Quantum technology is quantifiable in qubits, which are the most basic unit of data in quantum computers. The operation of qubits is affected by the quantum coherence time required to maintain a quantum wave state.

Scientists have hypothesized that moiré excitons—electron-hole pairs confined in moiré interference fringes which overlap with slightly offset patterns—may function as qubits in next-generation nano-semiconductors.

However, due to diffraction limits, it has not been possible to focus light enough in measurements, causing optical interference from many moiré excitons.

To solve this, Kyoto University researchers have developed a new method of reducing these moiré excitons to measure the quantum coherence time and realize quantum functionality. The team has observed changing photoluminescence signals of moiré excitons following the fabrication process. The work is published in the journal Nature Communications.

"We combined electron beam microfabrication techniques with reactive ion etching. By utilizing Michelson interferometry on the emission signal from a single moiré exciton, we could directly measure its quantum coherence time," Kazunari Matsuda of KyotoU's Institute Advanced Energy explains.

The results show that the quantum coherence of a single moiré exciton remains steady at -269°C for more than 12 picoseconds, 10-times longer than that of an exciton in the parent material, a two-dimensional semiconductor. The confined moiré excitons in interference fringes prevent loss of quantum coherence.

"We plan to establish a foothold for the next phase of experiments for advancing quantum computing and other quantum technologies in the next generation of nano-semiconductors," adds Matsuda.