In a recent study led by Ignacio Franco, researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a groundbreaking method to extract the spectral density for molecules in solvents. This discovery has significant implications for designing molecules with custom quantum coherence properties, laying the foundation for emerging quantum technologies.
Quantum mechanics, with its ability for particles to exist in multiple states simultaneously, has the potential to revolutionize computing, communication, and sensing. However, quantum superpositions face a significant challenge known as quantum decoherence, where the delicate superposition of quantum states breaks down when interacting with the surrounding environment.
To overcome this challenge and unlock the full potential of quantum technologies, scientists need to understand and control quantum decoherence. This requires knowledge of the spectral density, which describes how fast the environment moves and interacts with the quantum system.
Until now, accurately quantifying the spectral density for molecules with intricate chemical environments has been difficult. However, the team led by Ignacio Franco has developed a method using resonance Raman experiments that captures the full complexity of these chemical environments.
By extracting the spectral density, scientists can not only understand the speed at which decoherence occurs but also identify the specific parts of the chemical environment that are responsible for it. This breakthrough allows for mapping decoherence pathways and connecting molecular structure with quantum decoherence.
The team’s research focused on thymine, one of the building blocks of DNA. They found that certain vibrations in thymine dominate the initial stages of decoherence, while the solvent affects later stages. Furthermore, chemical modifications to thymine can significantly alter the decoherence rate.
The ability to design molecules with robust coherence properties opens up new possibilities for quantum technologies. By understanding the chemical principles that govern quantum decoherence, scientists can now develop molecules tailored for specific quantum applications.
“This research paves the way for the development of chemical design principles for emerging quantum technologies,” says Ignacio Gustin, a chemistry graduate student and the first author of the study.
The findings from this study provide a crucial step in harnessing the power of quantum mechanics and will contribute to advancements in quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies.
Source: UNIVERSITY RESEARCH NEWS
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