Physicists at TU Graz have made a innovative discovery that certain molecules can be stimulated by pulses of infrared light to generate small magnetic fields. This pioneering technique, if successful in experimental trials, could potentially be applied in quantum computer circuits.
Harnessing Infrared Light for Molecular Magnetism
When molecules absorb infrared light, they start to vibrate as they receive energy. Andreas Hauser from the Institute of Experimental Physics at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) used this well-understood process as a basis for exploring whether these vibrations could be harnessed to produce magnetic fields. This is due to the movement of atomic nuclei, which carry a positive charge, resulting in the creation of a magnetic field.
Calculating Magnetic Field Generation
Andreas Hauser and his team focused on metal phthalocyanines – ring-shaped, planar dye molecules – and calculated that, due to their high symmetry, these molecules actually generate tiny magnetic fields in the nanometre range when infrared pulses act on them. The researchers have published their results in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Circular Dance of the Molecules
The team used modern electron structure theory on supercomputers to calculate how phthalocyanine molecules behave when irradiated with circularly polarized infrared light. This resulted in the circularly polarized light waves exciting two molecular vibrations at the same time at right angles to each other, creating a small, closed loop of magnetic movement.
Implications for Quantum Computing
By selectively manipulating the infrared light, it is possible to control the strength and direction of the magnetic field, turning the molecules into high-precision optical switches. This advancement could potentially lead to the use of molecules as circuits for quantum computers.
Next Steps: Experimental Trials
Andreas Hauser and his colleagues are now focused on proving experimentally that molecular magnetic fields can be generated in a controlled manner. They aim to find a support material that has minimal impact on the desired mechanism before conducting experiments to test the most promising variants.
Conclusion
The study presents a significant leap forward in the field of molecular magnetism and its potential applications in quantum computing. The implications of this research could pave the way for innovative approaches to nanoscale magnetic field control and its utilization in quantum computer circuits.
