Abstract: This invention concerns the fabrication of nano to atomic scale devices, that is electronic devices fabricated down to atomic accuracy. The fabrication process uses either an SEM or a STM tip to pattern regions on a semiconductor substrate. Then, forming electrically active parts of the device at those regions. Encapsulating the formed device. Using a SEM or optical microscope to align locations for electrically conducting elements on the surface of the encapsulating semiconductor with respective active parts of the device encapsulated below the surface. Forming electrically conducting elements on the surface at the aligned locations. And, electrically connecting electrically conducting elements on the surface with aligned parts of the device encapsulated below the surface to allow electrical connectivity and tunability of the device. In further aspects the invention concerns the devices themselves.

Abstract: This invention concerns the fabrication of nanoscale and atomic scale devices. The method involves creating one or more registration markers. Using a SEM or optical microscope to form an image of the registration markers and the tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). Using the image to position and reposition the STM tip to pattern the device structure. Forming the active region of the device and then encapsulating it such that one or more of the registration markers are still visible to allow correct positioning of surface electrodes. The method can be used to form any number of device structures including quantum wires, single electron transistors, arrays or gate regions. The method can also be used to produce 3D devices by patterning subsequent layers with the STM and encapsulating in between.

Abstract: This invention concerns semiconductor devices of the general type comprising a counted number of dopant atoms (142) implanted in regions of a substrate (158) that are substantially intrinsic semiconductor. One or more doped surface regions (152) of the substrate (158) are metallised to form electrodes (150) and a counted number of dopant ions (142) are implanted in a region of the substantially intrinsic semiconductor.

Abstract: Individual hydrogen atoms are desorbed from a hydrogen terminated layer on a silicon substrate, using an STM tip, to form a pattern of exposed regions. A single donor-bearing molecule (such as phosphorous atoms). The spins of the donor atoms may be used as qubits in a slid quantum computer.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method and system for single ion doping and machining by detecting the impact, penetration and stopping of single ions in a substrate. Such detection is essential for the successful implantation of a counted number of 31P ions into a semi-conductor substrate for construction of a Kane quantum computer. The invention particularly concerns the application of a potential across two electrodes on the surface of the substrate to create a field to separate and sweep out electron-hole pairs formed within the substrate. A detector is then used to detecting transient current in the electrodes, and so determine the arrival of a single ion in the substrate.