With support from the Division of Chemistry, Professors Jonathan Hood and Libai Huang of Purdue University, along with their collaborator from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, are developing molecular platforms for quantum memory applications based on cryogenically cooled conjugated organic molecules. While these molecules are exceptionally coherent emitters of photons, the ground and excited electronic states are singlets and hence lack the spin degree of freedom needed for memory. Triplet states could provide this functionality, as well as long coherence times, but the exceedingly small intersystem crossing rates and extremely weak absorption cross-sections make them nearly undetectable. Accessing this hidden state holds the key to transforming excellent light-emitting molecules into quantum memories. Professors Hood, Huang, and their collaborators will use advanced steady-state and time-resolved laser techniques capable of coherent quantum state manipulation to access and study the triplet states of large organic chromophores. Their discoveries could establish fundamental principles that connect chemical structure to quantum memory performance, opening new avenues for chemically tailored quantum technologies. The project would create research opportunities for postdoctoral scholars in cutting-edge quantum molecular science, thereby contributing to the development of a quantum-enabled STEM workforce. This award is made under the NSF-UKRI lead agency opportu