Direct Observation of Quantum Coherence in Single-Molecule Magnets

TL;DR

This paper provides direct evidence of quantum coherence in single-molecule magnets, demonstrating long coherence times and the ability to manipulate spins coherently, which are crucial for quantum computing applications.

Contribution

It reports the first direct observation of quantum coherence in single-molecule magnets in frozen solution and shows how to enhance coherence times by modifying the surrounding matrix.

Findings

Coherence times up to T2 = 630 ns were observed.

Coherence time can be increased by changing the embedding matrix.

Rabi oscillations demonstrate coherent spin manipulation.

Abstract

Direct evidence of quantum coherence in a single-molecule magnet in frozen solution is reported with coherence times as long as T2 = 630 ns. We can strongly increase the coherence time by modifying the matrix in which the single-molecule magnets are embedded. The electron spins are coupled to the proton nuclear spins of both the molecule itself and interestingly, also to those of the solvent. The clear observation of Rabi oscillations indicates that we can manipulate the spin coherently, an essential prerequisite for performing quantum computations.