(UoM – IIT KGP) Luminescent supramolecules for applications in data storage

Quantum computing is a paradigm-shifting computation that has the potential to revolutionalise the way we store, process and compute complex data and is set to transform the digital world, as we know it. Quantum computation relies on quantum information processing (QIP) to perform specific tasks, where quantum ‘bits’ replace the currently used classical computing bits of ‘0’ and ‘1’ since they can exist in a quantum superposition of their two states and are entangled. Individual manipulation of these states by external stimuli is vital to realise quantum computing, achievable via the assembly of qubits into quantum logic gates.

Remarkable advancements have been made in the chemical and physical engineering of solid-state qubits that utilise electronic spins; exemplars include vacancies in silicon carbide and nitrogen vacancies in diamond. However, they suffer from decoherence of the superposition states that are a prerequisite of any qubit. Since vacancies introduced in solid-state materials cannot be controlled, single molecules offer an attractive alternative to creating spatially controllable magnetic qubits whose properties can be optimised.

In this Ph.D. project, we propose to develop single supramolecule qubits using our combined leading expertise in coordination chemistry and state-of-the-art magnetic measurements, in combination with EPR and luminescence spectroscopies. We propose that following optical stimuli, the entanglement between the spin wavefunctions of two or more qubit components can be modulated and controlled by laser light irradiation. To achieve this, we propose to use the optical properties of trivalent and divalent lanthanide ions (e.g., Eu, Gd, Ce, Sm, Dy, Yb) to create a paramagnetic excited state that can interact more strongly (or more weakly) with one or more qubits thereby modulating the entanglement of states for QIP. Lanthanide ions are ideally suited as they possess long-lived excited states (tuneable from nanoseconds to milliseconds), emit high colour purity light across the UV-visible and near-infrared spectral regions (therefore giving an optical readout), and, importantly, possess significant magnetic differences between their ground and excited states (e.g., diamagnetic to paramagnetic). 

Before you apply  

We recommend you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before applying

How to apply 

Submit an online application through the IIT Kharagpur’s website https://international.iitkgp.ac.in/admission/jdp-uoman/ The site also lists required documents

Any questions about an application, please contact the team(s) by email: 

– University of Manchester: [email protected]

– IIT Kharagpur: [email protected] 

 Eligibility 

1. Candidates may only apply for projects approved by the Joint Academic Board. 

2. For Indian residents, the programme is open to graduates B.Tech. or M.Sc./M.Tech. graduate from any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with a minimum CGPA of 7.5 on a scale of 10. 

3. For residents of other countries, it is open to graduates of Institutes/Universities within QS WUR of 500 (published in 2024) [link: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings/2024]. 

4. Candidates must be able to undertake PhD studies at IIT Kharagpur from July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter with no requirement for a (further) visa to study in India. 

5. Willingness to travel to the UK to undertake 2 years of study based at The University of Manchester if such travel is permitted by UK and India governments. 

6. Holds or expects to obtain a 2:1 class honours undergraduate degree or higher (or international equivalent – contact the Admissions Team for details). 

7. Ideally Preferably holds a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent – contact the Admissions Team for details). 

8. Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, a proficiency in which should be demonstrably indicated by meeting the requirements as indicated our English language requirements page [https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/], and in particular securing an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of 90 with no less than 20 in each component equivalent or equivalent. The TOEFL/IELTS exam may be taken after the final selection and award of scholarship, and prior to joining IIT Kharagpur. 

9. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them. 

10. Demonstrate to fulfil The University of Manchester Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification: 

* Educational background matches research project. 

* Potential to form effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including working inclusively and as part of a team. 

* Potential to take the initiative, lead on projects, and be proactive in prioritising a dynamic, agile and diverse workload. 

* Potential to develop understanding of complex problems, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a given scenario, and apply in-depth knowledge to address them. 

* Potential to develop expertise in new areas of the subject. 

* Evidence of an understanding of the proposed area of research, including knowledge of current challenges and opportunities. 

* An interest in continuous personal and professional development. 

* Potential to communicate ideas and conclusions, verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

* Preliminary knowledge of research techniques/track record of engaging with research. 

Equality, Diversity and inclusion 

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. 

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements

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