Identification of an X-Band Clock Transition in Cp′<sub>3</sub>Pr<sup>–</sup>Enabled by a 4f<sup>2</sup>5d<sup>1</sup>Configuration
Patrick W. Smith, J Hruby, William J. Evans, Stephen Hill, Stefan G. Minasian
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Molecular qubits offer an attractive basis for quantum information processing, but challenges remain with regard to sustained coherence. Qubits based on clock transitions offer a method to improve the coherence times. We propose a general strategy for identifying molecules with high-frequency clock transitions in systems where a d electron is coupled to a crystal-field singlet state of an f configuration, resulting in an M J = ±1/2 ground state with strong hyperfine coupling. Using this approach, a 9.834 GHz clock transition was identified in a molecular Pr complex, [K(crypt)][Cp′ 3 Pr II ], leading to 3-fold enhancements in T 2 relative to other transitions in the spectrum. This result indicates the promise of the design principles outlined here for the further development of f-element systems for quantum information applications.