Molecular rotational state spaces for quantum information processing

Rotational states of symmetric and asymmetric molecules, modeled by infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces of various quantum rotors, present new grounds for encoding and processing quantum information. Development of a physical and mathematical framework adapted for quantum applications in rotational systems is currently in its infancy. I discuss how to adapt basic quantum tools from discrete- and continuous-variable systems to symmetric molecules, developing a set of “position-state” labels for molecular orientations and a Pauli-type group of unitary operations. With an eye on quantum error correction, I discuss ongoing efforts studying the nature of noise introduced by a thermal environment in these systems.