Quantum technologies hold the promise of enabling extremely energy-efficient communication networks, and computing power that, for certain problems, far exceeds what’s possible with traditional binary computation. For this, we need to be able to accurately prepare and read out specific states carrying information, in this case so called quantum bits – or qubits – which could for example take the form of a specific polarization or spin state.

We explore the concept of chirality, i.e. the absence of structural symmetry, in soft semiconductors, like molecular or halide perovskite based materials, to optically prepare and address such qubits. The material platforms we make require far less energy to fabricate than traditional ultra-pure materials used for quantum applications, while also bringing with them additional benefits like their inherent flexibility, and could operate at room temperature.

Moreover, our chemical bottom-up approach and the tolerance of these materials against structural distortions allows us to tailor the polarization and spin properties of these materials at an unprecedented level, bringing quantum technologies a step closer to truly revolutionize our society with energy-efficient consumer products.

Selected related works:

Nature Reviews Materials 8, 365 (2023)

Nature Materials 22, 977 (2023)

Advanced Materials 2302279 (2023)