Atomic 'Photocopier' Accelerates Creation of Quantum Devices by Precisely Positioning Atoms

Scientists from MIT and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to rapidly and precisely position atoms within a material's three-dimensional crystal lattice. This technique, described as an "atomic photocopier," uses algorithms to steer an electron beam with picometer-scale accuracy, enabling the creation of over 40,000 quantum defects in approximately 40 minutes. This breakthrough could significantly advance the development of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient quantum devices, including quantum computers and advanced sensors.