The Impact of Ligand Field Symmetry on Molecular Qubit Coherence.

Developing quantum bits (qubits) exhibiting room temperature electron spin coherence is a key goal of molecular quantum information science. At high temperatures, coherence is often limited by electron spin relaxation, measured by T1. Here we develop a simple and powerful model for predicting relative T1 relaxation times in transition metal complexes from dynamic ligand field principles. By considering the excited state origins of ground state spin-phonon coupling, we derive group theory selection rules governing which vibrational symmetries can induce decoherence. Thermal weighting of the coupling terms produces surprisingly good predictions of experimental T1 trends as a function of temperature and explains previously confounding features in spin-lattice relaxation data. We use this model to evaluate experimental relaxation rates across S = 1/2 transition metal qubit candidates with diverse structures, gaining new insights into the interplay between spin-phonon coupling and molecular symmetry. This methodology elucidates the specific vibrational modes giving rise to decoherence, providing insight into the origin of room temperature coherence in transition metal complexes. We discuss the outlook of symmetry-based modeling and design strategies for understanding molecular coherence.

Deconvolving Contributions to Decoherence in Molecular Electron Spin Qubits: A Dynamic Ligand Field Approach.

In the past decade, transition metal complexes have gained momentum as electron spin-based quantum bit (qubit) candidates due to their synthetic tunability and long achievable coherence times. The decoherence of magnetic quantum states imposes a limit on the use of these qubits for quantum information technologies, such as quantum computing, sensing, and communication. With rapid recent development in the field of molecular quantum information science, a variety of chemical design principles for prolonging coherence in molecular transition metal qubits have been proposed. Here the spin-spin, motional, and spin-phonon regimes of decoherence are delineated, outlining design principles for each. It is shown how dynamic ligand field models can provide insights into the intramolecular vibrational contributions in the spin-phonon decoherence regime. This minireview aims to inform the development of molecular quantum technologies tailored for different environments and conditions.

The dynamic ligand field of a molecular qubit: decoherence through spin-phonon coupling.

Quantum coherence of S = 1/2 transition metal-based quantum bits (qubits) is strongly influenced by the magnitude of spin-phonon coupling. While this coupling is recognized as deriving from dynamic distortions about the first coordination sphere of the metal, a general model for understanding and quantifying ligand field contributions has not been established. Here we derive a general ligand field theory model to describe and quantify the nature of spin-phonon coupling terms in S = 1/2 transition metal complexes. We show that the coupling term for a given vibrational mode is governed by: (1) the magnitude of the metal-based spin-orbit coupling constant, (2) the magnitude and gradient in the ligand field excited state energy, which determines the magnitude of ground state orbital angular momentum, and (3) dynamic relativistic nephelauxetic contributions reflecting the magnitude and gradient in the covalency of the ligand-metal bonds. From an extensive series of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations calibrated to a range of experimental data, spin-phonon coupling terms describing minimalistic D4h/D2d [CuCl4]2- and C4v [VOCl4]2- complexes translate to and correlate with experimental quantum coherence properties observed for Cu(ii)- and V(iv)-based molecular qubits with different ligand sets, geometries, and coordination numbers. While providing a fundamental framework and means to benchmark current qubits, the model and methodology described herein can be used to screen any S = 1/2 molecular qubit candidate and guide the discovery of room temperature coherent materials for quantum information processing.

Cerebrovascular and neuroprotective effects of adamantane derivative.

OBJECTIVES: The influence of 5-hydroxyadamantane-2-on was studied on the rats' brain blood flow and on morphological state of brain tissue under the condition of brain ischemia. The interaction of the substance with NMDA receptors was also studied. METHODS: Study has been implemented using the methods of local blood flow registration by laser flowmeter, [(3)H]-MK-801binding, and morphological examination of the brain tissue. We used the models of global transient ischemia of the brain, occlusion of middle cerebral artery, and hypergravity ischemia of the brain. RESULTS: Unlike memantine, antagonist of glutamatergic receptors, the 5-hydroxyadamantane-2-on does not block NMDA receptors but enhances the cerebral blood flow of rats with brain ischemia. This effect is eliminated by bicuculline. Under conditions of permanent occlusion of middle cerebral artery, 5-hydroxyadamantane-2-on has recovered compensatory regeneration in neural cells, axons, and glial cells, and the number of microcirculatory vessels was increased. 5-Hydroxyadamantane-2-on was increasing the survival rate of animals with hypergravity ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: 5-Hydroxyadamantane-2-on, an adamantane derivative, which is not NMDA receptors antagonist, demonstrates significant cerebrovascular and neuroprotective activity in conditions of brain ischemia. Presumably, the GABA-ergic system of brain vessels is involved in mechanisms of cerebrovascular and neuroprotective activity of 5-hydroxyadamantane-2-on.