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BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Morten Kjaergaard (Postdoctoral Associate\, MIT Electrical Enginee
ring & Computer Science)
DTSTART:20200630T150000Z
DTEND:20200630T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/1
DESCRIPTION:Title: Programming a quantum computer with quantum instru
ctions\nby Morten Kjaergaard (Postdoctoral Associate\, MIT Electrical
Engineering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano
\n\n\nAbstract\nThe use of quantum bits to construct quantum computers ope
ns the door to dramatic computational speedups for certain problems. The m
aturity of modern quantum computers has moved the field from being predomi
nantly a quantum device-focused research area to also include practical qu
antum-computing application focused research.\n\nIn this talk\, Kjaergaard
will discuss a new experimental result on a foundational aspect of how to
program quantum computers. A central principle of classical computer prog
ramming is the equivalence between data and instructions about what to do
with that data. In quantum computers this equivalence is broken: Classical
hardware is used to generate the sequence of operations to be executed on
the quantum data stored in the quantum computer. Our experiment shows for
the first time how the instruction-data symmetry can be restored to quant
um computers. We use superconducting qubits as a platform to implement hig
h-fidelity quantum operations enabling the so-called Density Matrix Expone
ntiation algorithm\, to generate these quantum instructions. This algorith
m provides large quantum speedups for a family of other quantum algorithms
\, which Kjaergaard will briefly discuss.\n\nhttps://mitnano.mit.edu/nano-
explorations\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/1/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Cheng Peng (PhD candidate\, MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer
Science)
DTSTART:20200702T150000Z
DTEND:20200702T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/2
DESCRIPTION:Title: Dynamically programmable surfaces for high-speed o
ptical modulation\nby Cheng Peng (PhD candidate\, MIT Electrical Engin
eering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\
nAbstract\nDynamically programmable surfaces for spatiotemporal control of
light are crucial to many optoelectronic technologies including high-spee
d optical communication\, display and projection\, autonomous driving\, op
tical information processing\, imaging\, and optical control in quantum co
mputation. Currently available electro-optic spatial light modulators (SLM
s) are often bulky\, inefficient\, and have limited operation speeds. This
talk describes the development of a compact\, high-speed\, electro-optic
SLM architecture based on a two-dimensional array of tunable microcavities
. Optimized microcavity designs can enable high-speed\, high diffraction e
fficiency SLMs with standard-CMOS-compatible driving voltages. High-speed
electro-optic material options will also be discussed.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Christopher Foy (PhD '20\, MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer S
cience)
DTSTART:20200707T150000Z
DTEND:20200707T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/3
DESCRIPTION:Title: Solid-state spin-integrated circuits for quantum s
ensing and control\nby Christopher Foy (PhD '20\, MIT Electrical Engin
eering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\
nAbstract\nSpin systems are an increasingly important quantum-sensing plat
form. In particular\, atomic defect centers in diamond called nitrogen-vac
ancy (NV) centers offer impressive room temperature imaging capabilities f
or both magnetic fields and temperature. NV-based sensing platforms have f
ound utility in solid-state physics\, biological systems\, and vector magn
etometry. These applications highlight the immense promise of NV quantum s
ensors. Despite this promise\, the use of NV centers within commercial dev
ices remains limited to date\, with many impediments to transitioning this
platform from the laboratory.\n\nThis talk describes the development of s
olid-state spin-integrated circuits (S3IC) for quantum sensing and control
with the overarching goal of creating scalable NV platforms. We present t
wo major experiments that develop S3IC. These expand the application space
of NV centers and improve device functionality. The first application was
to develop an NV spin microscope capable of wide-field temperature and ma
gnetic field imaging to elucidate functional device behavior at the micros
copic scale. The second experiment was integrating the essential component
s of an NV spin microscope\, spin control and detection\, with integrated
electronics. In this manner\, S3IC combines the exceptional sensitivity of
NV centers with the robustness and scalability of modern electronic chip-
scale platforms.\n\nThis co-integration of spin systems into integrated el
ectronics shows a potential path for migrating previous proof-of-principal
sensing demonstrations into affordable packages that demonstrate both muc
h greater system integration and custom electronic architectures. In short
\, this work demonstrates advances in NV-ensemble quantum sensing platform
s and establishes a foundation for future integration efforts\, perhaps in
spiring innovations in both application space and the development of new q
uantum devices.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/3/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Milica Notaros (PhD candidate\, MIT Electrical Engineering & Compu
ter Science)
DTSTART:20200709T150000Z
DTEND:20200709T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/4
DESCRIPTION:Title: Liquid-crystal-based integrated optical phased arr
ays for augmented reality\nby Milica Notaros (PhD candidate\, MIT Elec
trical Engineering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from M
IT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nAugmented reality (AR) head-mounted displays that p
roject information directly in the user’s field of view have many wide-r
eaching applications in defense\, medicine\, engineering\, gaming\, etc. H
owever\, current commercial head-mounted displays are bulky\, heavy\, and
indiscreet. Moreover\, these current displays are not capable of producing
holographic images with full depth cues\; this lack of depth information
results in users experiencing eyestrain and headaches that limit long-term
and widespread use of these displays (an effect known as the vergence-acc
ommodation conflict).\n\nIn this talk\, recent advances in the development
of Visible Integrated Photonics Enhanced Reality (VIPER)\, a novel integr
ated-photonics-based holographic display\, will be reviewed. The VIPER dis
play consists of a single transparent chip with integrated liquid crystal
that sits directly in front of the user’s eye and projects visible-light
3D holograms that only the user can see. It presents a highly-discreet an
d fully-holographic solution for the next generation of AR displays.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/4/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Ali Khalatpour\, PhD (MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Scienc
e)
DTSTART:20200714T150000Z
DTEND:20200714T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/5
DESCRIPTION:Title: New frontiers in THz quantum cascade lasers\nb
y Ali Khalatpour\, PhD (MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science) as
part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nTerahertz (THz) fre
quencies remain among the least utilized in the electromagnetic spectrum\,
largely due to the lack of powerful and compact sources. The invention of
THz quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) was a major breakthrough to bridge the
so-called “THz gap” between semiconductor electronic and photonic sour
ces. However\, their demanding cooling requirement has confined the techno
logy in a laboratory environment. A portable and high-power THz laser syst
em will have a qualitative impact on applications in medical imaging\, com
munications\, quality control\, security\, and biochemistry.\n\nHere\, by
adopting a novel design strategy to achieve a clean 3-level system\, we ha
ve developed THz QCLs (at ~4 THz) with a maximum operating temperature of
250 K\, far exceeding the existing records. The new record is the major br
eakthrough in the THz QCL field since its invention in 2001. The high oper
ating temperature enables portable THz systems to perform real-time imagin
g with a room-temperature THz camera\, as well as fast spectral measuremen
ts with a room-temperature detector.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/5/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Albert Liu (PhD candidate\, MIT Chemical Engineering)
DTSTART:20200721T150000Z
DTEND:20200721T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/6
DESCRIPTION:Title: 2D-Material enabled colloidal electronics\nby
Albert Liu (PhD candidate\, MIT Chemical Engineering) as part of Nano Expl
orations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nGraphene and other 2D materials poss
ess desirable mechanical and functional properties for incorporation into
or onto novel colloidal particles\, potentially granting them unique elect
ronic and optical functions. However\, this application has not yet been r
ealized because conventional top-down lithography scales poorly for the pr
oduction of colloidal solutions.\n\nLiu will describe an “autoperforatio
n” technique providing a means of spontaneous assembly for colloidal mic
roparticles comprised of 2D molecular surfaces at scale. Such particles de
monstrate remarkable chemical\, mechanical and thermal stability. They can
function as aerosolizable memristor arrays capable of storing digital inf
ormation\, as well as dispersible and recoverable probes for large-scale c
ollection of chemical information in water and soil.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/6/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Juan Carlos Gonzalez Rosillo (Postdoctoral Associate\, MIT Materia
ls Science and Engineering)
DTSTART:20200716T150000Z
DTEND:20200716T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/7
DESCRIPTION:Title: Building neuromorphic computing units with battery
materials\nby Juan Carlos Gonzalez Rosillo (Postdoctoral Associate\,
MIT Materials Science and Engineering) as part of Nano Explorations from M
IT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nSpecialized hardware for neural networks requires m
aterials with tunable symmetry\, retention and speed at low power consumpt
ion. Advances over the last years on understanding and implementing memris
tor technology had positioned them as a major candidate to overcome bottle
necks in current electronic-based transistors in terms of downscaling capa
bilities and energy consumption. The vast majority of memristive devices a
re based on two types of ions: either oxygen vacancy migration\, in the so
-called Valence Change Memories (VCM)\, or a metal cation\, usually Ag+ an
d Cu2+\, in the so-called Electrochemical Metallization Cells (ECM). Despi
te their excellent performance\, their widespread implementation in today
’s integrated circuits is delayed due to the need to address cycle-to-cy
cle and device-to-device variabilities while circumventing electroforming
and asymmetry\, which are inherent issues associated to the filamentary na
ture of the switching mechanism.\n\nRecently\, Li-ion is emerging as an al
ternative\, given the higher diffusivity of Li+ when compared to oxygen\,
and the ability of Li-oxides solid state conductors to accumulate and depl
ete lithium at the interfaces and bulk. We have proposed lithium titanates
\, originally developed as Li-ion battery anode materials\, as promising c
andidates for memristive-based neuromorphic computing hardware.\n\nIn this
seminar\, Gonzalez Rosillo will discuss the non-volatile\, non-filamentar
y bipolar resistive switching characteristics of lithium titanates compoun
ds\, Li4+3xTi5O12\, as a function of the lithiation degree. We have employ
ed a recently proposed strategy to overcome lithium loss during thin film
deposition and finely control the final lithiation degree of the films to
create stoichiometrically lithiated Li4Ti5O12 spinel phase and a highly li
thiated Li7Ti5O12 rock- salt phase memristive devices. By using ex- and in
-operando spectroscopy to monitor the Lithium filling and emptying of stru
ctural positions during electrochemical measurements\, we investigate the
controlled formation of a metallic phase (Li7Ti5O12) percolating through a
n insulating medium (Li4Ti5O12) with no volume changes under voltage bias\
, thereby controlling the spatially averaged conductivity of the film devi
ce.\n\nWe present a theoretical model to explain the observed hysteretic s
witching behavior based on electrochemical nonequilibrium thermodynamics\,
in which the metal-insulator transition results from electrically driven
phase separation of Li4Ti5O12 and Li7Ti5O12. Permittivity enhancement driv
es lithium ions to regions of high electric field intensity\, which become
metallic filaments above a critical applied bias\, and the ions relax bac
k to their low-conductivity initial state at lower voltages.\n\nOne of the
most striking outcomes is that the metal-insulator transition of llithium
titanate can be uniquely modulated for neuromorphic computing purposes\,
such as control of the neural pulse train symmetry in conductance and the
resistance on-to-off ratio\, simply by adjusting the lithium stoichiometry
and phase pattern of the films. We report ability of highly lithiated pha
se of Li7Ti5O12 for Deep Neural Network applications\, given the large ret
entions and symmetry\, and opportunity for the low lithiated phase of Li4T
i5O12 towards Spiking Neural Network applications\, due to the shorter ret
ention and large resistance changes. Our findings pave the way for lithium
oxides to enable thin-film memristive devices with adjustable symmetry an
d retention.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/7/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Diana Wofk (MEng '20\, MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Scien
ce)
DTSTART:20200723T150000Z
DTEND:20200723T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/8
DESCRIPTION:Title: Fast and energy-efficient monocular depth estimati
on on embedded systems\nby Diana Wofk (MEng '20\, MIT Electrical Engin
eering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\
nAbstract\nDepth sensing is a critical function for many robotic tasks suc
h as localization\, mapping and obstacle detection. There has been a signi
ficant and growing interest in performing depth estimation from monocular
RGB camera images\, due to the relatively low cost\, size\, weight and pow
er of cameras. However\, state-of-the-art depth estimation algorithms are
based on fairly large deep neural networks\, which have high computational
complexity and energy consumption. This poses a significant challenge whe
n performing real-time depth estimation on an embedded system\, for instan
ce\, a mobile phone or a platform mounted on a Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV).
\n\nOur work addresses this problem of fast and energy-efficient depth est
imation on embedded platforms. Our proposed network\, FastDepth\, runs at
178 fps on the Jetson TX2 embedded GPU\, with active power consumption of
8.8 W. We seek to further improve energy efficiency by deploying onto a lo
w-power embedded FPGA. Using an algorithm-hardware co-design approach\, we
develop a dataflow design and an accelerator architecture that minimizes
off-chip memory accesses and offers dedicated support for depthwise separa
ble convolutional layers. This talk will give an overview of our approach
and the strategies we take in accelerating learning-based depth estimation
on embedded systems.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/8/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Junyi Zhu (MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS))
DTSTART:20200730T150000Z
DTEND:20200730T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/9
DESCRIPTION:Title: Integrating object form and electronic function in
rapid prototyping and personal fabrication\nby Junyi Zhu (MIT Electri
cal Engineering & Computer Science (EECS)) as part of Nano Explorations fr
om MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nRapid prototyping is a key technique that enabl
es users to quickly realize their digital designs\, therefore it has been
widely used in early-stage prototyping and small-scale customized fabricat
ion. A long-term vision in Human-Computer Interaction is to create interac
tive objects for which all functions are directly integrated with the form
and fabricated in one-go. So far\, rapid prototyping has mainly focused o
n fabricating passive objects for which the form of an object can be freel
y designed\, but recently we have also moved towards digital specification
and fabrication of object functions for interactive design. These advance
s offer the promise that eventually in rapid function prototyping\, the in
teractive object form and function would be under the same design consider
ation\, therefore the object form could follow its designated function\, a
nd function adapt upon its physical form\, and vice versa.\n\nIn this talk
\, Zhu will present two projects in this domain: MorphSensor and CurveBoar
ds. MorphSensor is a 3D electronics design tool for designing electronic f
unction in the context of a prototype’s three-dimensional shape. MorphSe
nsor unifies electronic and physical object design in one 3D workspace as
one complete workflow\, which leads to better form and function integratio
n. CurveBoards are 3D breadboards directly integrated into the surface of
physical prototypes. CurveBoards better preserve the object’s look and f
eel while maintaining high circuit fluidity\, which enables designers to p
rototype and iterate function in the context of form.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/9/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Michael Walsh\, PhD (MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
(EECS))
DTSTART:20200728T150000Z
DTEND:20200728T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/10
DESCRIPTION:Title: Solid-state platform for Boston quantum network\nby Michael Walsh\, PhD (MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
(EECS)) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nQuantum
emitters\, such as color centers (e.g.\, nitrogen-vacancy color centers in
diamond)\, have a wide range of applications in quantum information proce
ssing\, bio-imaging\, and quantum-sensing. Such quantum emitters are typic
ally addressed optically and store their quantum state as an electron spin
that can subsequently be read out optically. For this process to work eff
ectively\, an efficient light-matter interaction must be achieved\, which
is difficult given the small interaction cross-section of an atomic memor
y with the optical field.\n\nIn this talk\, Walsh will address two problem
s that relate to the engineering of a device that demonstrates a quantum a
dvantage. The first problem centers on the fact that most quantum emitters
are randomly positioned throughout their host lattice making it difficult
to lithographically pattern structures intended to increase the light-mat
ter interaction. While there is a non-zero chance that a small number of r
andomly aligned structures will coincide with randomly positioned emitters
\, when efforts to scale such a system are made the yield drops exponentia
lly. The second problem has to do with scaling. As systems scale up to lar
ger sets of interacting qubits\, it becomes increasingly necessary to prod
uce quantum emitters with narrow optical transitions and long spin coheren
ce times.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/10/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Ting-An Lin (PhD Candidate\, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sci
ence)
DTSTART:20201027T150000Z
DTEND:20201027T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/11
DESCRIPTION:Title: Strategies for high-performance solid-state photo
n upconversion based on triplet exciton annihilation\nby Ting-An Lin (
PhD Candidate\, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science) as part of Nano
Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nPhoton upconversion\, a non-lin
ear optical process to convert low-energy photons into higher energies\, h
as various applications such as photovoltaics\, infrared sensing\, and bio
-imaging. Particularly\, upconversion based on triplet exciton annihilatio
n is one of the most promising approaches to achieve high efficiency at lo
w excitation intensity for practical applications. However\, the reported
performance in solid-state is limited due to energy back transfer\, materi
al aggregation\, and weak optical absorption\, which complicates the integ
ration with solid-state applications.\n\nIn this talk\, Lin will discuss t
he research group's proposed strategies to improve the performance in soli
d-state. In a green-to-blue upconverter consisting of a bilayer of an abso
rbing and an upconverting material\, they reduced energy back transfer by
inserting a blocking layer in between and mitigate aggregation by doping t
he absorber into a host material. The upconversion efficiency had a 7-fold
enhancement with the excitation intensity reduced by 9 times. To improve
optical absorption\, they investigated an infrared-to-visible upconverter
and integrate the up-converting layers into a Fabry-Pérot microcavity. At
the resonant wavelength\, absorption increases 74-fold and the threshold
excitation intensity is reduced by two orders of magnitude to a sub-solar
flux. Their work demonstrates the importance of device structure engineeri
ng to improve the performance of solid-state photon upconversion\, and off
ers a path toward practical applications.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/11/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Jinchi Han (PhD Candidate\, Electrical Engineering & Computer Scie
nce)
DTSTART:20201110T160000Z
DTEND:20201110T164500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/12
DESCRIPTION:Title: Nanoscale mechanical switches with squeezable mol
ecular springs—Squitches\nby Jinchi Han (PhD Candidate\, Electrical
Engineering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano
\n\n\nAbstract\nNanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches are a candidate techn
ology for beyond-CMOS energy-efficient computing. They can exhibit near-ze
ro static leakage\, large on-off current ratio\, steep subthreshold slope\
, and high robustness in harsh environments. NEMs are\, however\, challeng
ed by significant van der Waals interaction at the nanoscale between their
contacting electrodes\, which can result in compromised performance in te
rms of turn-on voltage and switching speed\, critical characteristics for
good device reliability.\n\nA way to address the NEM electrode stiction ch
allenge will be presented in this talk\, which will explore an approach of
fabricating an electrostatically-controlled nanogap using self-assembled
molecular spacer layer sandwiched between atomically-smooth conductive nan
ostructures. The molecular layer acts like a spring between the two sandwi
ching electrodes\, compressing as needed under the electrostatically-appli
ed “squeeze” to modify the tunneling current. Hence\, we referred to t
his NEM structure as the squeezable-switch or the “squitch”. The opera
ting squitch structures show a sharp electrical switching behavior with se
veral-orders-of-magnitude on-off current ratio\, as the tunneling gap is m
odified by only ~1 nm in distance. This unique working principle allows sq
uitches to simultaneously achieve low turn-on voltages and low time delays
\, while surmounting the challenge of NEM device electrode stiction.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/12/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Daniel Rodan-Legrain (PhD Candidate\, Physics)
DTSTART:20201124T160000Z
DTEND:20201124T164500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/13
DESCRIPTION:Title: Highly tunable junctions in magic angle twisted b
ilayer graphene tunneling devices\nby Daniel Rodan-Legrain (PhD Candid
ate\, Physics) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nT
he recent observation of superconductivity and correlated insulating state
s in ‘magic-angle’ twisted bilayer graphene (MATBG) featuring nearly-f
lat bands at twist angles close to 1.1 degrees presents a highly tunable t
wo-dimensional material platform capable of behaving as a metal\, an insul
ator\, or a superconductor. Local electrostatic control over these phases
may enable the creation of versatile quantum devices that were previously
not achievable in other single material platforms.\n\nIn this talk\, Rodan
-Legrain will introduce MATBG as a new arena to investigate strongly corre
lated physics. He will then show how they can exploit the electrical tunab
ility of MATBG to engineer Josephson junctions and tunneling transistors a
ll within one material\, defined solely by electrostatic gates. The resear
ch group's multi-gated device geometry offers complete control over the Jo
sephson junction\, with the ability to independently tune the weak link\,
barriers\, and tunneling electrodes. Utilizing the intrinsic bandgaps of M
ATBG\, they also demonstrate monolithic edge tunneling spectroscopy within
the same MATBG devices and measure the energy spectrum of MATBG in the su
perconducting phase.\n\nFurthermore\, by inducing a double barrier geometr
y\, the devices can be operated as a single-electron transistor\, exhibiti
ng Coulomb blockade. These MATBG tunneling devices\, with versatile functi
onality encompassed within a single material\, may find applications in gr
aphene-based tunable superconducting qubits\, on-chip superconducting circ
uits\, and electromagnetic sensing in next-generation quantum nanoelectron
ics.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/13/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Jie Li (Postdoctoral associate\, Chemistry)
DTSTART:20201208T160000Z
DTEND:20201208T164500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/14
DESCRIPTION:Title: Fluorescent Janus droplet and its application in
biosensing of Listeria Monocytogenes\nby Jie Li (Postdoctoral associat
e\, Chemistry) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nD
ynamic complex droplets afford versatile platforms for biosensing\, and th
e biosensing methods based on droplets enable a combination of advantages
including speed\, cost-effectiveness\, and portability. In this talk\, Li
will discuss a sensing method based on the agglutination of Janus emulsion
s for Listeria Monocytogenes\, a gram-positive bacterium responsible for a
potentially lethal foodborne bacterial illness.\n\nThe bio-recognition in
terface created between the Janus emulsions comprises an equal volume of h
ydrocarbon and fluorocarbon oils in Janus morphology. This is done by atta
ching antibodies to a functional surfactant polymer with a tetrazine/trans
-cyclooctene (TCO) click reaction. The Listeria antibodies will be on the
surface of the hydrocarbon hemisphere\, since the surfactant will stay at
the interface of hydrocarbon and water phase. Agglutinations of Janus drop
lets are formed when Listeria is added because of the strong binding betwe
en Listeria and the Listeria antibody located at the hydrocarbon surface o
f the emulsions.\n\nBy incorporating one emissive dye in the fluorocarbon
phase and a blocking dye in the hydrocarbon phase of Janus droplets\, Li c
an conduct a two-dye assay\, which enables the rapid detection of trace Li
steria in less than two hours via an emissive signal produced in response
to Listeria binding. To clarify\, the Janus structure is tilted from its e
quilibrium position as a result of the formation of agglutinations\, and p
roduces emission that would ordinarily be obscured by a blocking dye. Over
all\, this method not only provides rapid and inexpensive Listeria detecti
on with high sensitivity\, but also can be paired with antibodies or relat
ed recognition elements to create a new class of biosensors.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/14/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Abinash Kumar (PhD candidate\, Materials Science & Engineering)
DTSTART:20201222T160000Z
DTEND:20201222T164500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/15
DESCRIPTION:Title: Decoding complexities in relaxor ferroelectrics u
sing electron microscopy\nby Abinash Kumar (PhD candidate\, Materials
Science & Engineering) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbs
tract\nRelaxor ferroelectrics show slim hysteresis loops\, low remanent po
larization\, high saturation polarization\, and exceptional electromechani
cal coupling\, finding applications in ultrasound imaging and energy stora
ge devices. Developing a structure-property relationship in relaxors has b
een a seemingly intractable problem due to the presence of nanoscale chemi
cal and structural heterogeneities.\n\nIn this presentation\, Kumar will d
iscuss how researchers employed aberration-corrected scanning transmission
electron microscopy (STEM) to quantify the various contributions of nanos
cale heterogeneity to relaxor ferroelectric properties in PMN-PT system. S
pecifically\, they found three main contributions—chemical ordering\, ox
ygen octahedral tilting\, and oxygen octahedral distortion—that are diff
icult to otherwise differentiate. Through STEM\, the elusive connection be
tween chemical and structural heterogeneity and local polarization variati
on is revealed. Further\, the effects of strain and thickness on PMN-PT th
in films will be discussed. Through these measurements\, design principles
for next generation relaxor material are elucidated.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/15/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:James McRae (MIT Graduate student\, Mechanical Engineering (MechE)
\; Lincoln Laboratory\, Advanced Materials & Microsystems)
DTSTART:20210216T160000Z
DTEND:20210216T164500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/16
DESCRIPTION:Title: Silicate-based composite as heterogeneous integra
tion packaging material for extreme environments\nby James McRae (MIT
Graduate student\, Mechanical Engineering (MechE)\; Lincoln Laboratory\, A
dvanced Materials & Microsystems) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.na
no\n\n\nAbstract\nElectronic microsystems are foundational to today’s co
mputational\, sensing\, communication\, and information processing capabil
ities\, therefore impacting industries such as microelectronics\, aerospac
e\, healthcare\, and many more. Cell phones are an example of what is poss
ible when a variety of systems can be tightly integrated into a highly por
table and capable system. However\, as we aim to improve our ability to in
teract and operate (e.g.\, sense\, communicate\, record\, compute\, move\,
etc.) in extreme environments (such as outer space or the human body)\, n
ew methods and materials must be developed to manufacture such integrated
systems that will endure post-processing\, environmental\, and operational
challenges.\n\nTypical organic-based packaging materials (e.g.\, polymer
adhesives\, coatings\, and molding materials) often suffer from outgassing
and leaching that can lead to system contamination\, as well as coefficie
nt of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatches that can lead to warpage and brea
kage with fluctuations in system temperature during operation. This work d
emonstrates an alternative\, by using a silicate-based inorganic glass com
posite as an electronics packaging material for stability in extreme envir
onments. Combining liquid alkali sodium silicate (water glass) and nanopar
ticle fillers\, composites can be synthesized and cured at low temperature
s into chemically\, mechanically\, and thermally (up to 400 oC) stable str
uctures using high throughput processing methods such as spin and spray co
ating. Further\, this material can be processed into thick layers (10s to
100s of microns)\, fill high aspect ratio gaps (13:1)\, withstand common m
icrofabrication processes\, and have its CTE tailored to match various sub
strates.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/16/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Noel Wan (PhD student\, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
(EECS))
DTSTART:20210202T160000Z
DTEND:20210202T164500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/17
DESCRIPTION:Title: Large-scale integration of artificial atoms with
photonic circuits\nby Noel Wan (PhD student\, Electrical Engineering &
Computer Science (EECS)) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\n
Abstract\nThe construction of large\, controllable quantum systems is a fo
rmidable task in quantum science and technology. In the context of quantum
networks\, single emitters in diamond have emerged as leading quantum bit
s that combine long coherence times with efficient optical interfaces. Des
pite their potential manufacturability\, such solid-state qubits have been
limited to small-scale quantum network demonstrations due to their low sy
stem efficiencies\, deteriorated properties in devices\, and low yields.\n
\nTo address these challenges\, we report the development of a nanophotoni
c platform in diamond for the efficient control and routing of photons. In
particular\, we describe the fabrication and coupling of qubits to single
-mode waveguides and photonic crystal resonators. We then demonstrate the
large-scale heterogeneous integration of diamond waveguide-coupled qubits
with photonic circuits in another material system. This hybrid quantum chi
p architecture enables the combination of coherent qubits in diamond with
low-loss active photonics in aluminum nitride or silicon nitride. This mod
ularity also circumvents the low device yields associated with monolithic
chips\, enabling here a 128-channel\, qubit-integrated photonic chip with
frequency tunability and high optical coherence. As an outlook\, we discus
s ongoing efforts that combine the advances towards the construction of a
quantum repeater microchip.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/17/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Jules Stuart (Research Assistant\, MIT Lincoln Laboratory\; Physic
s PhD candidate\, 2021\, MIT)
DTSTART:20210316T150000Z
DTEND:20210316T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/18
DESCRIPTION:Title: Integrated photonics and electronics for chip-sca
le quantum control of trapped ions\nby Jules Stuart (Research Assistan
t\, MIT Lincoln Laboratory\; Physics PhD candidate\, 2021\, MIT) as part o
f Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nTrapped atomic ions are p
romising candidates for quantum information processing and quantum sensing
. Current state-of-the-art trapped-ion systems require many lasers and ele
ctronics to achieve precise timing and control over quantum states. Usual
ly\, electronic signals are sent into vacuum chambers via wire feedthrough
s\, and laser light is focused down to a trapped ion’s location with ext
ernal lenses mounted outside of viewports on the chamber. These requiremen
ts lead to dense and complex setups that may be prone to drift and limit t
he amount of control that can be achieved.\n\nIn this presentation\, Stuar
t will report on recent progress toward integrating control technology int
o the substrate of the ion trap itself. By using a planar trap design\, wh
ich is compatible with lithographic fabrication\, other well-developed pro
cesses may be implemented in order to enhance the function of the ion trap
. In one experiment\, researchers demonstrate an ion trap with integrated\
, CMOS-based high-voltage sources\, which can be used to control the motio
nal frequency and position of a trapped ion. In another demonstration\, th
ey use photonic waveguides and diffractive grating couplers to route light
around a chip and focus it onto ions trapped above the surface.\n\nIntegr
ating controls into ion traps has the potential to increase the density of
independently controllable ions on a chip in next-generation systems\, bu
t there are also many immediate practical benefits. Reducing the number of
required feedthroughs allows chambers to be made more compact\, which may
be useful for ion-based clocks or sensors. The researchers also show that
integrated-photonic platforms help to reduce vibration-induced noise seen
when using external optics\, which may enable portable systems based on t
rapped-ion quantum information processing.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/18/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:ENS Maximilian Ulbert (MIT Lincoln Laboratory\, MIT)
DTSTART:20210330T150000Z
DTEND:20210330T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/19
DESCRIPTION:Title: Practical fiber batteries for wearables based on
thermally drawn Zn-MnO2\nby ENS Maximilian Ulbert (MIT Lincoln Laborat
ory\, MIT) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nThe c
oncept of the Internet-of-Things has inspired growth in the field of wear
able technology\, from aesthetically-pleasing color changing fabrics to pr
actical heart rate monitors\, all interwoven into any variety of clothes (
ie. shirts\, pants\, hats\, blankets\, bags\, etc.). For a continuously op
erating wearable system\, an energy storage vessel is needed: a battery.\n
\nSpecifically\, interwoven or fabric-based systems demand that the batter
y be integrated in the fabric or fibers themselves. The primary challenge
for such an integrated battery is rendering the active components of a bat
tery (cathode\, anode\, and electrolyte) into a fiber. Existing challenges
for fiber batteries include high materials costs\, low power output\, and
complicated assembly approaches. Further\, for the practical implementati
on of a fiber battery into wearable systems that make direct skin contact
and are exposed to the ambient environment\, battery safety is of key impo
rtance.\n\nThis work seeks to address both assembly and safety issues by d
eveloping an easily manufacturable fiber battery by means of a thermal dra
w tower using a safer Zn-ion chemistry (Zn/MnO2) with a gel polymer electr
olyte (GPE). As the GPE offers a high ionic conductivity\, mechanical prop
erties compatible with thermal draw towers and provides a physical separat
or between cathode and anode\, the performance of lab scale prototypes and
a drawn-fiber prototype will be discussed.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/19/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Erik Eisenach (Research Assistant Lincoln Laboratory\; Electrical
Engineering & Computer Science PhD candidate\, 2020)
DTSTART:20210427T150000Z
DTEND:20210427T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/20
DESCRIPTION:Title: Cavity—enhanced microwave readout of a diamond
sensor\nby Erik Eisenach (Research Assistant Lincoln Laboratory\; Elec
trical Engineering & Computer Science PhD candidate\, 2020) as part of Nan
o Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nOvercoming poor readout is an
increasingly urgent challenge for devices based on solid-state spin defect
s\, particularly given their rapid adoption in quantum sensing\, quantum i
nformation\, and tests of fundamental physics. In spite of experimental pr
ogress in very specific systems\, solid-state spin sensors lack a universa
l\, high-fidelity readout technique.\n\nIn this talk\, Eisenach will discu
ss how he and fellow researchers leverage strong coupling between an ensem
ble of solid-state spins and a dielectric microwave cavity for high-fideli
ty\, room-temperature readout of nitrogen-vacancy centers. Using this stro
ng collective interaction\, they probe the spin ensemble’s microwave tra
nsition directly\, overcoming the optical photon shot noise limitations of
conventional fluorescence readout. Furthermore\, they apply this techniqu
e to magnetometry\, and show magnetic sensitivity approaching the Johnson
–Nyquist noise limit of the system.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/20/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Ahmad Zubair (Postdoctoral Associate\, Microsystems Technology Lab
oratories (MTL)\, MIT)
DTSTART:20210302T160000Z
DTEND:20210302T164500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/21
DESCRIPTION:Title: Challenges & opportunities for the next generatio
n of power electronic devices\nby Ahmad Zubair (Postdoctoral Associate
\, Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL)\, MIT) as part of Nano Explo
rations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nBy 2030\, about 80% of all United Sta
tes electricity is expected to flow through power electronics and the mark
et size is expected to exceed 1000 TW-unit per year from the current marke
t size of 2 TW unit. This exponential growth will require power electronic
s devices and circuits with much higher efficiency and smaller form-factor
than today’s silicon-based systems. III-Nitride semiconductors and othe
r ultra-wide bandgap materials are ideal material systems for energy-effic
ient new generation of power electronics\, thanks to the combination of ex
cellent transport properties and the high critical electric field enabled
by their wide bandgap.\n\nVertical FinFETs are promising high voltage swit
ches for the next generation of high-frequency power electronics applicati
ons. Thanks to a nanostructured vertical fin channel\, the device offers e
xcellent electrostatic control\, eliminating the need for epitaxial regrow
th or p-type doping unlike other vertical power transistors. Vertical GaN
FinFETs with 1200 V breakdown voltage (BV) and 5A current rating have been
demonstrated recently on free-standing GaN substrate. The high current de
nsity of these devices\, in combination with minimum parasitics\, allow th
ese devices to achieve beyond-state-of-the-art switching performance.\n\nT
his talk will discuss the recent progress of GaN vertical power FinFETs on
native GaN substrate highlighting the device and materials level opportun
ities as well as challenges to push performance limits of these devices.
Despite this promising performance\, the commercialization of these device
s has been limited by the high cost ($50-$100/cm2) and small diameter (2-4
inch) of free-standing GaN substrates. The use of Si could potentially re
duce the substrate cost by 1000x and enable heterogeneous integration. Thi
s talk will also discuss the recent efforts on the heterogeneous integrati
on of GaN vertical power FinFETs on Si platform.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/21/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Ty Christoff-Tempesta (PhD Candidate Materials Science & Engineeri
ng)
DTSTART:20210413T150000Z
DTEND:20210413T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/22
DESCRIPTION:Title: Small molecule assemblies with a bulletproof desi
gn: the aramid amphiphile\nby Ty Christoff-Tempesta (PhD Candidate Mat
erials Science & Engineering) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n
\n\nAbstract\nSmall molecule self-assembly offers a powerful bottom-up app
roach to producing nanostructures with high surface areas\, tunable surfac
es\, and defined internal order. Historically\, the dynamic nature of thes
e systems has limited their use to specific cases\, especially biomedical
applications\, in solvated environments.\n\nIn the talk\, Christoff-Tempes
ta will present a self-assembling small molecule platform\, the aramid amp
hiphile (AA)\, that overcomes these dynamic limitations. AAs incorporate a
Kevlar-inspired domain within each molecule to produce strong interaction
s between molecules. Christoff-Tempesta and fellow researchers have observ
ed AAs spontaneously form nanoribbons when added to water with aspect rati
os exceeding 4000:1. Robust internal interactions suppress the ability of
AAs to move between assemblies and result in nanoribbons with mechanical p
roperties rivaling silk. \n\nThe team harnesses this stability to – for
the first time – extend small molecule assemblies to the solid-state\, f
orming macroscopic threads that are easily handled and support 200 times t
heir weight when dried. The AA platform offers a novel route to extend sma
ll molecule self-assembly to aligned macroscopic materials and beyond solv
ated environments.\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/22/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Bharath Kannan (PhD Candidate\, Electrical Engineering & Computer
Science\, MIT)
DTSTART:20210511T150000Z
DTEND:20210511T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/23
DESCRIPTION:by Bharath Kannan (PhD Candidate\, Electrical Engineering & Co
mputer Science\, MIT) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\nAbstra
ct: TBA\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/23/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Jawaher Almutlaq (Postdoctoral Fellow\, Research Laboratory of Ele
ctronics)
DTSTART:20210525T150000Z
DTEND:20210525T154500Z
DTSTAMP:20260404T094339Z
UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/24
DESCRIPTION:by Jawaher Almutlaq (Postdoctoral Fellow\, Research Laboratory
of Electronics) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\nAbstract: T
BA\n
LOCATION:https://stable.researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations
/24/
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR