By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – A Nigerian researcher, Emmanuel E. Umukoro, has made a significant contribution to the global search for next-generation quantum computing materials after developing a new approach to creating light-emitting defects in synthetic diamond using ultraviolet laser technology.

The research offers fresh insight into how atomic-scale defects can be engineered inside diamond, a material widely regarded as one of the most promising platforms for future quantum computers, ultra-sensitive sensors and secure communication systems.

According to him the study showed that carefully controlled ultraviolet nanosecond laser pulses can create two previously absent optical emission features in low-nitrogen single-crystal diamond at approximately 563 and 579 nanometres.

He said while the newly observed defects have not yet been proven to function as quantum bits, or qubits, scientists say understanding how such defects are formed is an important step towards designing materials that could power future quantum devices.

Speaking on the significance of the research, Umukoro said the study focused on understanding how laser energy can rearrange atoms inside the diamond crystal.

“By understanding these atomic processes, we move closer to engineering defects that may eventually possess useful quantum properties,” he said.

Diamond has become one of the world’s leading materials for quantum information science because tiny imperfections within its crystal structure, known as colour centres, can trap and manipulate light while exhibiting unique quantum properties.

Existing defects, including the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre, are already being investigated for applications in quantum computing, precision sensing and quantum communication. Scientists are now searching for new defect centres that may perform even better.

It was gathered that inlike conventional techniques that rely on ion implantation or ultrafast femtosecond lasers, Umukoro’s research explored whether 266-nanometre ultraviolet nanosecond laser pulses could generate defects through an entirely different physical mechanism.

Optical analysis carried out before and after laser irradiation was said to have suggested that the newly formed defects are unlikely to be dominated by nitrogen atoms. Instead, the findings point to the possible rearrangement of carbon atoms within the diamond lattice, although further studies will be required to confirm the mechanism.

According to Umukoro “Scientists say much work remains before any newly discovered defect can be used in quantum computing. Researchers must still determine its atomic structure, establish whether it possesses controllable quantum spin states and demonstrate that it can reliably store and process quantum information.

“Nevertheless, experts believe advances in defect engineering remain one of the critical building blocks for the future of solid-state quantum technologies.”

He said the findings were presented at the 2026 Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation Technical Workshop hosted by the University of Maryland where the event brought together researchers from Google Quantum AI, Yale Quantum Institute, Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, Duke Quantum Center, Princeton University, North Carolina State University and several other leading institutions to discuss advances in quantum simulation and quantum materials.

Umukoro is a graduate student in the Department of Physics at North Carolina Central University and a Visiting Graduate Research Student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, where he conducts research on quantum defect engineering in diamond.

The achievement highlights the growing presence of Nigerian scientists in frontier research areas that are expected to shape the future of computing and advanced technology.

As governments and technology companies continue investing billions of dollars in quantum research, experts believe studies that improve the understanding of quantum materials—even at the level of individual atoms—will play a vital role in the development of future quantum computers and other emerging technologies.