QPM Lab

Quantum-Probe Microscopy · CIC nanoGUNE

Quantum phenomena, one atom and one molecule at a time.

We build atomically precise nanostructures on surfaces and probe their spins, superconductivity and light emission with low-temperature scanning probe microscopy.

Explore our researchPublications

Highlight · October 2026

Odd or even: a single molecule decides how a spin chain talks to a superconductor

Haldane chains of spin-1 triangulene units grown on a proximitized Au(111)/Nb(110) surface couple their fractional spin-1/2 edge states to the superconductor only when the chain has an odd number of units. Published in Nature, in collaboration with CiQUS (Universidad de Santiago de Compostela).

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What we study

Molecular NanoscienceOn-surface synthesis of molecular nanostructures and graphene nanoribbons with atomic precision, and their electronic and magnetic (π-magnetism) properties.Nanoscale SuperconductivityMagnetic impurities, Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states and engineered superconducting ground states studied atom by atom.Quantum SensingDetecting and controlling individual spins with STM-based spectroscopies (ESR-STM, spin excitations) for quantum technologies.Nanoscale OptoelectronicsLight emission and optical spectroscopy in tunnelling junctions and single-molecule emitters.

For everyone

What does it mean to see a single atom?

Tiny magnets, graphene and quantum computers explained without equations: images and stories from our lab.

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Recent papers

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Nature

Nature · 2026

Parity-dependent coupling of molecular spin chains to a superconductor

Katerina Vaxevani, Jon Ortuzar, Stefano Trivini, … Jose Ignacio Pascual

Physical Review Letters

Physical Review Letters · 2025

Local control of parity and charge in nanoscale superconducting lead islands

Stefano Trivini, Jon Ortuzar, Katerina Vaxevani, … Jose Ignacio Pascual

Advanced Materials

Advanced Materials · 2025

Spin and Charge Control of Topological End States in Chiral Graphene Nanoribbons on a 2D Ferromagnet

L. Edens, F. Romero Lara, T. Sai, … J.I. Pascual

Graphical abstract

Nano Letters · 2025

From local to collective superconductivity in proximitized graphene

Stefano Trivini, Tim Kokkeler, Jon Ortuzar, … Jose Ignacio Pascual

Active projects

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CONSPIRACoherent control of spin chains in graphene nanostructures
ERC Advanced Grant (Horizon Europe) · 2024–2028
Molecular quantum magnets on graphene as novel spin qubit platforms
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (Horizon Europe) · 2024–2027
On-surface synthesis of molecular architectures with optical and magnetic functionality
Spanish Research Agency (AEI) · coordinated project, 6 groups · 2023–2026

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