Programmable temperature protocols for thermal stability studies and aggregation kinetics monitoring in real-time.
• Zeta Potential: Electrophoretic light scattering determines surface charge and predicts colloidal stability for suspension optimization.
• Solvent Versatility: Compatible with aqueous and organic solvents, enabling characterization across diverse chemical environments and formulations.

Duetta Horiba

The Duetta Horiba Fluorescence and Absorbance Spectrometer combines a xenon excitation lamp with a broad-range CCD detector (250–1100 nm), enabling rapid, high-sensitivity optical measurements across UV, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths.

Features

• Simultaneous acquisition of absorbance, excitation, and emission spectra, including 3D excitation–emission mapping (EEM).
• Broad spectral detection range (250–1100 nm) with high-sensitivity CCD detection.
• Temperature-controlled and time-dependent measurements using the integrated Julabo system and automated protocols for kinetic studies.
• Gas-flow and magnetic-stirring options for experiments under reactive or controlled atmospheres and for monitoring dynamic processes.

Custom optical setup for confocal imaging and antibunching

Hanbury Brown and Twiss (HBT) interferometry is a technique used to measure the statistical properties and correlations of light by analyzing intensity fluctuations rather than wave interference.It works by splitting a light beam into two detectors and measuring the second-order correlation function g(2)(τ), which reveals whether photons tend to arrive together (bunching), randomly, or one at a time (antibunching).HBT interferometry is widely used in quantum optics to characterize light sources (e.g., distinguishing classical light from single-photon emitters) and in astronomy to measure stellar sizes through intensity correlations.

Features

3-Axis Stage, 5W laser (λ=532 nm), FPGA-based imaging control system, Lenses, optics, filters, photon counting equipment and workstation

 

IceFyre UV is a diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser system

The IceFyre® UV30 laser system is an industrial picosecond (ultrafast) UV laser designed for high-precision micromachining tasks such as cutting, drilling, and scribing delicate materials.

Features

•  Wavelength: 355 nm  (UV light)
•  Power: > 30 W typical @ 500 KHz
•                    > 25 W @ 800 KHz
•                    > 20 W typical @ 1 MHz
•  Repetition rage range: single shot to 10 MHz
•  Pulse width, FWHM: <12 ps (10 ps typical)
•  Gaussian shape (Q.F. M2 < 1,3)