Precision for Emerging Technologies
Quantum technologies are revolutionizing fields such as computing, sensing, and secure communication. However, the advancement of these technologies demands unprecedented precision at the nanoscale to fabricate functional quantum components. Direct-write techniques, such as FEBID, FIBID, and FIB, provide the level of accuracy and control required for developing next-generation quantum devices. These methods enable site-specific, defect-engineered, and – to certain extents – scalable fabrication of quantum-ready devices, paving the way for their integration into real-world applications. Applications of direct-write techniques in quantum devices include:
- Superconducting Circuits: Fabrication of superconducting elements such as loops or nanowires, essential for flux qubits and high-performance quantum processors.
- NV Centers in Diamond: Precise creation of nanoscale apertures and patterns to enhance defect engineering for highly sensitive quantum sensors.
- Quantum Dots: Controlled growth and placement of semiconductor quantum dots for single-photon sources in quantum communication systems.
A remarkable example of direct-write technology is the development of superconducting nanowires using FIBID. These W–C nanowires are integral to the fabrication of nanoscale Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (nanoSQUIDs). They exhibit exceptional sensitivity to changes in magnetic flux, making them indispensable tools for quantum sensing applications, such as detecting faint magnetic fields at the atomic scale. Additionally, FEBID has demonstrated the capability to produce superconducting nanostructures with dimensions below 50 nm. This precision is critical for enabling quantum computing and sensing technologies that rely on highly miniaturized and optimized superconducting components.
These advancements underscore the transformative potential of direct-write nanomanufacturing in quantum technologies. By combining nanoscale precision with material versatility, direct-write techniques are opening new pathways for the development of ultra-sensitive, scalable, and high-performance quantum devices.
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