Physicists at the University of Regensburg have achieved a breakthrough in controlling the energy of a single electron by utilizing fluctuations in surrounding atoms. This advancement could be crucial for the development of ultra-sophisticated quantum technologies. By using a cutting-edge ultra-fast microscope, the research team observed and effectively managed how atomic vibrations impact the electron’s energy level at an atomic level and remarkable speed. Their findings have been published in the journal Nature Photonics, offering new possibilities for nanoelectronics and quantum computers utilizing crystal defects as elementary units of information.
The physicists investigated the changes in a discrete energy level during atomic layer vibrations, similar to a drum membrane, especially in areas with vacancies created by the removal of individual atoms. These two-dimensional crystals are renowned for their unique electronic properties, making them highly appealing for future technologies.
To achieve these results, the researchers had to overcome various challenges, including the necessity for atomic resolution and prolonged observation times. By combining the energy and spatial resolution of a scanning tunnel microscope with carefully selected ultra-short laser pulses, they were able to capture extremely fast movements within slower vibrations.
This discovery not only enhances our comprehension of the dynamics of localized energy levels and their interactions with the environment but also paves the way for direct local control of discrete energy levels. Such interactions can alter the material’s energy structure, introducing new functionalities or specifically modifying the properties of light-emitting semiconductors and molecules.
With an unparalleled combination of spatial, temporal, and energy resolutions, a profound understanding of fundamental processes, like the localized interaction of electrons with vibration fluctuations, becomes achievable. This approach may also aid in unraveling the mysteries behind crucial processes like high-temperature superconductivity, the mechanisms of which are not yet fully understood.