Increasing the Hilbert space dimension using a single coupled molecular spin.

Quantum technologies are expected to introduce revolutionary changes in information processing in the near future. Nowadays, one of the main challenges is to be able to handle a large number of quantum bits (qubits), while preserving their quantum properties. Beyond the usual two-level encoding capacity of qubits, multi-level quantum systems are a promising way to extend and increase the amount of information that can be stored in the same number of quantum objects. Recent work (Kues et al. 2017), has shown the possibility to use devices based on photonic integrated circuits to entangle two qudits (with “d” being the number of available states). In the race to develop a mature quantum technology with real-world applications, many possible platforms are being investigated, including those that use photons, trapped ions, superconducting and silicon circuits and molecular magnets. In this work, we present the electronic read-out of a coupled molecular multi-level quantum systems, carried by a single Tb2Pc3 molecular magnet. Owning two magnetic centres, this molecular magnet architecture permits a 16 dimensions Hilbert space, opening the possibility of performing more complex quantum algorithms. Single-molecular magnets (SMM) are promising candidates for quantum technologies given the ease of repeatable manufacture and potential as qudits. Here, Biard et al succeed in electronically reading out a SMM containing two high-spin terbium atoms, allowing for a 16 dimensional Hilbert space.