BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:researchseminars.org CALSCALE:GREGORIAN X-WR-CALNAME:researchseminars.org BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Morten Kjaergaard (Postdoctoral Associate\, MIT Electrical Enginee ring & Computer Science) DTSTART:20200630T150000Z DTEND:20200630T154500Z DTSTAMP:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/1 DESCRIPTION:Title: Programming a quantum computer with quantum instructions< /a>\nby Morten Kjaergaard (Postdoctoral Associate\, MIT Electrical Enginee ring & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nA bstract\nThe use of quantum bits to construct quantum computers opens the door to dramatic computational speedups for certain problems. The maturity of modern quantum computers has moved the field from being predominantly a quantum device-focused research area to also include practical quantum-c omputing application focused research.\n\nIn this talk\, Kjaergaard will d iscuss a new experimental result on a foundational aspect of how to progra m quantum computers. A central principle of classical computer programming is the equivalence between data and instructions about what to do with th at data. In quantum computers this equivalence is broken: Classical hardwa re is used to generate the sequence of operations to be executed on the qu antum data stored in the quantum computer. Our experiment shows for the fi rst time how the instruction-data symmetry can be restored to quantum comp uters. We use superconducting qubits as a platform to implement high-fidel ity quantum operations enabling the so-called Density Matrix Exponentiatio n algorithm\, to generate these quantum instructions. This algorithm provi des large quantum speedups for a family of other quantum algorithms\, whic h Kjaergaard will briefly discuss.\n\nhttps://mitnano.mit.edu/nano-explora tions\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/2 DESCRIPTION:Title: Dynamically programmable surfaces for high-speed optical modulation\nby Cheng Peng (PhD candidate\, MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstra ct\nDynamically programmable surfaces for spatiotemporal control of light are crucial to many optoelectronic technologies including high-speed optic al communication\, display and projection\, autonomous driving\, optical i nformation processing\, imaging\, and optical control in quantum computati on. Currently available electro-optic spatial light modulators (SLMs) are often bulky\, inefficient\, and have limited operation speeds. This talk d escribes the development of a compact\, high-speed\, electro-optic SLM arc hitecture based on a two-dimensional array of tunable microcavities. Optim ized microcavity designs can enable high-speed\, high diffraction efficien cy SLMs with standard-CMOS-compatible driving voltages. High-speed electro -optic material options will also be discussed.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/3 DESCRIPTION:Title: Solid-state spin-integrated circuits for quantum sensing and control\nby Christopher Foy (PhD '20\, MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstra ct\nSpin systems are an increasingly important quantum-sensing platform. I n particular\, atomic defect centers in diamond called nitrogen-vacancy (N V) centers offer impressive room temperature imaging capabilities for both magnetic fields and temperature. NV-based sensing platforms have found ut ility in solid-state physics\, biological systems\, and vector magnetometr y. These applications highlight the immense promise of NV quantum sensors. Despite this promise\, the use of NV centers within commercial devices re mains limited to date\, with many impediments to transitioning this platfo rm from the laboratory.\n\nThis talk describes the development of solid-st ate spin-integrated circuits (S3IC) for quantum sensing and control with t he overarching goal of creating scalable NV platforms. We present two majo r experiments that develop S3IC. These expand the application space of NV centers and improve device functionality. The first application was to dev elop an NV spin microscope capable of wide-field temperature and magnetic field imaging to elucidate functional device behavior at the microscopic s cale. The second experiment was integrating the essential components of an NV spin microscope\, spin control and detection\, with integrated electro nics. In this manner\, S3IC combines the exceptional sensitivity of NV cen ters with the robustness and scalability of modern electronic chip-scale p latforms.\n\nThis co-integration of spin systems into integrated electroni cs shows a potential path for migrating previous proof-of-principal sensin g demonstrations into affordable packages that demonstrate both much great er system integration and custom electronic architectures. In short\, this work demonstrates advances in NV-ensemble quantum sensing platforms and e stablishes a foundation for future integration efforts\, perhaps inspiring innovations in both application space and the development of new quantum devices.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/4 DESCRIPTION:Title: Liquid-crystal-based integrated optical phased arrays for augmented reality\nby Milica Notaros (PhD candidate\, MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano \n\n\nAbstract\nAugmented reality (AR) head-mounted displays that project information directly in the user’s field of view have many wide-reaching applications in defense\, medicine\, engineering\, gaming\, etc. However\ , current commercial head-mounted displays are bulky\, heavy\, and indiscr eet. Moreover\, these current displays are not capable of producing hologr aphic images with full depth cues\; this lack of depth information results in users experiencing eyestrain and headaches that limit long-term and wi despread use of these displays (an effect known as the vergence-accommodat ion conflict).\n\nIn this talk\, recent advances in the development of Vis ible Integrated Photonics Enhanced Reality (VIPER)\, a novel integrated-ph otonics-based holographic display\, will be reviewed. The VIPER display co nsists of a single transparent chip with integrated liquid crystal that si ts directly in front of the user’s eye and projects visible-light 3D hol ograms that only the user can see. It presents a highly-discreet and fully -holographic solution for the next generation of AR displays.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/5 DESCRIPTION:Title: New frontiers in THz quantum cascade lasers\nby Ali K halatpour\, PhD (MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nTerahertz (THz) frequencie s remain among the least utilized in the electromagnetic spectrum\, largel y due to the lack of powerful and compact sources. The invention of THz qu antum cascade lasers (QCLs) was a major breakthrough to bridge the so-call ed “THz gap” between semiconductor electronic and photonic sources. Ho wever\, their demanding cooling requirement has confined the technology in a laboratory environment. A portable and high-power THz laser system will have a qualitative impact on applications in medical imaging\, communicat ions\, quality control\, security\, and biochemistry.\n\nHere\, by adoptin g a novel design strategy to achieve a clean 3-level system\, we have deve loped THz QCLs (at ~4 THz) with a maximum operating temperature of 250 K\, far exceeding the existing records. The new record is the major breakthro ugh in the THz QCL field since its invention in 2001. The high operating t emperature enables portable THz systems to perform real-time imaging with a room-temperature THz camera\, as well as fast spectral measurements with a room-temperature detector.\n LOCATION:https://researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations/5/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Albert Liu (PhD candidate\, MIT Chemical Engineering) DTSTART:20200721T150000Z DTEND:20200721T154500Z DTSTAMP:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/6 DESCRIPTION:Title: 2D-Material enabled colloidal electronics\nby Albert Liu (PhD candidate\, MIT Chemical Engineering) as part of Nano Exploration s from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nGraphene and other 2D materials possess des irable mechanical and functional properties for incorporation into or onto novel colloidal particles\, potentially granting them unique electronic a nd optical functions. However\, this application has not yet been realized because conventional top-down lithography scales poorly for the productio n of colloidal solutions.\n\nLiu will describe an “autoperforation” te chnique providing a means of spontaneous assembly for colloidal microparti cles comprised of 2D molecular surfaces at scale. Such particles demonstra te remarkable chemical\, mechanical and thermal stability. They can functi on as aerosolizable memristor arrays capable of storing digital informatio n\, as well as dispersible and recoverable probes for large-scale collecti on of chemical information in water and soil.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/7 DESCRIPTION:Title: Building neuromorphic computing units with battery materi als\nby Juan Carlos Gonzalez Rosillo (Postdoctoral Associate\, MIT Mat erials Science and Engineering) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano \n\n\nAbstract\nSpecialized hardware for neural networks requires material s with tunable symmetry\, retention and speed at low power consumption. Ad vances over the last years on understanding and implementing memristor tec hnology had positioned them as a major candidate to overcome bottlenecks i n current electronic-based transistors in terms of downscaling capabilitie s and energy consumption. The vast majority of memristive devices are base d on two types of ions: either oxygen vacancy migration\, in the so-called Valence Change Memories (VCM)\, or a metal cation\, usually Ag+ and Cu2+\ , in the so-called Electrochemical Metallization Cells (ECM). Despite thei r excellent performance\, their widespread implementation in today’s int egrated circuits is delayed due to the need to address cycle-to-cycle and device-to-device variabilities while circumventing electroforming and asym metry\, which are inherent issues associated to the filamentary nature of the switching mechanism.\n\nRecently\, Li-ion is emerging as an alternativ e\, given the higher diffusivity of Li+ when compared to oxygen\, and the ability of Li-oxides solid state conductors to accumulate and deplete lith ium at the interfaces and bulk. We have proposed lithium titanates\, origi nally developed as Li-ion battery anode materials\, as promising candidate s for memristive-based neuromorphic computing hardware.\n\nIn this seminar \, Gonzalez Rosillo will discuss the non-volatile\, non-filamentary bipola r resistive switching characteristics of lithium titanates compounds\, Li4 +3xTi5O12\, as a function of the lithiation degree. We have employed a rec ently proposed strategy to overcome lithium loss during thin film depositi on and finely control the final lithiation degree of the films to create s toichiometrically lithiated Li4Ti5O12 spinel phase and a highly lithiated Li7Ti5O12 rock- salt phase memristive devices. By using ex- and in-operand o spectroscopy to monitor the Lithium filling and emptying of structural p ositions during electrochemical measurements\, we investigate the controll ed formation of a metallic phase (Li7Ti5O12) percolating through an insula ting medium (Li4Ti5O12) with no volume changes under voltage bias\, thereb y controlling the spatially averaged conductivity of the film device.\n\nW e present a theoretical model to explain the observed hysteretic switching behavior based on electrochemical nonequilibrium thermodynamics\, in whic h the metal-insulator transition results from electrically driven phase se paration of Li4Ti5O12 and Li7Ti5O12. Permittivity enhancement drives lithi um ions to regions of high electric field intensity\, which become metalli c filaments above a critical applied bias\, and the ions relax back to the ir low-conductivity initial state at lower voltages.\n\nOne of the most st riking outcomes is that the metal-insulator transition of llithium titanat e can be uniquely modulated for neuromorphic computing purposes\, such as control of the neural pulse train symmetry in conductance and the resistan ce on-to-off ratio\, simply by adjusting the lithium stoichiometry and pha se pattern of the films. We report ability of highly lithiated phase of Li 7Ti5O12 for Deep Neural Network applications\, given the large retentions and symmetry\, and opportunity for the low lithiated phase of Li4Ti5O12 to wards Spiking Neural Network applications\, due to the shorter retention a nd large resistance changes. Our findings pave the way for lithium oxides to enable thin-film memristive devices with adjustable symmetry and retent ion.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/8 DESCRIPTION:Title: Fast and energy-efficient monocular depth estimation on e mbedded systems\nby Diana Wofk (MEng '20\, MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstra ct\nDepth sensing is a critical function for many robotic tasks such as lo calization\, mapping and obstacle detection. There has been a significant and growing interest in performing depth estimation from monocular RGB cam era images\, due to the relatively low cost\, size\, weight and power of c ameras. However\, state-of-the-art depth estimation algorithms are based o n fairly large deep neural networks\, which have high computational comple xity and energy consumption. This poses a significant challenge when perfo rming real-time depth estimation on an embedded system\, for instance\, 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 estimation 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 low-power embedded FPGA. Using an algorithm-hardware co-design approach\, we develo p a dataflow design and an accelerator architecture that minimizes off-chi p memory accesses and offers dedicated support for depthwise separable con volutional layers. This talk will give an overview of our approach and the strategies we take in accelerating learning-based depth estimation on emb edded systems.\n LOCATION:https://researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations/8/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Junyi Zhu (MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS)) DTSTART:20200730T150000Z DTEND:20200730T154500Z DTSTAMP:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/9 DESCRIPTION:Title: Integrating object form and electronic function in rapid prototyping and personal fabrication\nby Junyi Zhu (MIT Electrical Eng ineering & Computer Science (EECS)) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT. nano\n\n\nAbstract\nRapid prototyping is a key technique that enables user s to quickly realize their digital designs\, therefore it has been widely used in early-stage prototyping and small-scale customized fabrication. A long-term vision in Human-Computer Interaction is to create interactive ob jects for which all functions are directly integrated with the form and fa bricated in one-go. So far\, rapid prototyping has mainly focused on fabri cating passive objects for which the form of an object can be freely desig ned\, but recently we have also moved towards digital specification and fa brication of object functions for interactive design. These advances offer the promise that eventually in rapid function prototyping\, the interacti ve object form and function would be under the same design consideration\, therefore the object form could follow its designated function\, and func tion adapt upon its physical form\, and vice versa.\n\nIn this talk\, Zhu will present two projects in this domain: MorphSensor and CurveBoards. Mor phSensor is a 3D electronics design tool for designing electronic function in the context of a prototype’s three-dimensional shape. MorphSensor un ifies electronic and physical object design in one 3D workspace as one com plete workflow\, which leads to better form and function integration. Curv eBoards are 3D breadboards directly integrated into the surface of physica l prototypes. CurveBoards better preserve the object’s look and feel whi le maintaining high circuit fluidity\, which enables designers to prototyp e and iterate function in the context of form.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z 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 emitter s\, such as color centers (e.g.\, nitrogen-vacancy color centers in diamon d)\, have a wide range of applications in quantum information processing\, bio-imaging\, and quantum-sensing. Such quantum emitters are typically ad dressed optically and store their quantum state as an electron spin that c an subsequently be read out optically. For this process to work effectivel y\, an efficient light-matter interaction must be achieved\, which is dif ficult given the small interaction cross-section of an atomic memory with the optical field.\n\nIn this talk\, Walsh will address two problems that relate to the engineering of a device that demonstrates a quantum advantag e. The first problem centers on the fact that most quantum emitters are ra ndomly positioned throughout their host lattice making it difficult to lit hographically pattern structures intended to increase the light-matter int eraction. While there is a non-zero chance that a small number of randomly aligned structures will coincide with randomly positioned emitters\, when efforts to scale such a system are made the yield drops exponentially. Th e second problem has to do with scaling. As systems scale up to larger set s of interacting qubits\, it becomes increasingly necessary to produce qua ntum emitters with narrow optical transitions and long spin coherence time s.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/11 DESCRIPTION:Title: Strategies for high-performance solid-state photon upcon version based on triplet exciton annihilation\nby Ting-An Lin (PhD Can didate\, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explor ations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nPhoton upconversion\, a non-linear opt ical process to convert low-energy photons into higher energies\, has vari ous applications such as photovoltaics\, infrared sensing\, and bio-imagin g. Particularly\, upconversion based on triplet exciton annihilation is on e of the most promising approaches to achieve high efficiency at low excit ation intensity for practical applications. However\, the reported perform ance in solid-state is limited due to energy back transfer\, material aggr egation\, and weak optical absorption\, which complicates the integration with solid-state applications.\n\nIn this talk\, Lin will discuss the rese arch group's proposed strategies to improve the performance in solid-state . In a green-to-blue upconverter consisting of a bilayer of an absorbing a nd an upconverting material\, they reduced energy back transfer by inserti ng a blocking layer in between and mitigate aggregation by doping the abso rber into a host material. The upconversion efficiency had a 7-fold enhanc ement with the excitation intensity reduced by 9 times. To improve optical absorption\, they investigated an infrared-to-visible upconverter and int egrate the up-converting layers into a Fabry-Pérot microcavity. At the re sonant wavelength\, absorption increases 74-fold and the threshold excitat ion intensity is reduced by two orders of magnitude to a sub-solar flux. T heir work demonstrates the importance of device structure engineering to i mprove the performance of solid-state photon upconversion\, and offers a p ath toward practical applications.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/12 DESCRIPTION:Title: Nanoscale mechanical switches with squeezable molecular springs—Squitches\nby Jinchi Han (PhD Candidate\, Electrical Enginee ring & Computer Science) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nA bstract\nNanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches are a candidate technology f or beyond-CMOS energy-efficient computing. They can exhibit near-zero stat ic leakage\, large on-off current ratio\, steep subthreshold slope\, and h igh robustness in harsh environments. NEMs are\, however\, challenged by s ignificant van der Waals interaction at the nanoscale between their contac ting electrodes\, which can result in compromised performance in terms of turn-on voltage and switching speed\, critical characteristics for good de vice reliability.\n\nA way to address the NEM electrode stiction challenge will be presented in this talk\, which will explore an approach of fabric ating an electrostatically-controlled nanogap using self-assembled molecul ar spacer layer sandwiched between atomically-smooth conductive nanostruct ures. The molecular layer acts like a spring between the two sandwiching e lectrodes\, compressing as needed under the electrostatically-applied “s queeze” to modify the tunneling current. Hence\, we referred to this NEM structure as the squeezable-switch or the “squitch”. The operating sq uitch structures show a sharp electrical switching behavior with several-o rders-of-magnitude on-off current ratio\, as the tunneling gap is modified by only ~1 nm in distance. This unique working principle allows squitches to simultaneously achieve low turn-on voltages and low time delays\, whil e surmounting the challenge of NEM device electrode stiction.\n LOCATION:https://researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations/12/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Daniel Rodan-Legrain (PhD Candidate\, Physics) DTSTART:20201124T160000Z DTEND:20201124T164500Z DTSTAMP:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/13 DESCRIPTION:Title: Highly tunable junctions in magic angle twisted bilayer graphene tunneling devices\nby Daniel Rodan-Legrain (PhD Candidate\, P hysics) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nThe rece nt observation of superconductivity and correlated insulating states in ‘magic-angle’ twisted bilayer graphene (MATBG) featuring nearly-flat b ands at twist angles close to 1.1 degrees presents a highly tunable two-di mensional material platform capable of behaving as a metal\, an insulator\ , or a superconductor. Local electrostatic control over these phases may e nable the creation of versatile quantum devices that were previously not a chievable in other single material platforms.\n\nIn this talk\, Rodan-Legr ain will introduce MATBG as a new arena to investigate strongly correlated physics. He will then show how they can exploit the electrical tunability of MATBG to engineer Josephson junctions and tunneling transistors all wi thin one material\, defined solely by electrostatic gates. The research gr oup's multi-gated device geometry offers complete control over the Josephs on junction\, with the ability to independently tune the weak link\, barri ers\, and tunneling electrodes. Utilizing the intrinsic bandgaps of MATBG\ , they also demonstrate monolithic edge tunneling spectroscopy within the same MATBG devices and measure the energy spectrum of MATBG in the superco nducting phase.\n\nFurthermore\, by inducing a double barrier geometry\, t he devices can be operated as a single-electron transistor\, exhibiting Co ulomb blockade. These MATBG tunneling devices\, with versatile functionali ty encompassed within a single material\, may find applications in graphen e-based tunable superconducting qubits\, on-chip superconducting circuits\ , and electromagnetic sensing in next-generation quantum nanoelectronics.\ n LOCATION:https://researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations/13/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Jie Li (Postdoctoral associate\, Chemistry) DTSTART:20201208T160000Z DTEND:20201208T164500Z DTSTAMP:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/14 DESCRIPTION:Title: Fluorescent Janus droplet and its application in biosens ing of Listeria Monocytogenes\nby Jie Li (Postdoctoral associate\, Che mistry) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nDynamic complex droplets afford versatile platforms for biosensing\, and the biose nsing methods based on droplets enable a combination of advantages includi ng speed\, cost-effectiveness\, and portability. In this talk\, Li will di scuss a sensing method based on the agglutination of Janus emulsions for L isteria Monocytogenes\, a gram-positive bacterium responsible for a potent ially lethal foodborne bacterial illness.\n\nThe bio-recognition interface created between the Janus emulsions comprises an equal volume of hydrocar bon and fluorocarbon oils in Janus morphology. This is done by attaching a ntibodies to a functional surfactant polymer with a tetrazine/trans-cycloo ctene (TCO) click reaction. The Listeria antibodies will be on the surface of the hydrocarbon hemisphere\, since the surfactant will stay at the int erface of hydrocarbon and water phase. Agglutinations of Janus droplets ar e formed when Listeria is added because of the strong binding between List eria and the Listeria antibody located at the hydrocarbon surface of the e mulsions.\n\nBy incorporating one emissive dye in the fluorocarbon phase a nd a blocking dye in the hydrocarbon phase of Janus droplets\, Li can cond uct a two-dye assay\, which enables the rapid detection of trace Listeria in less than two hours via an emissive signal produced in response to List eria binding. To clarify\, the Janus structure is tilted from its equilibr ium position as a result of the formation of agglutinations\, and produces emission that would ordinarily be obscured by a blocking dye. Overall\, t his method not only provides rapid and inexpensive Listeria detection with high sensitivity\, but also can be paired with antibodies or related reco gnition elements to create a new class of biosensors.\n LOCATION:https://researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations/14/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Abinash Kumar (PhD candidate\, Materials Science & Engineering) DTSTART:20201222T160000Z DTEND:20201222T164500Z DTSTAMP:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/15 DESCRIPTION:Title: Decoding complexities in relaxor ferroelectrics using el ectron microscopy\nby Abinash Kumar (PhD candidate\, Materials Science & Engineering) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\n Relaxor ferroelectrics show slim hysteresis loops\, low remanent polarizat ion\, high saturation polarization\, and exceptional electromechanical cou pling\, finding applications in ultrasound imaging and energy storage devi ces. Developing a structure-property relationship in relaxors has been a s eemingly intractable problem due to the presence of nanoscale chemical and structural heterogeneities.\n\nIn this presentation\, Kumar will discuss how researchers employed aberration-corrected scanning transmission electr on microscopy (STEM) to quantify the various contributions of nanoscale he terogeneity to relaxor ferroelectric properties in PMN-PT system. Specific ally\, they found three main contributions—chemical ordering\, oxygen oc tahedral tilting\, and oxygen octahedral distortion—that are difficult t o otherwise differentiate. Through STEM\, the elusive connection between c hemical and structural heterogeneity and local polarization variation is r evealed. Further\, the effects of strain and thickness on PMN-PT thin film s will be discussed. Through these measurements\, design principles for ne xt generation relaxor material are elucidated.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/16 DESCRIPTION:Title: Silicate-based composite as heterogeneous integration pa ckaging material for extreme environments\nby James McRae (MIT Graduat e student\, Mechanical Engineering (MechE)\; Lincoln Laboratory\, Advanced Materials & Microsystems) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\ nAbstract\nElectronic microsystems are foundational to today’s computati onal\, sensing\, communication\, and information processing capabilities\, therefore impacting industries such as microelectronics\, aerospace\, hea lthcare\, and many more. Cell phones are an example of what is possible wh en a variety of systems can be tightly integrated into a highly portable a nd capable system. However\, as we aim to improve our ability to interact and operate (e.g.\, sense\, communicate\, record\, compute\, move\, etc.) in extreme environments (such as outer space or the human body)\, new meth ods and materials must be developed to manufacture such integrated systems that will endure post-processing\, environmental\, and operational challe nges.\n\nTypical organic-based packaging materials (e.g.\, polymer adhesiv es\, coatings\, and molding materials) often suffer from outgassing and le aching that can lead to system contamination\, as well as coefficient of t hermal expansion (CTE) mismatches that can lead to warpage and breakage wi th fluctuations in system temperature during operation. This work demonstr ates an alternative\, by using a silicate-based inorganic glass composite as an electronics packaging material for stability in extreme environments . Combining liquid alkali sodium silicate (water glass) and nanoparticle f illers\, composites can be synthesized and cured at low temperatures into chemically\, mechanically\, and thermally (up to 400 oC) stable structures using high throughput processing methods such as spin and spray coating. Further\, this material can be processed into thick layers (10s to 100s of microns)\, fill high aspect ratio gaps (13:1)\, withstand common microfab rication processes\, and have its CTE tailored to match various substrates .\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/17 DESCRIPTION:Title: Large-scale integration of artificial atoms with photoni c circuits\nby Noel Wan (PhD student\, Electrical Engineering & Comput er Science (EECS)) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstrac t\nThe construction of large\, controllable quantum systems is a formidabl e task in quantum science and technology. In the context of quantum networ ks\, single emitters in diamond have emerged as leading quantum bits that combine long coherence times with efficient optical interfaces. Despite th eir potential manufacturability\, such solid-state qubits have been limite d to small-scale quantum network demonstrations due to their low system ef ficiencies\, deteriorated properties in devices\, and low yields.\n\nTo ad dress these challenges\, we report the development of a nanophotonic platf orm in diamond for the efficient control and routing of photons. In partic ular\, we describe the fabrication and coupling of qubits to single-mode w aveguides and photonic crystal resonators. We then demonstrate the large-s cale heterogeneous integration of diamond waveguide-coupled qubits with ph otonic circuits in another material system. This hybrid quantum chip archi tecture enables the combination of coherent qubits in diamond with low-los s active photonics in aluminum nitride or silicon nitride. This modularity also circumvents the low device yields associated with monolithic chips\, enabling here a 128-channel\, qubit-integrated photonic chip with frequen cy tunability and high optical coherence. As an outlook\, we discuss ongoi ng efforts that combine the advances towards the construction of a quantum repeater microchip.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/18 DESCRIPTION:Title: Integrated photonics and electronics for chip-scale quan tum control of trapped ions\nby Jules Stuart (Research Assistant\, MIT Lincoln Laboratory\; Physics PhD candidate\, 2021\, MIT) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nTrapped atomic ions are promisin g candidates for quantum information processing and quantum sensing. Curre nt state-of-the-art trapped-ion systems require many lasers and electronic s to achieve precise timing and control over quantum states. Usually\, el ectronic signals are sent into vacuum chambers via wire feedthroughs\, and laser light is focused down to a trapped ion’s location with external l enses mounted outside of viewports on the chamber. These requirements lead to dense and complex setups that may be prone to drift and limit the amou nt of control that can be achieved.\n\nIn this presentation\, Stuart will report on recent progress toward integrating control technology into the s ubstrate of the ion trap itself. By using a planar trap design\, which is compatible with lithographic fabrication\, other well-developed processes may be implemented in order to enhance the function of the ion trap. In on e experiment\, researchers demonstrate an ion trap with integrated\, CMOS- based high-voltage sources\, which can be used to control the motional fre quency and position of a trapped ion. In another demonstration\, they use photonic waveguides and diffractive grating couplers to route light around a chip and focus it onto ions trapped above the surface.\n\nIntegrating c ontrols into ion traps has the potential to increase the density of indepe ndently controllable ions on a chip in next-generation systems\, but there are also many immediate practical benefits. Reducing the number of requir ed feedthroughs allows chambers to be made more compact\, which may be use ful for ion-based clocks or sensors. The researchers also show that integr ated-photonic platforms help to reduce vibration-induced noise seen when u sing external optics\, which may enable portable systems based on trapped- ion quantum information processing.\n LOCATION:https://researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations/18/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:ENS Maximilian Ulbert (MIT Lincoln Laboratory\, MIT) DTSTART:20210330T150000Z DTEND:20210330T154500Z DTSTAMP:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/19 DESCRIPTION:Title: Practical fiber batteries for wearables based on thermal ly drawn Zn-MnO2\nby ENS Maximilian Ulbert (MIT Lincoln Laboratory\, M IT) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nThe concept of the Internet-of-Things has inspired growth in the field of wearable te chnology\, from aesthetically-pleasing color changing fabrics to practical heart rate monitors\, all interwoven into any variety of clothes (ie. shi rts\, pants\, hats\, blankets\, bags\, etc.). For a continuously operating wearable system\, an energy storage vessel is needed: a battery.\n\nSpeci fically\, interwoven or fabric-based systems demand that the battery be in tegrated in the fabric or fibers themselves. The primary challenge for suc h an integrated battery is rendering the active components of a battery (c athode\, anode\, and electrolyte) into a fiber. Existing challenges for fi ber batteries include high materials costs\, low power output\, and compli cated assembly approaches. Further\, for the practical implementation of a fiber battery into wearable systems that make direct skin contact and are exposed to the ambient environment\, battery safety is of key importance. \n\nThis work seeks to address both assembly and safety issues by developi ng an easily manufacturable fiber battery by means of a thermal draw tower using a safer Zn-ion chemistry (Zn/MnO2) with a gel polymer electrolyte ( GPE). As the GPE offers a high ionic conductivity\, mechanical properties compatible with thermal draw towers and provides a physical separator betw een cathode and anode\, the performance of lab scale prototypes and a draw n-fiber prototype will be discussed.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/20 DESCRIPTION:Title: Cavity—enhanced microwave readout of a diamond sensor< /a>\nby Erik Eisenach (Research Assistant Lincoln Laboratory\; Electrical Engineering & Computer Science PhD candidate\, 2020) as part of Nano Explo rations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nOvercoming poor readout is an increas ingly urgent challenge for devices based on solid-state spin defects\, par ticularly given their rapid adoption in quantum sensing\, quantum informat ion\, and tests of fundamental physics. In spite of experimental progress in very specific systems\, solid-state spin sensors lack a universal\, hig h-fidelity readout technique.\n\nIn this talk\, Eisenach will discuss how he and fellow researchers leverage strong coupling between an ensemble of solid-state spins and a dielectric microwave cavity for high-fidelity\, ro om-temperature readout of nitrogen-vacancy centers. Using this strong coll ective interaction\, they probe the spin ensemble’s microwave transition directly\, overcoming the optical photon shot noise limitations of conven tional fluorescence readout. Furthermore\, they apply this technique to ma gnetometry\, and show magnetic sensitivity approaching the Johnson–Nyqui st noise limit of the system.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/21 DESCRIPTION:Title: Challenges & opportunities for the next generation of po wer electronic devices\nby Ahmad Zubair (Postdoctoral Associate\, Micr osystems Technology Laboratories (MTL)\, MIT) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbstract\nBy 2030\, about 80% of all United States ele ctricity is expected to flow through power electronics and the market size is expected to exceed 1000 TW-unit per year from the current market size of 2 TW unit. This exponential growth will require power electronics devic es and circuits with much higher efficiency and smaller form-factor than t oday’s silicon-based systems. III-Nitride semiconductors and other ultra -wide bandgap materials are ideal material systems for energy-efficient ne w generation of power electronics\, thanks to the combination of excellent transport properties and the high critical electric field enabled by thei r wide bandgap.\n\nVertical FinFETs are promising high voltage switches fo r the next generation of high-frequency power electronics applications. Th anks to a nanostructured vertical fin channel\, the device offers excellen t electrostatic control\, eliminating the need for epitaxial regrowth or p -type doping unlike other vertical power transistors. Vertical GaN FinFETs with 1200 V breakdown voltage (BV) and 5A current rating have been demons trated recently on free-standing GaN substrate. The high current density o f these devices\, in combination with minimum parasitics\, allow these dev ices to achieve beyond-state-of-the-art switching performance.\n\nThis tal k will discuss the recent progress of GaN vertical power FinFETs on native GaN substrate highlighting the device and materials level opportunities a s well as challenges to push performance limits of these devices. Despite this promising performance\, the commercialization of these devices has b een 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 reduce th e substrate cost by 1000x and enable heterogeneous integration. This talk will also discuss the recent efforts on the heterogeneous integration of G aN vertical power FinFETs on Si platform.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z UID:mitnano-nanoexplorations/22 DESCRIPTION:Title: Small molecule assemblies with a bulletproof design: the aramid amphiphile\nby Ty Christoff-Tempesta (PhD Candidate Materials Science & Engineering) as part of Nano Explorations from MIT.nano\n\n\nAbs tract\nSmall molecule self-assembly offers a powerful bottom-up approach t o producing nanostructures with high surface areas\, tunable surfaces\, an d defined internal order. Historically\, the dynamic nature of these syste ms has limited their use to specific cases\, especially biomedical applica tions\, in solvated environments.\n\nIn the talk\, Christoff-Tempesta will present a self-assembling small molecule platform\, the aramid amphiphile (AA)\, that overcomes these dynamic limitations. AAs incorporate a Kevlar -inspired domain within each molecule to produce strong interactions betwe en molecules. Christoff-Tempesta and fellow researchers have observed AAs spontaneously form nanoribbons when added to water with aspect ratios exce eding 4000:1. Robust internal interactions suppress the ability of AAs to move between assemblies and result in nanoribbons with mechanical properti es rivaling silk. \n\nThe team harnesses this stability to – for the fir st time – extend small molecule assemblies to the solid-state\, forming macroscopic threads that are easily handled and support 200 times their we ight when dried. The AA platform offers a novel route to extend small mole cule self-assembly to aligned macroscopic materials and beyond solvated en vironments.\n LOCATION:https://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:20260422T214132Z 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://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:20260422T214132Z 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://researchseminars.org/talk/mitnano-nanoexplorations/24/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR