DNA origami enables precise placement of quantum emitters on chips, advancing scalable quantum photonic devices.
Researchers have demonstrated a new way to precisely place quantum light sources on chips using DNA origami, offering a potential path toward scalable quantum devices. The approach tackles a long-standing challenge in building reliable single-photon emitters for quantum communication and computing.
An international team from Nanjing University, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, and LMU Munich engineered hybrid structures by combining DNA nanotechnology with atomically thin semiconductors. Their method allows controlled placement of emitters with nanoscale precision.The researchers used DNA origami triangles embedded with thiol molecules as programmable templates. They then transferred monolayers of MoS2 onto these patterned surfaces, forming arrays of solid-state single-photon emitters. These emitters showed stable optical performance, including nanosecond lifetimes and minimal signal fluctuation.By tuning the spacing of the DNA patterns, the team could control how many quantum emitters formed and where they appeared. This level of deterministic placement is a major step beyond conventional fabrication methods, which often rely on random defect formation and offer limited control.Precision at nanoscaleAt the core of the system is the interaction between thiol molecules and sulfur vacancies in MoS2. When a thiol binds to the material, it creates a localized site that can trap excitons, enabling bright single-photon emission. This mechanism supports high emitter density and efficiency.The team reports about 90 percent yield in emitter placement, with an average positioning accuracy of around 13 nanometers. The emitters also demonstrated strong spectral stability, addressing a key limitation in earlier designs where blinking and photobleaching reduced performance.“We tune the optical properties of monolayer MoS2 via functionalization with thiol molecules, precisely positioned on chip surfaces using a DNA origami placement technique,” the researchers said.They added that the system forms trapping sites for excitons and achieves single-photon emission with values well below the threshold required to confirm quantum light sources.Path to scalable chipsBeyond performance, scalability remains critical. The current work demonstrates a proof of concept, but the fabrication strategy is compatible with larger-scale manufacturing. The researchers say their method could be extended to wafer-scale production, opening the door to integrated quantum photonic circuits.“We achieve an approximately 90 percent yield in quantum-emitter placement with a mean positioning accuracy of ~13 nm,” the team noted, adding that the approach enables precise engineering of electronic properties in 2D materials.The platform also allows further tuning by adjusting the number and type of molecules used in the DNA templates. This could improve photon purity and enable more advanced functionalities, including chiral quantum light and hybrid inorganic-organic devices.As quantum technologies move toward real-world deployment, the ability to reliably position single-photon emitters on chips will be essential. This DNA-guided approach provides a practical route to building compact, high-performance quantum systems.The study was published in Light: Science & Applications.
DNA Origami Mos2 Nanotechnology Photonics Quantum Chips Quantum Emitters Single-Photon
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Devastated' Bond girl Ursula Andress, 90, laments losing $21M fortune to 'ruthless' managerTaylor Frankie Paul speaks out about her “heavy” reality as headlines swirl around an alleged domestic violence incident and what it could mean for her future on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Rebecca Gayheart and her daughters make a brave first public appearance following Eric Dane’s death, showing strength on the red carpet.
Read more »
Construction to close 2 entrance ramps along I-90ODOT announced date changes Thursday related to its major construction project along I-90 in Cuyahoga County.
Read more »
Tested: 2026 Mazda CX-90 Is the Best-Driving SUV in Its SegmentEven Mazda's largest SUV can't help but prioritize driving dynamics.
Read more »
HBO Max’s 90-Minute ‘Chernobyl’ Companion Piece Is the #1 Movie in AmericaEmily Watson in an empty hallway staring ahead in 'Chernobyl.'
Read more »
Euclid Police cite teen driving 120+ MPH on I-90The Euclid Police joked Thursday morning that some drivers treated I-90 like it was holding open tryouts for the Indy 500 after they clocked multiple drivers at high speeds.
Read more »
Today in History: March 20, Obama first U.S. president to visit Cuba in nearly 90 yearsPresident Barack Obama began a three-day visit to communist Cuba during which he met with President Raul Castro and delivered a speech carried on Cuban state television.
Read more »