Organic Radicals as Potential Molecular Qubits

The progress in the molecular electronics field can be attributed to several factors that have enabled precise manipulation of molecular structures. The development of new synthetic protocols has expanded the range of functional molecules available, while improved characterization tools have enhanced our understanding of electronic properties at the nanoscale. The robust functionalization of surfaces with functional molecules is a key factor to progress towards device integration. In this context, our group has wide expertise in the synthesis of persistent organic radicals (open-shell) based materials and on the preparation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) based on these radicals. We particularly work with trityl radicals, specially the perchlorotriphenyl methyl (PTM). PTM radicals show inherent magnetic moment, they possess a rich electrochemistry, they are luminescent and chiral. Very recently we have demonstrated that PTM radicals possess extraordinarily long coherence times.1 Their synthetic tailorability enables preparing diradical systems that can be used for implementing two-qubit gates. But, long coherence times themselves are not sufficient for the fabrication of viable quantum devices, it requires the integration of MQBs into electronic device structures. In the presentation we will discuss different strategies for immobilization of these molecules on surfaces.<br/><br/>1. Schäfter, D.; Wischnat, J.; Tesi, L.; Sousa, J. A. de; Little, E.; McGuire, J.; Mas-Torrent, M.; Rovira, C.; Veciana, J.; Tuna, F.; Crivillers, N.; van Slageren, J. Molecular One- and Two-Qubit Systems with Very Long Coherence Times. Adv Mater 2023, 35 (38), 2302114. DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302114.