New qubit with the gemstone spinel (MgAl2O4) capable of storing quantum information

https://phys.org/news/2025-01-exploring-qubit-gemstone-spinel.html

"retains quantum information through atomic defects trapping electron spins, isolating qubits stable enough for manipulation... magnetic or electric fields control spin... directed laser beam onto material exciting it, then measuring photoluminescence... cerium center holds qubit information at 4°K under 500 mT magnetic field... demonstrates initialization, detection... future: demonstrate manipulation/ control of spin qubit for emerging quantum applications across sensing, communication, computing. quantum technologies"