New qubits operate at telecom frequencies, expand quantum potential

Researchers from the University of Chicago, UC Berkeley, Argonne National Laboratory, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed new molecular qubits that operate at telecommunications frequencies, marking a significant advance toward scalable quantum networks compatible with existing fiber-optic infrastructure. These qubits utilize erbium, a rare-earth element known for its clean optical properties and strong magnetic interactions, enabling them to bridge the gap between light (used for transmitting quantum information) and magnetism (fundamental to many quantum devices). This molecular platform allows quantum information to be encoded magnetically and accessed optically at wavelengths compatible with current telecommunications and silicon photonics technologies. Operating at telecom-band frequencies, these molecular qubits have potential applications beyond laboratory settings, including ultra-secure quantum communication, linking quantum computers over long distances, and nanoscale sensing in diverse environments such as biological systems or silicon-based chips. Their chemical flexibility and compatibility with existing optical infrastructure position them as promising building blocks for the future quantum internet. The research highlights the importance of synthetic molecular chemistry