Summary
Topological qubits offer a novel pathway to scalable quantum computing by simultaneously allowing for ease of coupling between qubits and strong decoupling of qubits from noise and dissipation. The most promising direction explores the topologically induced protection of theoretically predicted exotic quasiparticles, the so-called Majorana Zero Modes or MZMs. To-date MZMs, which follow non-Abelian statistics, have largely evaded unambiguous experimental demonstration. This project aims to provide a suitable material platform to realize MZMs. To achieve this, we develop a high-mobility semiconductor layer structure in order to observe the experimental signature of Majorana fermions on a platform that can be readily scaled and advanced to logical qubit devices. This project utilizes the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) facility, the Quantum NanoFab and Characterization facility, and cryogenic measurement facilities available at UW to produce high-mobility material and turn epitaxial heterostructures into working devices. Furthermore, we collaborate with Jonathan Baugh’s group on quantum transport, fabrication and cryogenic measurements. This project advances all stages of developing a device based on topological qubits: design, MBE growth, fabrication and final testing. We would like to demonstrate and use the non-Abelian statistics of Majorana fermions to form topological qubits in epitaxial heterostructures and produce devices that could in the future lead to topologically protected quantum computers.

Figure 1. Concept visualization of two bound Majorana Zero Modes (MZM, in red), under a superconductor island (grey), all within a gate-defined quantum wire. The semi-transparent blue layer represents the host two-dimensional electron gas in the semiconductor single crystal.
Related Content

Development of Terahertz Polariton Lasers
Theoretical and experimental results show that the polariton lasing mechanism is a promising basis for a compact, efficient source of terahertz radiation.
July 1, 2017

Micro-Supercapacitors Based on Termination Optimized MXene Quantum Dots with Ultra-High Rate Capability and Fast Frequency Response
Micro-supercapacitors (MCs) are miniaturized energy storage devices that can enhance the performance of wearable health devices, medical implants, wireless sensors, and micro-electromechanical systems due to their fast frequency response, long life cycle, and vast temperature operation. However, to make these MC systems into commercially feasible products, necessary improvements to current MC performance are necessary, primarily […]
June 12, 2023

Hybrid Quantum Repeater based on Atomic Quantum Memories and Telecom Wavelength Entangled Photon-Pairs Generated from Semiconductor Nanowires
Summary Losses in physical channels, such as optical fibres, limit existing quantum communication systems to modest distance ranges. Since amplification of quantum signals is fundamentally not possible, we look to extend the range and functionality of these quantum channels by adding quantum memory nodes that can daisy-chain multiple lengths of quantum channels through entanglement […]
October 29, 2018

Next Generation Quantum Sensors
We are developing new semiconductor p-n junctions and designing novel nanowire arrays that have the potential to significantly enhance the ability to detect light at the single photon level over an unprecedented wavelength range from the ultraviolet to infrared.
June 1, 2017