MPS/CHE-EPSRC: Quantum Coherence and Correlations in Condensed Phase Photochemical Reaction Dynamics

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $597,560 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

With support from the Division of Chemistry, Professor Stephen Bradforth of the University of Southern California, along with his collaborators from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, is studying light-driven reactions that generate two molecules with unpaired electrons, called radical ion pairs. In some cases, the electron spin states on the two radicals can become entangled, resulting in correlated behavior even when they are well separated. Professor Bradforth and his UK collaborators are developing ultrafast spectroscopies to read out the entanglement of the molecular spin states as the products are formed, on femtosecond timescales. Their discoveries could advance our fundamental understanding of the role that quantum entanglement plays in chemical reactions. The project will also provide research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students in advanced quantum information science and thus contribute to the creation of a quantum-enabled STEM workforce in the US. This award is made under the NSF-UKRI lead agency opportunity. Photoinduced ligand-ligand charge-transfer and photoionization reactions -- critical underlying processes in photocatalysis, protein damage and drug design -- initially form charge-transfer products composed of spin-correlated ion-radical pairs. Each ion has an unpaired electron, and the two can adopt two different spin states (singlet or triplet). In the initial stages of the chemical reaction, the two ions are generated in

Key facts

NSF award ID
2541785
Awardee
University of Southern California (CA)
SAM.gov UEI
G88KLJR3KYT5
PI
Stephen E Bradforth
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE
Estimated total
$597,560
Funds obligated
$597,560
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/15/2025 → 08/31/2028