# Deterministic quantum light emitters in DNA origami–engineered molecule–MoS₂ hybrids

## TL;DR

Researchers used DNA origami to precisely place molecules on MoS₂, creating quantum light emitters for future nanoscale devices.

## Contribution

A DNA origami technique enables deterministic placement of molecules on MoS₂ for quantum emitter fabrication.

## Key findings

- DNA origami allows precise positioning of thiol molecules on MoS₂ with high assembly yields.
- Thiol-induced localized excitons in MoS₂ generate stable single-photon-emitter arrays.
- This method enables chemical control of quantum emitters in atomically-thin semiconductors.

## Abstract

The functionalization of atomically-thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with organic molecules is a promising approach for realizing nanoscale optoelectronic devices with tailored functionalities, such as quantum light generation or p-n junctions. However, achieving precise control over the molecules’ positioning on the 2D material remains a significant challenge. Here, we overcome the limitations of solution- and vapor-deposition methods and use a DNA origami placement technique to spatially arrange thiol molecules on a chip surface at the single-molecule level with high assembly yields. We successfully integrated MoS2 monolayers with micron-scale thiol–origami patterns, creating quantum-emitting sites from thiol-induced localized excitons in MoS2. Our work lays a foundation for the chemical control of quantum emitters in atomically-thin semiconductors and enables the design and production of ultracompact 2D devices for quantum technologies.

DNA origami–based molecular patterning enables the deterministic fabrication of stable, high-yield single-photon-emitter arrays in atomically thin MoS₂.