Archer Materials develops new carbon film with breakthrough quantum properties

Semiconductor developer Archer Materials (ASX: AXE) has manufactured a new carbon film with electron spin lifetimes exceeding those previously measured in carbon nano-onions (CNOs).

The film was developed as part of the company’s ongoing work with academic researchers at the University of New South Wales to create a scale-up path and manufacturable methods for CNOs.

Archer expects to be able to observe key quantum phenomena on the films sooner than with CNOs and eventually develop quantum devices more rapidly.

Standard techniques

The new film is produced using a proprietary chemical vapour depositing methodology and can be processed into quantum devices using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques, thereby overcoming the manufacturing roadblock for CNOs.

The clean process ensures films have extremely low or controlled levels of impurities and contaminants, considered important for creating long spin lifetimes.

Attractive spin properties combined with ease of manufacturing open a pathway to using the carbon material in a variety of applications such as quantum computing and extremely sensitive magnetometers.

Ongoing challenge

Executive chair Greg English said the carbon film development was a positive move for the industry.

“The manufacturability of many quantum materials is an ongoing challenge in the field, which can also hinder research and development,” he said.

“Working on this new film alongside CNOs, or even in place of CNOs, will accelerate the development of our quantum technology and provide a means of volume manufacturing for quantum devices.”

Key Parameters

Archer said work was in progress to understand the key parameters that impact spin lifetime so the material can be further tuned for quantum performance.

The company has continued its collaboration with École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) to gain a fundamental understanding of spin lifetime control in CNOs.

EPFL is conducting a theory-led activity while experimental work is being carried out at Archer’s premises in Sydney, through which Archer believes its fundamental understanding of the company’s carbon materials has been improved.

A scientific paper will be submitted for review prior to publication.