Is it possible to design a solid-state electronic device with functionality based on the electronic occupancy, orbital-state or spin-state of a single atom? A positive answer could enable the ultimate miniaturisation of semiconductor devices. With this question in mind we will identify individual dopant atoms (intentionally added impurities) in silicon nanostructures and then determine the lifetime of their quantum mechanical spin states.Our main experimental technique to detect dopant atoms is ultra-sensitive charge detection using the single electron transistor. This will enable us to determine whether an electron resides on a randomly positioned dopant, or if the dopant is in its ionised state. Using radio-frequency techniques we will be able to measure this occupancy in a millionth of a second. On its own, this would only tell us that a dopant atom (or charge trap) is present but nothing of its identity. The key is to combine our charge detection technique with a means of spectroscopy. Electron spin resonance is a suitable technique, capable of identifying the unique spin environment of each species of impurity atom. To aid us we will collaborate with an expert in electron spin resonance, Prof. Martin Brandt at Walter Schottky Institute.Once we have identified a dopant atom we will use electron spin resonance not as a spectroscopy technique but to control its electron spin state. A similar technique has already been used in the case of electrons bound in quantum dots - devices often known as 'artificial atoms'. In this way we will be able to measure the quantum mechanical spin lifetimes of a single electron in silicon. Electron spins in silicon are known, from ensemble measurements, to be long-lived when compared to most other materials. Due to this longevity they are excellent candidates to be qubits - the building blocks of a quantum mechanical computer.

DNA is a naturally-occurring molecule that is used by nature to store all of the instructions required for the functioning of a living being. DNA achieves this function by storing information not by a binary code (like a hard drive in modern computers), but rather by a genetic code made up of four building blocks (these are known as bases A, G, C, and T). DNA exists in the form of a twisted ladder known as the DNA double helix which is formed only when building block A recognizes and pairs with building block T, and building block G recognizes and pairs with building block C. Recently scientists have shown that these DNA pairs can be used for functions other than the storage and flow of genetic information in living systems. The DNA double helix can now be used for the construction of molecular computers, molecular machines and electronic devices 10,000 times smaller than the current electronic devices used in today's personal computers. The objectives of this research will be the development of new approaches for the construction of electronic, information storage and medical devices based on the genetic code of DNA. We will use the genetic code of A, G, C and T to direct the placement of metals and magnets along a DNA double helix. To achieve this, we need to make different types of molecules that can read DNA's genetic code. We will then investigate whether we can use this code as an address book in order to send a particular metal or magnet to a particular destination along a DNA double helix. This will not only enable us to design electronic devices that are smarter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly than those in current electronic systems, but it will also allow us to use this technology to detect and predict whether specific sequences of DNA (known as genes) in human cells may or may not cause disease.

DNA is a naturally-occurring molecule that is used by nature to store all of the instructions required for the functioning of a living being. DNA achieves this function by storing information not by a binary code (like a hard drive in modern computers), but rather by a genetic code made up of four building blocks (these are known as bases A, G, C, and T). DNA exists in the form of a twisted ladder known as the DNA double helix which is formed only when building block A recognizes and pairs with building block T, and building block G recognizes and pairs with building block C. Recently scientists have shown that these DNA pairs can be used for functions other than the storage and flow of genetic information in living systems. The DNA double helix can now be used for the construction of molecular computers, molecular machines and electronic devices 10,000 times smaller than the current electronic devices used in today's personal computers. The objectives of this research will be the development of new approaches for the construction of electronic, information storage and medical devices based on the genetic code of DNA. We will use the genetic code of A, G, C and T to direct the placement of metals and magnets along a DNA double helix. To achieve this, we need to make different types of molecules that can read DNA's genetic code. We will then investigate whether we can use this code as an address book in order to send a particular metal or magnet to a particular destination along a DNA double helix. This will not only enable us to design electronic devices that are smarter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly than those in current electronic systems, but it will also allow us to use this technology to detect and predict whether specific sequences of DNA (known as genes) in human cells may or may not cause disease.