Advanced Quantum Logic Techniques for Molecular Ions

Gaining precise control over the behavior of more complex systems, is a major challenge in quantum science. This research focuses on improving control techniques for molecular ions (charged molecules). In the last decade impressive progress has been made to control the quantum state of relatively simple molecular ions. This project aims to improve this control by using robust and high-performance techniques that have been developed for quantum information processing. The project is a collaboration between three leading research groups from ETH Zürich, PTB Braunschweig, and the University of Innsbruck. The main goal is to develop new tools and methods to control a wider variety of molecular ions, including more complex molecules and systems with multiple molecules. To achieve this, the researchers will use their combined expertise and three different experimental setups. They will work with specific molecular ions, such as H2, MgH, CaH, and CaOH, to develop and test new techniques. These techniques will allow them to: 1. Precisely prepare molecules in specific quantum states. 2. Study the rotational properties of hydrogen molecular ions. 3. Create entangled states (a key feature of quantum systems) that are resistant to interference. 4. Apply quantum error correction to molecular ions, which is essential for reliable quantum computing. The developed tools and methods developed will not only push the boundaries of quantum technologies but have also applications in fundamental science: they will help to test fundamental theories of physics, search for new physical phenomena, and advance quantum computing. Beyond physics, this work could impact fields like quantum chemistry.