Development of new quantum materials and their ultrafast characterization using advanced mid-infrared and terahertz spectroscopy

PROJECT COST:

573 000 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

280 164 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

Because of their unique physical properties, quantum materials constitute a rich platform for fundamental research and open the door to numerous scientific and technological applications. The industrial partners, Axis Photonique and Infinite Potential Laboratories, aim to leverage recent advances in quantum materials science to develop new quantum technologies, particularly for quantum computing and quantum simulation.

The ability to control vacuum effects—originating from fluctuations of the electromagnetic vacuum field and from light–matter interactions—enables promising applications in quantum information processing, nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, as well as in advanced detectors and sensors.

To investigate and exploit vacuum-related phenomena in quantum materials for emerging applications, the industrial partners have invested significant resources in the development of a dedicated research facility. This platform enables the synthesis and growth of quantum materials (such as graphene and WTe₂), the fabrication of their associated heterostructures, and their characterization using ultrafast laser techniques with high temporal resolution.

Through this research project, the industrial partners seek to strengthen their capabilities in both material development and advanced characterization. This includes building expertise in the preparation and analysis of new heterostructure or functionalized materials, as well as advancing measurement techniques to probe their ultrafast dynamics using terahertz spectroscopy and high-order harmonic generation.

The objectives of Infinite Potential Laboratories are to study novel and exotic heterostructures while accelerating the characterization and design of their quantum devices. Axis Photonique, in turn, aims to develop ultrafast imaging systems capable of detecting the full range of signals generated through interactions with quantum materials.

The principal outcome of this grant will be the establishment of a research platform dedicated to the development, testing, and characterization of next-generation quantum device concepts.

The successful completion of this project will also support the training of two doctoral students and one postdoctoral researcher.