Heterodimetallic [LnLn'] lanthanide complexes: toward a chemical design of two-qubit molecular spin quantum gates

A major challenge for realizing quantum computation is finding suitable systems to embody quantum bits (qubits) and quantum gates (qugates) in a robust and scalable architecture. An emerging bottom-up approach uses the electronic spins of lanthanides. Universal qugates may then be engineered by arranging in a molecule two interacting and different lanthanide ions. Preparing heterometallic lanthanide species is, however, extremely challenging. We have discovered a method to obtain [LnLn'] complexes with the appropriate requirements. Compound [CeEr] is deemed to represent an ideal situation. Both ions have a doubly degenerate magnetic ground state and can be addressed individually. Their isotopes have mainly zero nuclear spin, which enhances the electronic spin coherence. The analogues [Ce2], [Er2], [CeY], and [LaEr] have also been prepared to assist in showing that [CeEr] meets the qugate requirements, as revealed through magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and EPR. Molecules could now be used for quantum information processing.