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Molecular quantum bits hold great promise for advancing more powerful and secure quantum technologies, particularly in sectors like communications and energy. However, qubits find it difficult to exploit their full potential in conventional hardware. Chemists like Joris van Slageren are researching how to turn qubits into robust and reliable information carriers. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has named Joris van Slageren a Henriette Herz Scout in recognition of his expertise in molecular quantum technology and his dedication to supporting early-career researchers.
Countless amounts of data are flooding our communication networks and data processing is becoming increasingly complex. Whether in telecommunications, the energy sector or medicine - systems are reaching their capacity limits and are susceptible to data leaks. With the widespread adoption of quantum technologies, these challenges could become a thing of the past. Molecular quantum bits can help to optimize systems, reduce their load and transmit data faster and more securely.
Qubits are powerful and robust yet addressing them individually presents a significant challenge. “It has already been shown that quantum bits can be addressed individually, but it is still far from routine,” explains Professor Joris van Slageren, who researches the properties of molecular quantum bits at the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the University of Stuttgart. For practical applications, however, precise addressing is essential.
Chemically enhancing physical properties
Molecular qubits have a decisive advantage: they can be customized. Using chemical synthesis, van Slageren and his team produce qubits with better physical properties. To achieve this, it is crucial to stabilize the qubits. Bits normally assume the state 0 or 1. Qubits, on the other hand, can assume both and several intermediate states at the same time. Even the slightest external disturbance throws them off course.
The researchers can also arrange molecular qubits in customized topologies. This is crucial for a functional quantum computer. "If I want a quantum computer to perform specific processes or correct a system error, it is crucial to know the exact location of each qubit," explains van Slageren.
Three Humboldt Fellows bring new expertise to the team
Three international early-career researchers are now being given the opportunity to work on solutions to this problem as part of an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship. Van Slageren's interdisciplinary team brings together a wide range of expertise. For example, the newly appointed Henriette Herz Scout would like to see reinforcements in the field of addressing molecular quantum bits.
Support is also essential in chemical synthesis, particularly in the production of qubits and the linking of multiple qubits within a molecule. Electronic and engineering expertise is also required to optimize the integration of chemical materials in electronic hardware.
The perfect location for outstanding quantum research
Quantum research is one of the beacons of Baden-Württemberg's scientific landscape. At IQST, for example, the University of Stuttgart, the University of Ulm, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI-FKF) are pooling the expertise of world leaders in molecular quantum science. Furthermore, Stuttgart and the entire southwest region of Germany boast an exceptional infrastructure for knowledge and equipment, as well as graduate schools dedicated to educating young scientists. The quantum community comes together every year at the “quantum effects” trade fair in Stuttgart. “Very few locations in the world can offer that. And this is another reason why we are currently designing a larger consortium that will be dedicated to researching molecular qubits,” emphasizes van Slageren.
About the Alexander von Humboldt Scouting and Fellowship
The Henriette Herz Scouting Program is aimed at researchers at various career stages and from all disciplines in Germany. The prerequisite for the role of scout is a (junior) professorship or comparable management position, for example a group leader, as well as an international cooperation network. Scouts identify excellent young researchers from abroad and can nominate up to three international scientific talents for a two-year research fellowship. After a formal review, up to 100 scholarships are awarded annually through a direct selection process.
In 2020, the University of Stuttgart received the Henriette Herz Prize - an award for the strategic recruitment and retention of highly qualified international early-career researchers.
Prof. Joris van Slageren, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Physical Chemistry, tel.: +49 711 685-64380, e-Mail: slageren@ipc.uni-stuttgart.de
https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en/university/news/all/How-quantum-bits-are-revolut...
https://www.ipc.uni-stuttgart.de/
https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en/research/profile/quantum-technologies/
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Institute of Physical Chemistry
University of Stuttgart
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