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Room-Temperature Optically Detected Coherent Control of Molecular Spins

Adrian Mena1,2,*, Sarah K. Mann1,*, Angus Cowley-Semple1,*, Emma Bryan3, Sandrine Heutz3, Dane R. McCamey2, Max Attwood3,†, and Sam L. Bayliss1,‡

  • 1James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
  • 2ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science, School of Physics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052, New South Wales, Australia
  • 3Department of Materials and London Centre for Nanotechnology, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom

  • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
  • †Contact author: m.attwood@imperial.ac.uk
  • ‡Contact author: sam.bayliss@glasgow.ac.uk
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 133, 120801 – Published 16 September, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.120801

Abstract

Optically interfaced molecular spins are a promising platform for quantum sensing and imaging. Key for such applications is optically detecting coherent spin manipulation at room temperature. Here, using the photoexcited triplet state of organic chromophores (pentacene doped in p-terphenyl), we optically detect coherent spin manipulation with photoluminescence contrasts exceeding 15% at room temperature, both in a molecular crystal and thin film. We further demonstrate how multifrequency spin control could enhance such systems. These results open opportunities for room-temperature quantum sensors that capitalize on the versatility of synthetic chemistry.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 133, 120801– Published 16 September, 2024
  • Received 21 March 2024
  • Accepted 13 August 2024
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