Scientists create technology that ‘writes’ atoms into quantum device materials

A group of scientists is creating a technology that uses individual atoms to produce innovative materials for devices based on quantum mechanics, according to a study published in the scientific journal Nano Letters. Tool allows researchers to ‘write’ atoms; Therefore, they are placed in certain places to give certain properties to a material.

Named synthesis, The tool uses a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to manipulate materials at the atomic scale and ‘write’ the atoms. This makes it possible to precisely choose where to place particles, allowing new properties to emerge in materials for quantum devices.

In an official statement, the researchers explain that this innovation is crucial for facilitating the atomic exchange of materials. It can be used in quantum mechanics, microelectronics and catalysis technologies in the future. Atomic scale fabrication is considered a complex field due to difficulties in ‘atomic arrangement’ of materials.

“By working at the atomic scale, we are also working at the scale where quantum properties naturally arise and persist. Our goal is to use this advanced access to quantum behavior as a basis for future devices that rely on unique quantum phenomena such as entanglement,” said materials scientist Stephen Jesse, who led the research. “Improving computers, creating more secure communications and increasing the sensitivity of detectors,” he said.

Atomic generation and quantum devices

The quantum devices in question could be quantum computers, quantum sensors, and quantum communication machines, meaning the synthscope could help create atomic structures specifically designed for use in these devices.

Scientists have already applied for patents to prevent the technology from being copied by other companies or institutions.

They used it to achieve atomic scale production electron beams to remove or deposit atoms — this is exactly the process of ‘atomic editing’. In laboratory tests, the research team used this technique to insert tin atoms into a graphene network and place them in specific predetermined locations.

“Given the fact that we can now start placing atoms wherever we want, we can consider creating arrays of atoms positioned close enough together that they can intertwine and therefore share quantum properties, which is crucial to making devices quantum.” “stronger than conventional ones,” said materials scientist Ondrej Dyck.

So far, they claim to have achieved their research goal, which is to manipulate matter at the atomic scale in real time. However, researchers will continue to study the subject to further improve the scope of synthesis and thus make the technology more widely available.

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