Abstract: Optically addressable point-defects in wide band-gap semiconductors offer a versatile platform for quantum information science. However, the coherence, charge stability, and optical transition frequency of these qubits are sensitive to their local crystalline, charge, and nuclear environments, which limit their scalability for nanoscale sensing and quantum communication. Recent advances in host growth, nanofabrication, and defect synthesis have enabled the engineering of these environments via the control of crystal structure, isotopic purity, and host dimensionality. 

This talk will focus on the optimization of these defect systems through isotopically controlled synthesis of host materials and the localization of various defect systems in silicon carbide and diamond. Advanced, synchrotron-based characterization techniques will be discussed as a direct means of better understanding the local crystal environment surrounding the defects and providing a pathway for improving defect-based quantum technologies. Additionally, recent advances in synthesizing low-dimensionality (nano-scale particles and membranes) defect hosts for deterministic integration with other classical or quantum systems will be presented, including the synthesis of a diamond membrane materials platform that is tunable and deterministically transferable. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve heterogeneous diamond and SiC materials platforms for quantum and classical applications. Finally, a brief outlook of this work going forward will be provided.

Supported by US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials and Sciences  Engineering Division and Q-NEXT.