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We are currently in the midst of the second quantum revolution. Quantum computers, quantum communications, and quantum sensing are being active topics. We would like to find our own answer to the question, "What role should chemistry play in the quantum age?"
We find a hint of the answer in the interface between quantum and life. Many quantum phenomena function only in a clean and dry environment, while life phenomena are in a wet and mixed environment. It is expected that quantum technology can be applied to life phenomena to understand and control them with unprecedented precision, but this is not an easy task. This is where chemistry can contribute. We believe that it is possible to give molecules the desired quantum properties through the power of chemistry and use them to understand and control life phenomena, in other words, to connect quantum and life through chemistry. We hope that this will create a new field of activity for chemistry, and a new area of chemistry will be born.
1. Quantum Nose Concept: MOF × Molecular Qubit = Chemical Quantum Sensing
Molecular qubits have the advantage of small size and precise structural control. Efforts to realize quantum sensing using molecular qubits are in their infancy. We have proposed the incorporation of molecular qubits into MOFs with nanopores, where quantum coherence can respond to chemical stimuli. By combining various MOFs and qubits, we aim to realize “Quantum Nose” sensing of specific chemical species with ultra-high sensitivity.
【Reent examples】
Quantum coherence of triplet responsive to chemical stimuli: Nature Commun., 2024, 15, 7622.
Radicals with extremely long relaxation times: J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2023, 145, 27650–27656.
Radical quantum coherence responsive to chemical stimuli: Chem. Commun., 2024, 60, 6130-6133.
2. Development of Novel Qubits
We use singlet fission as a way to impart quantum properties to molecules. Singlet fission is a phenomenon in which a singlet exciton splits into two triplet excitons, and is the reverse process of photon upconversion using TTA. Since two excitons (electrons) can be extracted from a single photon, it is expected to dramatically improve the efficiency of solar cells and is being actively studied worldwide.
We have focused on singlet fission as a unique method to generate a multiply excited state called a quintet, in which two excited triplets are strongly coupled, and are working on the construction of future quantum technology by integrating it with unique molecular assembly structures.
【Recent examples】
Room-temperature observation of quintet quantum coherence: Science Adv., 2024, 10, eadi3147.
Macrocyclic parallel dimer with long quintet coherence time: J. Am. Chem. Soc., in press.
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