Exploring the Quantum Potential of Rubrene at Lehigh University
Research into organic semiconductors at Lehigh University is unlocking new possibilities in the realm of quantum physics. Under the guidance of Professor Ivan Biaggio, a notable quantum physicist and Joseph A. Waldschmitt Chair in Physics, Carlos Muñoz is delving into the unique properties of rubrene, an organic semiconductor with significant potential for quantum computing applications.
Semiconductors play a crucial role in information transfer within electronic devices. However, as these components miniaturize, interference problems such as quantum mechanical tunneling can arise, according to Muñoz. Rubrene’s distinctive quantum mechanical attributes make it a promising candidate for overcoming these challenges, particularly in advanced devices like quantum computers.
Muñoz’s research in Biaggio’s lab includes experiments that use lasers to excite rubrene crystals, which then emit light. “The crystals absorb laser energy, their electrons get excited, then they go back to their ground state, releasing energy out in the form of light,” Muñoz explained. This process can generate pairs of entangled excitons, whose quantum states remain interconnected regardless of the distance separating them.
The influence of magnetic fields on rubrene is particularly intriguing. Muñoz highlighted that a magnetic field can alter the quantum wave function, affecting the likelihood of quantum entangled pairs recombining to enhance luminescence. Under certain conditions, these recombined electron pairs release light, and a significant increase in luminescence occurs at very high magnetic fields.
The team’s investigations focus on the behavior and interaction of these excited particles over time, with implications for quantum information science, secure communications such as cryptography, and renewable energy technologies like solar power.
Beyond his work with rubrene, Muñoz is expanding his research repertoire by engaging in machine learning projects with Javad Khazaei, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Lehigh. This summer, he will contribute to enhancing the efficiency and resiliency of high-performance computing systems through machine learning techniques.
Muñoz is not only devoted to his academic pursuits but also committed to community service, volunteering as an ESL tutor in Bethlehem. As a first-generation college student, he is driven to set an example for his younger siblings. “I would love to show them, if you put your mind to anything you’re really passionate about and if you work really hard, someone will notice, and you will get recognized … you can do this,” Muñoz stated.
Looking ahead, Muñoz aspires to publish a research paper, pursue a Ph.D. in quantum computing, and continue to engage in work with societal impact. “I think the applications that quantum computers have could be absolutely exponential for the world because of how fast they can solve problems,” he noted. “They could be applied to the environment and health, and make many sectors better.”
Muñoz’s academic achievements are further highlighted by his receipt of the Goldwater Scholarship, an honor shared by only three other Lehigh students in the past decade, including Kirsten Sjoberg ’24, Eric Wolf ’20, and Matthew Kilgore ’15.
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