Peter Jacobson

Scanning Probe Microscopy of Superconducting Capping Layers

Project Level: PhD, Honours, Masters

Superconducting quantum circuits are one of the leading quantum computing platforms. To advance superconducting quantum computing to a point of practical importance, it is critical to identify and address material imperfections that lead to decoherence. This project will use scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to explore sources of decoherence at the atomic scale. The main tool for these investigations is a new low-temperature STM/AFM installed in Jacobson's laboratory. Students will learn fundamental concepts in superconducting quantum devices, ultrahigh vacuum and cryogenic techniques, and explore how to improve quantum devices.

Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth of Aluminum Films for Superconducting Qubits

Project Level: Honours, Masters, Winter/Summer

High quality factor microwave resonators are critical components of quantum computer architectures. Aluminum resonators on silicon are now standard components in these architectures, but the measured quality factors in these resonators is lower than expected. Recent work suggest that the limiting factor for these devices are imperfections at the metal-substrate interace. This project focuses on preparing atomically precise interfaces between Aluminum and Silicon for improved superconducting qubits. Using new equipment housed at CMM, the student will prepare clean Silicon surfaces under ultrahigh vacuum conditions and develop procedures to grow high quality factor resonators.

The student will gain experience with ultrahigh vacuum equipment, electron spectroscopy, electron diffraction, and low temperature instrumentation.

Atomic scale manipulation for better electronic devices

Project Level: PhD, Honours, Masters, Winter/Summer

Scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy can be used to manipulate and build nanoscale structures atom by atom. In this project, students will use a new low-temperature STM/AFM installed in Jacobson's laboratory to image and manipulate single atoms and molecules. Potential targets include light-emitting molecules as single-photon emitters for quantum computation or improved OLEDs and magnetic materials for data storage.

The student will gain experience with ultrahigh vacuum equipment, cryogenics, electron diffraction, and low temperature instrumentation.