Quantum Leap: Electrically Tunable Perovskite Emitters Revolutionize Quantum Tech

Researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), led by Associate Professor Dong Zhaogang, have achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum technology. In October 2023, they successfully integrated electrically tunable perovskite quantum emitters with nanostructured materials, offering a new way to control the colors and emission wavelengths of quantum light under ambient conditions.

Published in Advanced Materials, the study details a hybrid system that combines perovskite quantum dots (QDs) with antimony telluride (Sb₂Te₃) nanostructures. This combination resulted in a light emission energy shift of over 570 meV, surpassing previous efforts. Sb₂Te₃, a phase-change material, enables dynamic control of light interactions due to its unique optical and electronic properties.

The phenomenon of surface-enhanced Landau damping drives this capacity. When crystalline Sb₂Te₃ nanodisks are illuminated, hot electrons are created, altering the emission properties of nearby perovskite QDs. This allows for a broad change in the emission wavelength. Applying a modest DC voltage enables dynamic control over quantum emissions, amplifying emission intensity and modulating emission energy.

These findings open possibilities for manipulating light at the nanoscale, with potential applications in integrated photonic circuits and secure quantum communication. The phase-change behavior of Sb₂Te₃ enhances the system's versatility, allowing for reversible control over light emission through thermal or optical means. The researchers aim to refine systems focused on single-photon emitters, creating reconfigurable devices for secure quantum communication, even in daylight. This research paves the way for adaptable photonic devices, potentially transforming quantum communication systems and integrated quantum photonic circuits.