Engineering and materials design for robust optically active spin qubits

Abstract Optically active spin qubits are promising platforms for applications such as quantum sensing, quantum computing, and quantum communication. However, in many cases, materials challenges remain major hurdles for realizing these quantum technologies. These challenges include the effects of the host material, surfaces, and device integration, which can both undermine intrinsic ideal quantum properties, but also provide necessary engineering controls. In this issue, materials opportunities and challenges that impact the properties of spin qubits interfaced with light are discussed. The material platforms considered are diamond, silicon, silicon carbide, 2D materials and molecular systems. Both fundamental, engineering, and computational design aspects are considered. Such multifaceted, exploratory, and materials-centric advances are required to unlock the potential of these quantum systems. Graphical abstract