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Electric-Field Control of Molecular Spins for Quantum Information
Mauro Perfetti1, Roberta Sessoli1
1Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff," DICUS and INSTM Research Unit, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy; email: mauro.perfetti@unifi.it, roberta.sessoli@unifi.it.
Annual Review of Physical Chemistry
|February 23, 2026
Summary
Spin-electric coupling (SEC) in paramagnetic molecules allows electric fields to control molecular spins. This review explores SEC mechanisms and experimental methods, paving the way for advanced quantum technologies.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Information Science
- Molecular Magnetism
- Materials Science
Background:
- Controlling molecular spins with electric fields is crucial for quantum technologies.
- Spin-electric coupling (SEC) in paramagnetic molecules is a key phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms and experimental investigation of spin-electric coupling in paramagnetic molecules.
- To highlight recent advances and future directions in electric field-based spin control.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental techniques like electric field-modulated electron paramagnetic resonance (EFEPR) and pulsed electric field spin echo.
- Discussion of theoretical mechanisms including spin-orbit coupling and through-bond interactions.
Main Results:
- Electric fields demonstrably alter spin-Hamiltonian parameters in paramagnetic molecules.
- SEC can induce measurable shifts in magnetic resonance spectra.
- Various molecular systems, including lanthanides and spin frustrated systems, exhibit SEC.
Conclusions:
- SEC offers novel strategies for electric field-based spin control.
- Optimizing SEC requires careful consideration of molecular symmetry, polarizability, and design.
- These findings are vital for developing enhanced spin-based data storage and quantum computation.
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