Issue 12, 2009

Spin-based quantum computers made by chemistry: hows and whys

Abstract

This introductory review discusses the main problems facing the attempt to build quantum information processing systems (like quantum computers) from spin-based qubits. We emphasize ‘bottom-up’ attempts using methods from chemistry. The essentials of quantum computing are explained, along with a description of the qubits and their interactions in terms of physical spin qubits. The main problem to be overcome in this whole field is decoherence—it must be considered in any design for qubits. We give an overview of how decoherence works, and then describe some of the practical ways to suppress contributions to decoherence from spin bath and oscillator bath environments, and from dipolar interactions. Dipolar interactions create special problems of their own because of their long range. Finally, taking into account the problems raised by decoherence, by dipolar interactions, and by architectural constraints, we discuss various strategies for making chemistry-based spin qubits, using both magnetic molecules and magnetic ions.

Graphical abstract: Spin-based quantum computers made by chemistry: hows and whys

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
09 Jul 2008
Accepted
16 Oct 2008
First published
27 Nov 2008

J. Mater. Chem., 2009,19, 1718-1730

Spin-based quantum computers made by chemistry: hows and whys

P. C. E. Stamp and A. Gaita-Ariño, J. Mater. Chem., 2009, 19, 1718 DOI: 10.1039/B811778K

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Spotlight

Advertisements