Empa Researcher Eve Ammerman Receives Fellowship to Explore Quantum Technologies and Light Integration

Empa Researcher Eve Ammerman Receives Fellowship to Explore Quantum Technologies and Light Integration

(IN BRIEF) Eve Ammerman, a researcher at Empa, has received a two-year Young Scientist Fellowship to explore the intersection of quantum technologies and light. Her project seeks to enable quantum devices to communicate with existing technologies by combining nanographene molecules with light-emitting chromophores. The goal is to monitor quantum spin states without physical contact, which could help bridge quantum systems and fiber optics technology. This innovative work, conducted at Empa’s nanotech@surfaces laboratory, aims to fill a knowledge gap in quantum research and pave the way for future quantum applications in practical devices.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 4-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Eve Ammerman, a researcher at Empa, is aiming to push quantum technologies closer to practical applications by merging quantum effects with light. Her research project, which seeks to improve communication between quantum-based devices and existing technologies, is receiving support through a prestigious two-year Empa Young Scientist Fellowship.

Quantum technologies hold immense potential for solving complex problems in fields such as fundamental science, medicine, and communication. However, before they can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems, these technologies must overcome challenges related to their robustness. Quantum effects become especially significant at the nanometer scale, prompting researchers like Ammerman to work with individual molecules to observe quantum phenomena in isolation. A key focus of her work involves using specially designed “designer” molecules, though working with such minute structures is far from straightforward.

Ammerman is part of Empa’s nanotech@surfaces laboratory, led by Roman Fasel, which is known for its pioneering work in nanographene production and utilization. These nanometer-sized segments of graphene exhibit distinctive quantum properties, which can be fine-tuned by adjusting the molecular structure. One aspect of nanographene that Ammerman finds particularly promising is its spin—a quantum magnetic property that could be used to create qubits, the fundamental units of quantum computers. However, the challenge lies in connecting these nanographenes to other components, like input/output systems, to enable practical applications.

To overcome this challenge, Ammerman is exploring an innovative solution: combining nanographene molecules with chromophores, molecules capable of emitting light. By linking the two, the spin state of the nanographene would cause a corresponding change in the light emitted by the chromophore. This approach allows the spin’s behavior to be monitored without physical contact, a critical advantage in preserving the delicate quantum states of the molecules. This groundbreaking work has earned Ammerman the Empa Young Scientist Fellowship, which will fund her project for two years.

Despite the potential, Ammerman faces several hurdles in her project. The challenge of linking the two molecules in a way that they interact effectively without interference is one of the key obstacles. Additionally, there is limited data on what happens when nanographenes and light-emitting molecules are combined, and Ammerman is keen to address this gap in knowledge. Her ultimate goal is to create a molecular pair that can be incorporated into functional quantum mechanical devices, potentially bridging the gap between quantum systems and existing fiber optics technology. “I’m fascinated by working at the intersection of foundational research and practical applications,” says Ammerman.

Empa’s Young Scientist Fellowship program supports the next generation of scientific talent by funding independent research projects for promising young scientists. The fellowship provides two years of financial support, selected through a competitive process that recognizes the most innovative and impactful research ideas.

Media Contacts:

Dr. Eve Ammerman
nanotech@surfaces
Phone +41 58 765 11 22
eve.ammerman@empa.ch

Anna Ettlin
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 47 33
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA