Summary
Proximity engineered hybrid materials have shown promise for topological quantum information processing. This form of quantum computing provides a stable, error-tolerant approach for building scalable quantum information processors. Topological quantum computing relies on braiding non-Abelian particles, such as Majorana fermions, which do not exist in nature. One can however use materials engineering to create these particles in topological insulators that are proximity coupled to superconductors and magnetic insulators. In this project we synthesize high quality topological insulators and superconductors, couple them together to form a clean interface (“strong proximity”), and use tunneling spectroscopy to identify the presence of Majorana fermions. Once we are able to move the Majorana particles in a controlled fashion, we then braid an array of them and extract topological quantum information. This will provide the first demonstration of non-Abelian statistics on topological insulators and the first realization of topological quantum computing.

Figure 1. Example of a superconductor/topological insulator (TI) heterostructure on sapphire. Well-defined interfaces are clearly visible.
Related Content

Quantum Simulations of Fundamental Interactions
Summary To address questions in modern physics such as “what is the structure of matter inside neutron stars?” we need better computational methods to evaluate the interplay of fundamental forces between elementary particles. To-date the response to such questions rests on numerical computer simulations that are inherently limited. In this project, we develop new theoretical […]
April 18, 2019

Functionalized Nanodiamonds for Sensing Biochemical Processes
Summary Chemotherapy is limited by the failure to clinically monitor the efficacy of the treatment in real-time, which results in suboptimal chemotherapy being given for a prolonged period. Predicting the outcome of chemotherapy immediately after drug administration can increase diagnostic accuracy, efficacy outcomes, and successful treatment. Quantum nanodiamond sensors can be used as optical sensors […]
August 31, 2022
Fabrication of Ultra Low Noise RF SQUID Amplifiers
A superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) is an extremely sensitive magnetic field detector.
June 1, 2017

Carbon Nanotube Monolayer Josephson Junction Superconducting Qubit
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a promising material for use in Josephson-Junctions (JJs) given their unique properties, such as high electrical conductivity, pristine surface, inherent nanoscale dimension, and silicon-compatible processing
June 1, 2017