Our Team

This project requires computation for predictions of new molecular species hosting quantum functionalities (PI, Anastassia Alexandrova, UCLA), new theoretical methods to enable some of the predictions (Anna Krylov, USC), synthesis to make the predicted molecules (Miguel Garcia-Garibay, UCLA), spectroscopy to test them (Justin Caram, UCLA), and QIS experts to tailor to desired applications and provide authentic assessment of resulting functionality (Eric Hudson, UCLA).

Research

Achieving quantum enhancement in sensing, communication, and computing requires the high-fidelity preparation, maintenance, and readout of defined quantum states, which then would be resistant to decoherence and amenable to entanglement. So far, the most successful systems that exhibit such clean quantum states are those of extreme simplicity: atoms, very small molecules in vacuo, and defects in solids. Because the electronic states in these systems are “closed”, i.e. strictly localized to an atom or a defect, they can be optically cycled without dissipation to the environment, and decoherence can be managed. However, what is gained in coherence, is lost in system complexity and thus flexibility, scalability and eventual practicability. This chemistry Center will use the rules of chemistry to substantially expand the repertoire of systems, and therefore the capabilities, available for QIS. We will design molecules that carry qubit functionalities (or quantum functional groups), by using chemical complexity rather than avoiding it. Since molecules are identical and can be synthesized in molar quantities, they can be assembled into scalable, next generation quantum information platforms – a combination of features not yet realized. In this way, the Center will enable the quantum leap, and open a new branch of chemistry: chemistry of QIS.

Broader Impacts

The Center will educate researchers at the intersection of traditional disciplines, where the future of QIS resides. It will recruit students at all levels and from diverse backgrounds, using innovative recruiting strategies, and with defined metrics of success. Promoting women and underrepresented groups will be central to all our activities. The Center will make a significant effort toward community building through organizing symposia, bootcamps, workshops, cross-departmental courses, innovative modules for undergraduate classes, and regular communication of all researchers of the Center, from all involved backgrounds. Outreach to the public will be done using established and successful platforms, as a prototype for expansion in Phase II.

Publications

News and Updates

January 10, 2024 | Ph.D. student creates video for UCLA College’s “Silly Questions, Smart Bruins” series

September 13, 2022 | Womanium Quantum Computing and Entrepreneurship Program

August 23, 2022 | NSF-funded UCLA center to develop chemical qubits for quantum computing

August 02, 2022 | UCLA-led team develops new approach for building quantum computers

“If anybody is going to make a big difference in the QIS field, it will be chemists.”

— Prof. Eric Hudson, UCLA, Physics

CCI Headquarters

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA

607 Charles E. Young Drive East
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569

Contact

Phone Number: +1(310)825-3769

E-mail: ana@chem.ucla.edu