Microelectronics

We investigate non radiative resonance energy transfer processes (NRET) between defects in solids to gain insight into the design of ultrahigh density, optically addressable, solid state classical memories. For example, we envision that the memory write process will be achieved by optically addressing individual narrow band rare-earth (RE) emitters out of an ensemble dispersed in a solid-state host, e.g. an oxide, and to transfer narrow-band excitations to a proximal defect. In such platforms, with a realistic few ppm doping, the average separation between REs and defects can be of the order of ~5 to ~10 nm—a distance much smaller than the wavelength of the optical/near infrared photons (~500 nm to ~1 μm). Thus, NRET processes at the near-field regime play a critical role. We also envision enhancing the lifetime of the excitation transferred between the RE and a nearby defect through spin non-conserving transitions.

Ultra-high-density optical memories

uh_memories

We devised a theoretical framework integrating quantum electrodynamics and first-principles electronic structure calculations to study near-field energy transfer between localized defects in solids. We predicted how to break far-field selection rules in the near field and enable the design of novel ultra-high density optical memories.

The computational protocol is general and applicable to broad categories of defects for quantum and microelectronic devices. The proposed optical memories potentially enable DNA-range (1018bit/cc) bit density with fast all-optical access.

Photonic cavity enabled control of ultra-high density optical memories

photonic_cavity

We developed a first principles theoretical framework to quantitatively predict the effect of a photonic cavity on the near field energy transfer rate between solid state defects. We showed that by tuning the cavity mode, a nearly two orders of magnitude enhancement or suppression of rates can be achieved, thus enabling precise control of the optical read and write process of ultra-dense atomic memories.

The computational framework developed in our work is the first to couple first-principles electronic structure calculations and quantum electrodynamics for the quantitative prediction of the effect of a photonic cavity on energy transfer. It is general and broadly applicable.