Room-temperature optically detected coherent control of molecular spins for quantum sensing

Optically addressable spins are a promising platform for quantum technologies due to their ability to be readily prepared, coherently controlled, and read out—exemplified by remarkable demonstrations with solid-state defects. Molecular materials are also attractive for hosting analogous optical-spin interfaces [1], with their chemical tunability and ability to be integrated with other systems offering promising functionality. Such properties could be beneficial for quantum sensing where, for example, precise spatial control between sensor and target is desired. To realize the potential of molecular spins for applications such as quantum sensing, the combination of room-temperature operation, coherent spin control, and optical readout is desirable, combining sensitive detection capabilities with convenient operating conditions. Here we demonstrate such room-temperature optically detected coherent control in a molecular platform [2], and outline opportunities for capitalizing on the tunability, and chemically synthesized nature of molecular spins for room-temperature quantum sensing.

[1] S. L. Bayliss*, D. W. Laorenza*, P. J. Mintun, B. Diler, D. E. Freedman, D. D. Awschalom, Science, 370, 1309 (2020)

[2] A. Mena*, S. K. Mann*, A. Cowley-Semple*, E. Bryan, S. Heutz, D. R. McCamey, M. Attwood, S. L. Bayliss, Phys. Rev. Lett., 133, 12801 (2024)