Physikalisches Kolloquium: Prof. Dr. Martin B. Plenio – From Quantum Technologies for the Life Sciences to Molecular Quantum Bits for Quantum Computing

Titel: From Quantum Technologies for the Life Sciences to Molecular Quantum Bits for Quantum Computing

Abstract:
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a widely used spectroscopic technique in biology and the life sciences, with
applications ranging from chemical analysis and drug discovery to medical imaging. Despite its versatility, NMR suffers
from inherent sensitivity limitations. These arise primarily from the weak nuclear spin polarization at thermal equilibrium,
typically only a few parts per million, as well as from the inefficiencies of inductive NMR signal detection.

In this colloquium, I will discuss strategies for overcoming these limitations using quantum technologies. In particular, I
will show how optically detected magnetic resonance, based on color centers in diamond, enables the detection of NMR
signals with chemical-shift resolution at the nano- and microscale. Achieving this goal, however, requires additional advances,
and I will explain how quantum control can be used to facilitate nuclear spin hyperpolarization, leading to NMR signal
enhancements of up to four orders of magnitude.

Combined with advanced signal-processing methods, these approaches open up the possibility of metabolic NMR profiling
of single cells, as well as metabolic magnetic resonance imaging in humans. Such techniques could have important applications
in early treatment assessment in cancer care using standard clinical MRI scanners.

If time allows, I will also offer a glimpse into the future: how the lessons learned from tailoring molecules and controlling
their internal interactions may enable a new physical platform for quantum computing based on molecular qubits.
Sprecher / Speaker: Prof. Dr. Martin B. Plenio, Universität Ulm
Kontakt / Contact: Prof. Dr. Daniel Burgarth