Project description
Molecular qubits could bring quantum technology to everyday temperatures
What if quantum technology could work in everyday conditions, without the need for extreme cooling or complex set-ups? The ERC-funded LIGHT-QIS project aims to achieve this by focusing on molecular qubits – molecules to store and manipulate quantum information. Researchers will use light to initialise and control these qubits at practical temperatures, such as those achievable with liquid nitrogen, instead of requiring sub-kelvin conditions. The use of light will also unlock new possibilities, including light-switchable quantum gates. The molecular qubits will be integrated into organic semiconductor films to fabricate simpler, scalable and energy-efficient devices. The proposed approach aims to bring quantum technologies out of the laboratory and into real-world applications, making them more versatile and accessible for everyday use.
Objective
Quantum Information Science is set to revolutionize the way we live, work, and understand our world. At its core is the qubit, the fundamental unit of quantum information. Molecules can leverage their electron and nuclear spins to function as qubits, offering unique benefits such as atomic control of magnetic, optical, and electronic properties, and scalable production with high reproducibility. However, like other qubit technologies, they require sub-kelvin temperatures to generate significant differences in the Boltzmann spin populations, which is essential for qubit initialization. Additionally, spin information readout primarily relies on microwave detection, which poses challenges in sensitivity and integration with conventional semiconductor technology. These factors hamper the path to everyday quantum applications in terms of versatility, energy consumption, and practical implementation.
In the LIGHT-QIS project, I envision two transformative leaps in molecular qubits that will establish them as a cornerstone for quantum applications. First, I will harness light-induced spin-selective processes to generate non-equilibrium initialization of molecular qubits at liquid nitrogen temperatures and above. The use of light will also unlock new possibilities, such as the control of magnetic interactions between qubits, enabling the creation of light-switchable quantum gates. Second, I will integrate optically initialized molecular qubits into thin films of organic semiconductors to fabricate devices, enabling spin-to-charge conversion through electrically detected magnetic resonance techniques. LIGHT-QIS will focus on lab-scale devices where ensembles of qubits can be simultaneously initialized, manipulated, and read out. Ultimately, LIGHT-QIS has the potential to make quantum technologies impactful in everyday life beyond niche applications that require low temperatures and resource-intensive fabrication methods.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- natural sciences chemical sciences physical chemistry photochemistry
- engineering and technology materials engineering
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- natural sciences physical sciences molecular and chemical physics
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
50121 Florence
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.