Small but large: Single organic molecules as hybrid platforms for quantum technologies

Abstract: Single organic molecules embedded in solid-state matrices exhibit remarkable optical properties, making them competitive candidates for single-photon sources and quantum nonlinear optical elements. However, the lack of long-lived internal states imposes significant constraints on their application in the broader field of quantum technologies. In this article, we reexamine the single-molecule host-guest system from first principles, elaborate on the rich internal states this system encompasses and put forward strategies to harness them for applications in quantum memory, spin-photon interface, spin register, and optomechanics. Further, we discuss the potential of leveraging the vast chemical space of molecules, and highlight the challenges and opportunities for molecular systems along these directions.