Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 30, 2025
06:42
Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
9.5K
Optically addressable molecular spins for quantum information processing
S L Bayliss1, D W Laorenza2, P J Mintun1
1Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 13, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed optically addressable chromium(IV) molecules for quantum technologies. These spin-bearing molecules can be controlled with light and microwaves, paving the way for designer quantum systems.
Area of Science:
- Quantum technology
- Molecular engineering
- Materials science
Background:
- Spin-bearing molecules are key for quantum technologies due to their tunability and scalability.
- Optically addressing ground-state spins is crucial for quantum information science but has been challenging for molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate optical addressability of ground-state spins in molecular systems.
- To synthesize and characterize organometallic chromium(IV) molecules for quantum applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of novel organometallic chromium(IV) compounds.
- Optical initialization and readout of molecular ground-state spins.
- Microwave-based coherent manipulation of spin states.
- Atomistic modification of molecular structure to tune properties.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated optical addressability of ground-state spins in synthesized chromium(IV) molecules.
- Showcased light-based spin initialization and readout.
- Achieved coherent spin manipulation using microwaves.
- Varied spin and optical properties through structural modifications.
Conclusions:
- Optically addressable molecular spins are achievable, opening new avenues for quantum information science.
- Chromium(IV) molecules offer a promising platform for bottom-up design of quantum systems.
- Tunable spin and optical properties suggest potential for bespoke quantum devices.
Related Concept Videos
01:03Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Overview
1.5K
NMR-active nuclei have energy levels called 'spin states' that are associated with the orientations of their nuclear magnetic moments. In the absence of a magnetic field, the nuclear magnetic moments are randomly oriented, and the spin states are degenerate. When an external magnetic field is applied, the spin states have only 2 + 1 orientations available to them. A proton with = ½ has two available orientations. Similarly, for a quadrupolar nucleus with a nuclear spin value of one, the...
1.5K
01:08NMR Spectroscopy: Spin–Spin Coupling
2.7K
The spin state of an NMR-active nucleus can have a slight effect on its immediate electronic environment. This effect propagates through the intervening bonds and affects the electronic environments of NMR-active nuclei up to three bonds away; occasionally, even farther. This phenomenon is called spin–spin coupling or J-coupling. Coupling interactions are mutual and result in small changes in the absorption frequencies of both nuclei involved. While nuclei of the same element are involved...
2.7K
01:02¹H NMR: Interpreting Distorted and Overlapping Signals
1.3K
Spin systems where the difference in chemical shifts of the coupled nuclei is greater than ten times J are called first-order spin systems. These nuclei are weakly coupled, and their chemical shifts and coupling constant can generally be estimated from the well-separated signals in the spectrum.
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are...
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are...
1.3K
02:43Quantum Numbers
47.6K
It is said that the energy of an electron in an atom is quantized; that is, it can be equal only to certain specific values and can jump from one energy level to another but not transition smoothly or stay between these levels.
47.6K
01:08Spin–Spin Coupling Constant: Overview
1.2K
In bromoethane, the three methyl protons are coupled to the two methylene protons that are three bonds away. In accordance with the n+1 rule, the signal from the methyl protons is split into three peaks with 1:2:1 relative intensities. The methylene protons appear as a quartet, with the relative intensities of 1:3:3:1.
Qualitatively, any spin plus-half nucleus polarizes the spins of its electrons to the minus-half state. Consequently, the paired electron in the hydrogen–carbon bond must...
Qualitatively, any spin plus-half nucleus polarizes the spins of its electrons to the minus-half state. Consequently, the paired electron in the hydrogen–carbon bond must...
1.2K
01:20Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)
1.4K
Two NMR-active nuclei bonded to a central atom can be involved in geminal or two-bond coupling. Geminal coupling is commonly seen between diastereotopic protons in chiral molecules and unsymmetrical alkenes, among others.
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
1.4K