Light-Addressable Binuclear Complexes for Quantum Information Science

The need for faster computers with increased computing power, and the desire to miniaturize has led to the creation of the emerging field of Quantum Information Science (QIS). QIS merges Information and Computational Theory with Quantum Mechanics. By leveraging the unusual properties found within quantum mechanics, potential advances could be achieved in precision measurement, computation, basic quantum science, and communication. The main challenge in this field is achieving precise control over the qubit, a two-state quantum mechanical system and maintaining long decoherence times. A qubit (quantum bit) is defined as a two-state system (e.g., 0 and 1 or Schrödinger’s dead and alive cat) that allows for superposition of two independent, physically distinguishable states with lifetimes on the nanosecond to microsecond time scale. Superposition denotes co-existence of these two states and imparts the quantum definition of the information bit. The long lifetime is typically described as the decoherence time. Chemistry’s role will be to create molecules and/or molecule–based materials that permits precise control of the superposition of some property, which can function as a qubit. Chemists envision nuclear spin, electron spin, and magnetic spin, as prospective properties to be measured in a qubit. The goal is to create molecules that can function as an intrinsic two state system with a long decoherence time. My research will create binuclear complexes. One half of the molecule will absorb light and the other half will undergo a change in magnetic moment and in nuclear spin, which will function as a light addressable qubit.