Researchers have solved a long-standing challenge in understanding how tiny defects in materials like diamond and silicon carbide behave when exposed to light. Their new computational method revealed a surprisingly important energy-loss mechanism in silicon carbide that scientists had previously underestimated. The finding helps explain a mystery that has puzzled researchers for years and could improve the design of quantum computers and sensors.
A tiny defect in a crystal reveals a big quantum surprise. A tiny defect in a crystal reveals a big quantum surprise Science News from research organizations A tiny defect in a crystal reveals a big quantum surprise Scientists uncover a hidden energy-loss mechanism in silicon carbide that could unlock advances in quantum computing, sensing, and renewable energy technologies. These imperfections, known as spin defects, could become valuable building blocks for future quantum technologies, including quantum sensors.
Because they can function as stable qubits whose states can be read, scientists are eager to understand exactly how they behave. Predicting how their energy changes over time has remained a major challenge. Researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) have now developed a computational method that provides a more complete picture of what happens when these defects interact with light.
Their approach can simulate the entire optical cycle, including a particularly difficult process known as internal conversion.
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