Quantum technologies require new materials capable of storing, manipulating and reading quantum information with high fidelity. Molecular systems offer an exciting route towards this goal because their electronic structure, spin states and optical properties can be engineered with atomic precision through chemical synthesis. This PhD project will develop chiral nanographenes (CNGs) as a new molecular platform for quantum memory, combining synthetic chemistry, molecular spin physics, quantum optics and nanofabrication.
Chiral nanographenes are an emerging class of organic semiconductors characterised by atomically defined structures, molecular helicity, tunable electronic properties and strong chiroptical responses. Importantly, chiral molecular systems can also exhibit chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS), whereby electron transport becomes spin dependent. By combining these properties with long-lived nuclear spin states, photogenerated radical pairs and fluorescence, this project aims to establish a new strategy for storing quantum information at the molecular scale and reading it optically.
The central challenge is that nuclear spins can possess exceptionally long coherence times but are difficult to detect at the single-molecule level. We will address this by designing fluorescent CNG architectures in which nuclear spin information is coupled to optically generated electron-spin states through hyperfine interactions. Photoexcitation will generate radical pairs whose spin dynamics influence molecular fluorescence. Combined with CISS, this provides a potential mechanism through which nuclear spin states can be translated into measurable changes in fluorescence intensity or lifetime. Optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and advanced fluorescence microscopy will then be explored as routes towards molecular-scale quantum-memory readout.
The project will progress through four interconnected research themes. First, atomically precise chiral nanographenes will be synthesised with systematically varied edge helicity, fluorophores, radical-forming units and nuclear-spin-bearing components. Their structures and electronic and chiroptical properties will be characterised using NMR, mass spectrometry, UV–vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism, circularly polarised luminescence and electrochemical methods. Second, the molecules will be organised into enantiopure supramolecular monolayers on insulating substrates such as hBN and SiO₂. AFM, scanning probe microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and optical measurements will establish how molecular packing, chirality and local environment influence their properties. Third, we will investigate spin initialisation and optical readout. Radical-pair dynamics, hyperfine coupling and CISS-mediated spin selectivity will be combined with ODMR and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to probe spin-dependent optical signals down to the molecular scale. Finally, EPR spectroscopy and quantum modelling will be used to understand spin dynamics, radical lifetimes, hyperfine interactions and coherence. Light-controlled switching will be explored as a route towards reversible molecular memory and elementary quantum-logic operations.
The student will join a highly interdisciplinary supervisory environment spanning nanographene synthesis, spectroscopy, quantum sensing, single-particle fluorescence imaging and nanoscale device fabrication. Training will cover modern organic synthesis, chiroptical spectroscopy, nanofabrication, microscopy, and quantum measurement techniques.
The project offers an opportunity to work at the interface of chemistry and quantum technology, with the long-term ambition of creating chemically programmable, optically addressable quantum memories built from individual molecules.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply:
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics or Materials science OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics or Materials science. Previous research experience in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or spectroscopy is desirable.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
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