Research Programs
MARC has two major research projects directed at the development of quantum technologies. Within each major research project there are a series of allied research programs that explore key fundamental issues in solid state and optical materials and devices for information processing and communications. These major research projects build on our established expertise in the application of ion beam physics to the modification and analysis of advanced materials.
We host a program staffed by personnel from the CSIRO Division of Exploration and Mining who share time on our 5 MeV Pelletron accelerator and collaborate on a program directed at the analysis of geological materials.
Centre for Quantum Computer Technology research programs
Ion Beam Program
Program Manager: Prof David Jamieson
The ion beam program is part of the top-down strategy for construction of quantum devices from silicon doped with single phosphorus atoms by the implantation of single phosphorus atoms and clusters of phosphorus atoms into silicon. This is accomplished with a precise single ion implantation method that counts single implanted atoms. We employ this method to mass-produce devices containing pairs of atoms or clusters of atoms. We are working towards the development of methods for scaling up the process to create arrays of single atoms and for applying the single ion counting method to some new applications in quantum electronics.
Device Modeling Program
Program Manager: Prof Lloyd Hollenberg
The main objectives of the program are to develop realistic and comprehensive theoretical descriptions of the Si:P buried dopant charge and spin devices, and all facets of their operation. Theoretical modelling relevant to the short, medium and long-term goals provides crucial information on device design parameters to the experimental programs. To this end the device modelling program has been active in a number of projects including; fundamental solid-state physics of the Si:P donor system, single and coupled qubit operations, the effects of decoherence, large scale simulations of the actual implementation of quantum error correction and algorithms on arrays of qubits, and investigations of new paradigms of quantum computing.
Materials Program
Program Manager: Dr Jeff McCallum
The aim of this program is to investigate the types and quantities of defects introduced into silicon under the processing conditions used to fabricate quantum computer devices by the top-down approach and to investigate methods of defect minimisation.
Hybrid Optical Solid State Program
Program Manager: Prof Steven Prawer
We use laser micro-spectroscopy to study some of the fundamental processes that underpin the design, fabrication and operation of solid-state Quantum Devices (QD). Techniques routinely employed in this Program include: conventional Raman scattering, electronic Raman scattering and photoluminescence spectroscopies. These techniques offer the opportunity to directly measure the extent of donor wavefunction overlap in addition to identifying electronic trap states. This information is crucial the development and operation of Quantum Devices.
Atomic Level Manipulation and Imaging Program
Program Manager: Prof Steven Prawer
We focus on the fabrication and measurement of nanoscale superconducting devices that may influence the development of single-spin detection, quantum metrology and quantum computer technology. Key to this program is the development of sub-micron Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) using focussed ion beam (FIB) technology.
MARC Programs
Diamond Program
Program Manager: Prof Steven Prawer
This program is strongly allied with the aims of the Centre programs but aims to investigate the use of colour centres in diamond to construct quantum devices with novel attributes. There are strong analogies with the Si:P programs, but with the N-V colour centre in diamond replacing the P atom in silicon.
Quantum Communications Victoria
Program Manager: Dr Shane Huntington
QCV is an industry development program aiming to integrate single diamond colour centres in optical fibres for use in ultra-secure quantum communications systems. QCV was established with a Strategic Initiative grant from the State Government of Victoria. The QCV web site has more details.
Nuclear Microprobe Characterisation Program
Program Manager: Dr David Belton (CSIRO)
The CSIRO maintains a state-of-the-art nuclear microprobe beamline dedicated to ultra high sensitivity trace element analysis of materials using the technique of Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). The CSIRO team is a member of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits (http://fcms.its.utas.edu.au/scieng/codes/index.asp) and a new CSIRO theme in Minerals Downunder.