Quantum spin dynamics

Abstract:

Bulk bismuth has a complex Landau spectrum. The small effective masses and the large g-factors are anisotropic. The chemical potential drifts at high magnetic fields. Moreover, twin boundaries further complexify the interpretation of the data by producing extra anomalies in the extreme quantum limit. Here, we present a study of angle dependence of magnetoresistance up to 65 T in bismuth complemented with Nernst, ultrasound, and magneto-optic data. All observed anomalies can be explained in a single-particle picture of a sample consisting of two twinned crystals tilted by 108° and with two adjacent crystals keeping their own chemical potentials despite a shift between chemical potentials as large as 68 meV at 65 T. This implies an energy barrier between adjacent twinned crystals reminiscent of a metal- semiconductor Schottky barrier or a p-n junction. We argue that this barrier is built by accumulating charge carriers of opposite signs across a twin boundary.

Abstract:

The implementation of error correction protocols is a central challenge in the development of practical quantum information technologies. Recently, multi-level quantum resources such as harmonic oscillators and qudits have attracted interest in this context because they offer the possibility of additional Hilbert space dimensions in a spatially compact way. Here we propose a quantum memory, implemented on a spin-7/2 nucleus hyperfine-coupled to an electron spin-1/2 qubit, which provides first order X, Y and Z error correction using significantly fewer quantum resources than the equivalently effective qubit-based protocols. Our encoding may be efficiently implemented in existing experimentally realised molecular electron-nuclear quantum spin systems. The strategy can be extended to higher-order error protection on higher-spin nuclei.

Abstract:

Quantum information processing promises to revolutionise computing; quantum algorithms have been discovered that address common tasks significantly more efficiently than their classical counterparts. For a physical system to be a viable quantum computer it must be possible to initialise its quantum state, to realise a set of universal quantum logic gates, including at least one multi-qubit gate, and to make measurements of qubit states. Molecular Electron Spin Qubits (MESQs) have been proposed to fulfil these criteria, as their bottom-up synthesis should facilitate tuning properties as desired and the reproducible production of multi-MESQ structures. Here we explore how to perform a two-qubit entangling gate on a multi-MESQ system, and how to readout the state via quantum state tomography. We propose methods of accomplishing both procedures using multifrequency pulse Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and apply them to a model MESQ structure consisting of two nitroxide spin centres. Our results confirm the methodological principles and shed light on the experimental hurdles which must be overcome to realise a demonstration of controlled entanglement on this system.

Abstract:

The photoexcited triplet states of porphyrins show great promise for applications in the fields of opto-electronics, photonics, molecular wires, and spintronics. The magnetic properties of porphyrin triplet states are most conveniently studied by time-resolved continuous wave and pulse electron spin resonance (ESR). This family of techniques is singularly able to probe small yet essential details of triplet states: zero-field splittings, g-anisotropy, spin polarisation, and hyperfine interactions. These characteristics are linked to spin–orbit coupling (SOC) which is known to have a strong influence on photophysical properties such as intersystem crossing rates. The present study explores SOC effects induced by the presence of Pd2+ in various porphyrin architectures. In particular, the impact of this relativistic interaction on triplet state fine-structure and spin polarisation is investigated. These properties are probed using time-resolved ESR complemented by electron-nuclear double resonance. The findings of this study could influence the future design of molecular spintronic devices. The Pd2+ ion may be incorporated into porphyrin molecular wires as a way of controlling spin polarisation.