Wesley Transue

We find ourselves in the age of the 'Second Quantum Revolution', wherein scientists are seeking to leverage our understanding of quantum mechanics to develop next-generation technologies. Quantum information science will allow targeted designs of these technologies to take advantage of the peculiar properties of the quantum world, promising developments like quantum sensing, quantum communication, quantum computing, and more. 

Our research aims to increase the role of molecular chemistry in quantum information science. Central to this goal is the development of molecules that can behave as qubits (quantum bits). A qubit is the quantum analog to a classical bit, and its defining feature is its ability to be placed into a superposition of the classical '0' and '1' states. Molecules hold much promise as qubit candidates, as they are small, synthetically tunable, easy to prepare, and scalable. However, not every molecule meets the stringent criteria necessary for a qubit. Our lab seeks to use the machinery of inorganic synthesis, spectroscopy, and density-functional theory (DFT) computation to prepare molecules that meet these criteria and to outline the relationship between molecular structure and magnetic properties. Our primary experimental tools are air-free/glovebox synthesis, X-ray crystallography, magnetic resonance, and magnetic circular dichroism, all of which we combine to map out molecular electronic and magnetic structure. Any students interested in quantum information science, inorganic synthesis, and magnetism are welcomed to apply.