Missions

Design and magneto-optical correlations of lanthanide complexes and their isotopologues for quantum information

Description of the project:
This project is part of a large research consortium which goal is to investigate molecules, in particular paramagnetic complexes, as possible spin qubits, and assess their potential for quantum computing. To do so, lanthanide ions will be chosen as they provide various electronic spin together with the possibility to tune the nuclear spin through isotopic replacements. The ligand environment will provide the correct symmetry and hence electronic structure, help minimize the detrimental influence of other nuclear spins to engineer systems with long coherence times. Trispyrazolylborate ligands (see right part of the Figure) offer such possibilities, together with large denticity and hence large stability constants allowing the necessary study of the complexes in diluted conditions. A first target is then a series of mononuclear complexes with isotopically pure lanthanide centers such as Nd(III), Yb(III) etc..

To shed light on the complex electronic structure of this systems, magneto-optical correlations will be performed using a property of the excited state of the molecule (luminescence) to probe a property of its ground states (magnetism). Indeed, visible and infra-red luminescence measurements at low T (4K) will be performed both on solid and liquid samples.

Learned skills
In this PEPR research project (France 2030 program), the post-doc candidate will develop skills in lanthanide coordination chemistry, chemistry of stable lanthanide isotopes, the study of their optical and magnetic properties, and will benefit from interactions with specialists in various spectroscopies, in theoretical chemistry, and in quantum information processes.

Candidate profile:
A motivated person owing a doctorate in Chemistry, with a very good knowledge in coordination chemistry and possibly on lanthanide chemistry is required. Skills in optical spectroscopy together with interest for a multidisciplinary project going beyond chemistry will be appreciated.

Activités

Tâches principales :
- Synthèses organiques de ligands de base
- Elaboration de complexes de coordination d'ion lanthanides, et de leur isotopologues
- Cristallogenèse des systèmes élaborés
- Caractérisations par les techniques usuelles
-Corrélations magneto-optiques, mesure des propriétés de luminescence

Tâches secondaires :
- Préparation et mesures magnétiques à l'aide d'un magnétomètre à SQUID/PPMS
- Rédaction de publications sur les résultats obtenus

Compétences

Skills required:
- Doctorate in inorganic, molecular or materials chemistry
- In-depth knowledge of coordination chemistry
- mastery of NMR, absorption and emission spectroscopy
- Knowledge of crystallogenesis
- Fluency in reading, speaking and writing English

Appreciated know-how :
- X-ray diffraction
- SQUID/PPMS magnetometry
- Presentation of work to an audience
- Writing of articles

Contexte de travail

The Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes (ISCR) is a joint Research Department (UMR: Unité Mixte de Recherche) associating the CNRS (INC et INSIS), The Université de Rennes, the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes (ENSCR) and the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Rennes (INSA de Rennes).

This Institute, founded in January 1st, 2006, gathers together all the academic forces in chemistry from the Rennes site. At the beginning of 2023, it brings together more than 280 permanent people, including approximately 140 assistant-professors and professors, 60 CNRS researchers and 80 engineers and technicians, at the Rennes Beaulieu, Rennes Villejean and Lannion IUT sites, leading to an overall workforce of more than 500 people. Its organisation in eight research teams of various sizes along with two administrative and scientific technical departments, makes it possible to combine effectively the scientific advantages of a structure covering a wide disciplinary field combined with a management supportive of everyone.
The research topcics mainly investigated in the ISCR are
a) Sustainable materials with environmentally friendly materials and processes
b) Energy conversion materials
c) Materials and molecules for the health field

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.