A nanoscale spin-photon interface with polyatomic molecules for quantum technologies
Quantum control and readout of polyatomic molecules is a frontier for quantum information science. The nanometer size and portability of chemically synthesized molecules present an opportunity for bottom-up design of qubits with properties tailored toward spin-optical technologies (e.g., in quantum sensing and networking). With this motivation, we have developed a proof-of-principal molecular spin qubit using a central rare-earth ion (erbium) coordinated by organic ligands. This molecular architecture combines a coherent ground-state spin and a high-resolution spin-photon interface at telecommunication frequencies [1]. We have further demonstrated optical control of spin polarization and readout that is both spin- and site-selective, distinguishing between electronic spin-states and occupation of distinct physical sites within a solid-state molecular crystal. Operation at frequencies compatible with state-of-the-art photonic and microwave devices opens opportunities for development of hybrid molecular technologies at the interface of quantum science and chemical engineering.
[1] Weiss, L R., et al. ”A high-resolution molecular spin-photon interface at telecommunication wavelengths.” Science 390, 6768 (2025)
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