Coupling Spins and Photons in Molecular Qubits for Quantum Technologies

Speaker

Leah R. Weiss

Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
University of Chicago
 

Abstract

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 siteselective, 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)

Bio

Dr. Weiss earned her bachelor’s degree in physics at Harvard University. Following her PhD with Prof. Sir Richard Friend as a Gates-Cambridge Scholar at the University of Cambridge, she joined Prof. David Awschalom’s lab as a postdoctoral scholar in the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering developing molecular qubits and materials for quantum information science.