Quantum Computing Based on NMR: Manipulation of 2 Qubits with 23Na in Liquid Crystals

• Grant number: 25/23193-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Tito José Bonagamba
• Grantee: Gabriel Henrique Maranzatto
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This Scientific Initiation project aims to introduce the student to the theoretical and practical foundations of Quantum Computing using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) as a physical platform. Through the study and manipulation of physical systems composed of 2 qubits represented by quadrupolar sodium nuclei (²³Na), and the implementation of simulations for physical systems composed of 3 qubits for future experiments, concepts such as pseudo-pure states, unitary operations, universal logic gates, and elementary quantum algorithms will be addressed, with emphasis on the Deutsch and Grover algorithms. The project also includes the development and application of strongly modulated radiofrequency pulses. In this way, the project seeks to provide the student with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and NMR, as well as to enable them to carry out real experiments on a quantum computer. The proposal is aligned with the activities developed at the High-Resolution NMR Spectroscopy Laboratory (LEAR) of the Institute of Physics of São Carlos (IFSC/USP).