Project description
Advanced molecular spin qubits in rare-earth complexes
Optically addressable spin qubits are advancing quantum technologies, but bulky crystals limit traditional approaches. Rare-earth complexes offer a promising alternative, paving the way for new developments. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the OptoREMS project will develop a new class of molecular spin qubits by engineering spin-selective 4f-5d transitions in rare-earth complexes. The project will design excited states that preserve angular momentum in a symmetric crystal field and break symmetry with chiral ligands. This strategy will be validated through advanced optically detected magnetic resonance techniques, demonstrating the optical addressability of these tailored molecular platforms. By bridging molecular engineering and quantum technology, it will enhance Europe’s competitiveness in this field.
Objective
Optically addressable spin qubits—electron spin defects that can be optically polarized and read out—have revolutionized quantum technologies in sensing and information processing. However, these first-generation solid-state qubits like nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond are confined within bulky crystals, limiting proximity to target samples and applications. A new revolution is poised to occur by realizing such spin qubit within molecules, establishing scalable, chemically tunable quantum platforms. Rare-earth complexes should stand out due to their shielded 4fⁿ ground states conducive to long spin coherence, strong spin–orbit coupling effectively linking spin sublevels with optical transitions, and parity-allowed 4f–5d transitions facilitating optical pumping and readout. Yet, they remain largely unexplored, highlighting new opportunities for spin qubits.
Here, we propose to pioneer a new class of molecular spin qubits by engineering spin-selective 4f-5d transitions in rare-earth complexes. Two-pronged approach will be adopted: engineer angular-momentum-preserving excited states in a highly symmetric crystal field and deliberately break molecular symmetry by introducing chiral ligands. This crystal field and symmetry modulation strategy will ultimately be validated through advanced optically detected magnetic resonance techniques, directly demonstrating optical addressability of these tailored rare-earth molecular platforms. This project will benefit from strong interdisciplinary synergy. The researcher will integrate her expertise in rare-earth coordination chemistry, magneto-optical effects, and ab initio calculations with the advanced experimental and theoretical capabilities of Quantum Technology Group at University of Rostock. This collaboration will effectively bridge molecular engineering and quantum technology, thereby enhancing European competitiveness in quantum technologies.
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.
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 has not yet been classified with EuroSciVoc.
Be the first one to suggest relevant scientific fields and help us improve our classification service
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
18055 Rostock
Germany
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.