Argonne National Laboratory

The nanofabrication and devices group studies the fundamental science behind the development of micro- and nanoscale systems with the goal of achieving unprecedented control in the fabrication, integration, and manipulation of surface interactions and nanostructures.

A new qubit platform: Single electron qubits (blue and green balls) on solid neon (transparent slabs) with ultralong coherence time are trapped and controlled by superconducting quantum circuits (bottom patterned chip). (Image by Dafei Jin/Argonne National Laboratory).

We are advancing the state-of-the-art in nanofabrication and the fundamental science of nanoscale systems. Our group seeks to achieve unprecedented control in the creation, integration, and manipulation of nanostructures that will form the foundation of functional nanoscale devices. The main areas of research of our group fall into the following topics:

  • Integration of hybrid materials and nanostructures
  • Manipulation of nanoscale interactions
  • Study of nonlinear phenomena at the nanoscale

Our research helps to meet the scientific demands of the CNM user community, which requires expertise in nanofabrication and nanodevices and access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication capabilities. A large part of our group’s effort is oriented toward development of novel instrumentation and materials that the user community can exploit to advance their own research programs.

Research activities include:

  • Development of solid lubricants based on 2D materials
  • Research on nonlinear dynamics of nano-mechanical devices
  • Quantum wave-function engineering with quantum solids
  • Creation of superconducting components to advance programs in quantum information science
  • Materials integration and development of novel devices

Key Capabilities

  • Electron Beam Lithography: JEOL 8100FS, Raith 150
  • Optical Lithography: Karl Suss MA6 and ASML PAS 5000 Stepper
  • Laser Pattern Generators: Microtech LW405 and Heidelberg MLA150
  • Ultralow Temperature/Strong Magnetic Field Measurements
  • Focused Ion Beam: FEI Nova 600 NanoLab
  • Plasma Enhanced Chemical Deposition: Applied Materials P5000 and Oxford PlasmaLab 100
  • Temescal FC2000 e-beam evaporator
  • Reactive ion etching: Oxford PlasmaLab and Applied Materials P5000
  • Atomic Layer Deposition: GEMSTAR system
  • AJA systems (oxides, dielectric, metals, etc.)
  • Lambda Microwave Plasma CVD System: nanocrystalline diamond deposition

Group capabilities

General

Bruker FastScan Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

The Bruker Dimension FastScan atomic force microscope (AFM) combines a high-speed scanning AFM, programmable stage control, and a user friendly interface to provide rapid nanoscale imaging without compromising highest resolution. The expanded software and intuitive workflow delivers automated laser and detector alignment, a built-in user-accessible cantilever database for system auto-settings, fast and safe engage control, and many additional features that make even the most advanced AFM techniques much easier to perform. It accommodates substrates ranging from 200 mm diameter wafers down to small pieces. The system supports scan areas of up to 35 µm x 35 µm and can automatically collect data from multiple locations on a substrate.

The ScanAsyst mode offers automatic image optimization technology that makes it easier and faster to achieve expert-quality results. Other AFM modes are also available.

Scientific Contact: Liliana Stan

Characterization