Professor Dan Huh

Professor Daniel Huh
Department of Chemistry
University of Rhode Island

Managing Spin Coherence in Molecular Qubits

Molecule-based quantum metal complexes offer a promising and chemically tunable platform for quantum information science yet controlling electron spin coherence in molecular systems remains a central challenge. This seminar will describe the development of a new class of molecular qubits derived from low-valent group 4 metals (Ti, Zr, and Hf). By systematically manipulating metal identity and ligand environment, these studies probe how electronic structure and orbital character influence electron spin decoherence in inorganic complexes. Comparative studies across related metal platforms reveal how subtle changes in molecular structure govern quantum coherence and relaxation pathways. Together, these results highlight design principles for improving spin coherence in molecular systems and illustrate how molecular inorganic chemistry can contribute to the development of next-generation quantum materials.

Daniel Huh

Dan Huh was trained as a classical violinist for 16 years and initially pursued a career in music, majoring in violin performance at the University of San Diego. His path changed after experiencing undergraduate research with Prof. Christopher J. A. Daley, where he developed model complexes for carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetyl-CoA synthase and inorganic platforms for nitric oxide sensing. After obtaining his B.A., Dan then completed an M.S. at Illinois State University with Prof. Lisa F. Szczepura, studying luminescent rhenium metalloclusters. He then earned his Ph.D. at the University of California, Irvine with Prof. William J. Evans, studying f-element chemistry. Dan subsequently conducted postdoctoral research with Prof. Ian A. Tonks at the University of Minnesota before joining the University of Rhode Island as an Assistant Professor.

Hosted by Professor Ian Tonks