UChicago PME Thesis Defense- Benjamin Soloway

Quantum-enhanced spin sensing has advanced our capability to measure electromagnetic fields, temperature, and pressure at the nanoscale. The engineering of these spin sensors has primarily focused on localized electrons with microwave-frequency spin transitions for coherent control and a spin-optical interface for initialization and readout. Many materials host electrons satisfying these conditions, including bulk semiconductors, two-dimensional materials, or chemically synthesizable molecules. Molecular spins stand out because they offer chemically tunable spin and optical properties and can be integrated into diverse environments. However, current molecular qubits lack genetic encodability, which allows for straightforward integration into biological environments. Here we optically address enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) by leveraging a novel technique which enables on-demand readout of its excited state spin. We characterize EYFP's longitudinal and transverse relaxation times at 80 K and estimate its sensitivity to oscillating (AC) magnetic fields. Remarkably, EYFP's spin coherence persists even within the complex intracellular environment of a mammalian cell. Finally, we optically address the protein's spin at room temperature. These results position fluorescent proteins as powerful quantum sensors with applications in the life sciences that are out-of-reach of solid-state technologies.

https://uchicago.zoom.us/j/99727526180?pwd=CUEf9aKix8B5yAbYq4fnCkylakaade.1

Meeting ID: 997 2752 6180

Passcode: 663946