Research

Spin Chemistry for Quantum Applications

Grand Challenges in Quantum Sensing

Brainwave Monitoring

Achieve high-resolution, noninvasive detection of neural signals with sensitivity beyond classical limits. Current methods are constrained by noise, spatial resolution, and the need for cryogenic operation. Quantum sensing offers a path to detect weak electromagnetic fields with unprecedented precision, potentially enabling real-time, portable, and biologically integrated neural imaging.

Chip Fidelity

Ensure precise fabrication, defect detection, and performance stability at the atomic scale as transistors shrink and quantum effects emerge. Traditional metrology struggles to resolve nanoscale imperfections and dynamic charge fluctuations that impact device reliability. Quantum sensing offers a pathway to probe electronic and structural defects with unprecedented precision, enabling higher-performance, error-resilient semiconductor technologies.

Chiral Detection

Achieve highly sensitive, selective, and real-time identification of enantiomers, which is critical for pharmaceuticals, materials, and fundamental chemistry. Traditional methods rely on weak chiral interactions or indirect spectroscopic techniques, limiting sensitivity and applicability. Quantum sensing offers a path forward to enhance chiral discrimination, enabling precise, label-free detection with molecular-level resolution.

Satellite-less Navigation

Achieve precise positioning and timing without reliance on satellite signals, which are vulnerable to jamming, spoofing, and obstructions. Current inertial navigation systems drift over time, limiting long-term accuracy. Quantum sensing offers a path forward to create ultra-stable gyroscopes and accelerometers, enabling precise, drift-free navigation in GPS-denied environments.

Biological Ion Channeling

Achieve real-time, high-resolution monitoring of ion transport across membranes, which is essential for understanding cellular signaling, neurological function, and disease mechanisms. Traditional electrophysiological techniques are limited in spatial resolution and scalability. Quantum sensing offers a path forward to detect minute ionic and electromagnetic fluctuations, enabling new insights into ion channel dynamics and their role in health and disease.

Hydrogen Economy

Achieve rapid, selective, and ultra-sensitive monitoring of hydrogen at low concentrations, critical for safety, energy storage, and catalytic processes. Traditional sensors struggle with cross-sensitivity, response time, and stability. Quantum sensing offers a path forward to detect hydrogen-induced electronic and magnetic shifts, enabling robust, real-time monitoring for industrial and environmental applications.

Previous slideNext slide

Synthetic Qubits

Synthetically derived quantum bits (qubits), such as molecular qubits and carbon nanotube color centers, represent a promising avenue in the pursuit of quantum information technology. In this area, we are dedicated to unraveling the chemical physics surrounding these qubits to advance our fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics and materials science. Our research is driven by a desire to explore the limits of synthetically derived qubits and uncover the intricate relationship between their quantum behaviors and chemical properties. By employing cutting-edge techniques, we aim to shed light on the underlying physics governing the interactions of these qubits with themselves and their environment. By pushing the boundaries of our understanding, we hope to lay the groundwork for future breakthroughs in quantum information technology. Our research endeavors not only contribute to the advancement of quantum science but also hold the potential to catalyze the transition of quantum information technology from the laboratory to practical applications in the real world.

Quantum Sensing

Quantum sensing represents a cutting-edge approach to measurement and detection, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to achieve unparalleled sensitivity and precision. The Earley Lab aims to be at the forefront of quantum sensing research, harnessing the unique properties of synthetically derived qubits, as well as other qubit architectures, to push the boundaries of detection capabilities. By harnessing the delicate superposition states of qubits, we aim to revolutionize sensing across various domains, including biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and materials characterization. Through our interdisciplinary research efforts, we strive to unlock new avenues for quantum sensing, advancing our ability to probe and understand the world at the smallest scales.

Quantum Detection

Quantum detection, represents our engineering-focused approach to developing quantum sensors for the identification (detection) of entities at the quantum level. Unlike quantum sensing, which primarily uses qubits to study their environments, quantum detection aims to engineer sensors capable of detecting specific substances or phenomena with high sensitivity and accuracy. The Earley Lab seeks to leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to design and fabricate advanced sensors for a variety of applications. Our focus includes the development of sensors capable of detecting low concentrations of disease markers for early-stage disease detection, as well as sensors for hydrogen detection and quantification and pollutant detection in environmental monitoring. Through our interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise in quantum chemistry, materials science, and engineering, we hope to push the boundaries of quantum detection technology, they aim to address real-world challenges and make a positive impact on society.

Novel Dual Comb Applications

Dual comb spectroscopy offers unparalleled frequency resolution compared to other conventional techniques, making it a powerful tool for precise chemical analysis. While dual comb spectroscopy is prevalent in physics, the Earley Lab is on a mission to identify innovative uses of this technique in the areas of chemistry and biochemistry. At the forefront of this research, the Earley Lab explores novel applications of dual comb spectroscopy to address key challenges in chemical research. Areas of interest include near-infrared difference spectroscopy of proteins, enabling detailed analysis of molecular structure and dynamics with unprecedented accuracy, as well as chirality spectroscopy for the detection and characterization of chiral molecules. Additionally, we investigate broadband cavity-enhanced spectroscopy, leveraging dual comb spectroscopy for high-resolution spectral measurements across a broad range of wavelengths. Through this work we hope to expand the horizons of dual comb spectroscopy and unlock its full potential for chemical research, driving innovation in diverse fields ranging from materials science to biochemistry.