Novel polymer material can bring quantum devices out of cryogenic labs

Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Alabama have developed a novel conjugated polymer capable of sustaining quantum states at room temperature, potentially revolutionizing quantum device technology by eliminating the need for ultra-cold environments. Unlike traditional quantum materials that rely on rigid crystals like diamond or silicon carbide and require cryogenic cooling, this new polymer uses a carefully designed molecular chain composed of alternating donor and acceptor units—specifically dithienosilole and thiadiazoloquinoxaline. Incorporating a silicon atom into the donor unit induces a twist in the polymer chain, preventing tight stacking that would otherwise disrupt quantum coherence. Additionally, long hydrocarbon side chains improve solubility and maintain electronic coherence, enabling stable electron spin behavior essential for quantum applications. The team confirmed their design through theoretical modeling and experimental techniques. Simulations showed that as the polymer chain lengthened, it achieved a high-spin ground state with two unpaired electrons aligned, analogous to states used in solid-state qubits. Magnetometry and