Publications

Abstract

With their optical addressability of individual spins and long coherence time, nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are often called ``atom-like solid spin-defects''. As observed with trapped atomic ions, quantum interference mediated by indistinguishable photons was demonstrated between remote NV centers. In high sensitivity DC magnetometry at room temperature, NV ensembles are potentially rivaling with alkali-atom vapor cells. However, local strain induces center-to-center variation of both optical and spin transitions of NV centers. Therefore, advanced engineering of diamond growth toward crystalline perfection is demanded. Here, we report on the synthesis of high-quality HPHT (high-pressure, high-temperature) crystals, demonstrating a small inhomogeneous broadening of the spin transitions, of T2*þinspace=þinspace1.28 $\mu$s, approaching the limit for crystals with natural 13C abundance, that we determine as T2*þinspace=þinspace1.48 $\mu$s. The contribution from strain and local charges to the inhomogeneous broadening is lowered to ˜17þinspacekHz full width at half maximum for NV ensemble within aþinspace>þinspace10 mm3 volume. Looking at optical transitions in low nitrogen crystals, we examine the variation of zero-phonon-line optical transition frequencies at low temperatures, showing a strain contribution below 2þinspaceGHz for a large fraction of single NV centers.

Abstract

The negatively charged silicon vacancy center (\$\$\\\backslashrm\V\\\\_\\\backslashrm\Si\\\^\-\\$\$) in silicon carbide (SiC) is an emerging color center for quantum technology covering quantum sensing, communication, and computing. Yet, limited information currently available on the internal spin-optical dynamics of these color centers prevents us from achieving the optimal operation conditions and reaching the maximum performance especially when integrated within quantum photonics. Here, we establish all the relevant intrinsic spin dynamics of the \$\$\\\backslashrm\V\\\\_\\\backslashrm\Si\\\^\-\\$\$center at cubic lattice site (V2) in 4H-SiC by an in-depth electronic fine structure modeling including the intersystem-crossing and deshelving mechanisms. With carefully designed spin-dependent measurements, we obtain all the previously unknown spin-selective radiative and non-radiative decay rates. To showcase the relevance of our work for integrated quantum photonics, we use the obtained rates to propose a realistic implementation of time-bin entangled multi-photon GHZ and cluster state generation. We find that up to three-photon GHZ or cluster states are readily within reach using the existing nanophotonic cavity technology.

Abstract

Solid state quantum emitters are a prime candidate in distributed quantum technologies since they inherently provide a spin-photon interface. An ongoing challenge in the field, however, is the low photon extraction due to the high refractive index of typical host materials. This challenge can be overcome using photonic structures. Here, we report the integration of V2 centers in a cavity-based optical antenna. The structure consists of a silver-coated, 135 nm-thin 4H-SiC membrane functioning as a planar cavity with a broadband resonance yielding a theoretical photon collection enhancement factor of similar to 34. The planar geometry allows us to identify over 20 single V2 centers at room temperature with a mean (maximum) count rate enhancement factor of 9 (15). Moreover, we observe 10 V2 centers with a mean absorption line width below 80 MHz at cryogenic temperatures. These results demonstrate a photon collection enhancement that is robust to the lateral emitter position.

Abstract

We designed and built up a new type of ambient scanning probe microscope (SPM), which is fully compatible with state-of-the-art quantum sensing technology based on the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. We chose a qPlus-type tuning fork (Q up to similar to 4400) as the current/force sensor of SPM for its high stiffness and stability under various environments, which yields atomic resolution under scanning tunneling microscopy mode and 1.2-nm resolution under atomic force microscopy mode. The tip of SPM can be used to directly image the topography of nanoscale targets on diamond surfaces for quantum sensing and to manipulate the electrostatic environment of NV centers to enhance their sensitivity up to a single proton spin. In addition, we also demonstrated scanning magnetometry and electrometry with a spatial resolution of similar to 20 nm. Our new system not only paves the way for integrating atomic/molecular-scale color-center qubits onto SPM tips to produce quantum tips but also provides the possibility of fabricating color-center qubits with nanoscale or atomic precision.

Abstract

Nuclear spins in solids offer a promising avenue for developing scalable quantum hardware. Leveraging nearby single-color centers, these spins can be efficiently addressed at the single-site level through spin resonance. However, characterizing individual nuclear spins is quite cumbersome since the characterization protocols may differ depending on the strength of the hyperfine coupling, necessitating tailored approaches and experimental conditions. While modified electron spin Hahn echoes like Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) and phase cycled CPMG (XY8) pulse sequences are commonly employed, they encounter significant limitations in scenarios involving spin-1/2 systems, strongly coupled spins, or nuclear spin baths comprising distinct isotopes. Here, we present a more straightforward approach for determining the hyperfine interactions among each nuclear spin and the electron spin. This method holds promise across diverse platforms, especially for emerging S = 1/2 group IV defects in diamond (e.g., SiV, GeV, SnV, PbV) and silicon (T center, P donors). We provide a theoretical framework and adapt it for color centers exhibiting various spins. Through simulations conducted on nuclear spin clusters, we evaluate different protocols and compare their performance using the Fisher information matrix and Cram & eacute;r-Rao bounds.

Abstract

Spin-active optical emitters in silicon carbide are excellent candidates toward the development of scalable quantum technologies. However, efficient photon collection is challenged by undirected emission patterns from optical dipoles, as well as low total internal reflection angles due to the high refractive index of silicon carbide. Based on recent advances with emitters in silicon carbide waveguides, we now demonstrate a comprehensive study of nanophotonic waveguide-to-fiber interfaces in silicon carbide. We find that across a large range of fabrication parameters, our experimental collection efficiencies remain above 90%. Further, by integrating silicon vacancy color centers into these waveguides, we demonstrate an overall photon count rate of 181 kilo-counts per second, which is an order of magnitude higher compared to standard setups. We also quantify the shift of the ground state spin states due to strain fields, which can be introduced by waveguide fabrication techniques. Finally, we show coherent electron spin manipulation with waveguide-integrated emitters with state-of-the-art coherence times of T-2 similar to 42 mu s. The robustness of our methods is very promising for quantum networks based on multiple orchestrated emitters.

Abstract

The silicon vacancy in silicon carbide has emerged as a promising quantum system embedded in an industry-friendly platform due to its long-lived spin qubits that can effectively interface with photonic qubits. However, the unique spin quantum number of 3/2 gives rise to a statistical mixture of the optically initialized ground-state spin sublevels, hindering its successful application as a high-fidelity spin-photon interface. Recent experimental breakthroughs have demonstrated a solution to this challenge by achieving pure-state preparation through simultaneous optical initialization and depletion of selected spin sublevels using electron spin resonance. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism of this process remains poorly understood, and an efficient method for achieving deterministic initialization has not yet been explored. In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation of the selective initialization process by establishing a complete rate model. We offer a detailed explanation of the underlying mechanism and elucidate the trade-off between initialization fidelities and efficiencies, which are strongly influenced by the experimental parameters employed. Through a thorough exploration of a wide range of experimental parameters, we identify the optimal initialization process that allows for pure-state initialization fidelity exceeding 99%. Our study offers valuable insights into achieving high-fidelity spin-photon interface applications, such as quantum repeaters, based on silicon vacancies in silicon carbide.

Abstract

This work reports on defect engineering related to optical centers in diamond by ion implantation. In particular, we demonstrate that thermal diffusion of vacancies to a few micrometers in depth can be effectively suppressed provided these are electrically charged and located within the depletion region of an abrupt -n junction. The observed effect is complementary to the observations in the previous study (Favaro et al 2017 Nat. Commun. 8 15409) showing that charging of implantation-induced vacancies at such junction structures in diamond inhibits the formation of vacancy complexes in proximity to the targeted optical centers. In the present work we first generate vacancies near the surface of a low nitrogen doped CVD diamond substrate by He and C ion implantation before these are diffused by annealing at into the bulk. In the next step the depth distribution of NV centers generated by trapping of these vacancies is analyzed on a micron scale. For precise tuning of the implantation conditions we derived data on the boron and nitrogen doping by step etching of planar resistors and -n- diode structures combined with electrical characterization and modeling. In the next step, tin-vacancy (SnV) centers were produced by 40 keV Sn implantation across the same junction structures at optimized conditions. In this way we observe an enhancement of the SnV yield and noticeable suppression of NV centers by diffusion and trapping of vacancies along the tracks of tin ions. Such ‘subsidiary’ NVs could significantly affect the emission of SnV and potentially other centers in the same spectral range.

Abstract

Nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond are sensitive to magnetic fields, and a single center permits detection of electron and nuclear spins and imaging of single molecules in its vicinity. This article reviews the achievements of advanced methods to obtain spectral and spatial resolution and it points to technical problems that remain to be solved for widespread and multidisciplinary adoption of single-molecule magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Abstract

We designed and built up a new type of ambient scanning probe microscope (SPM), which is fully compatible with state-of-the-art quantum sensing technology based on the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. We chose a qPlus-type tuning fork (Q up to similar to 4400) as the current/force sensor of SPM for its high stiffness and stability under various environments, which yields atomic resolution under scanning tunneling microscopy mode and 1.2-nm resolution under atomic force microscopy mode. The tip of SPM can be used to directly image the topography of nanoscale targets on diamond surfaces for quantum sensing and to manipulate the electrostatic environment of NV centers to enhance their sensitivity up to a single proton spin. In addition, we also demonstrated scanning magnetometry and electrometry with a spatial resolution of similar to 20 nm. Our new system not only paves the way for integrating atomic/molecular-scale color-center qubits onto SPM tips to produce quantum tips but also provides the possibility of fabricating color-center qubits with nanoscale or atomic precision.

Abstract

Colour centres in silicon carbide emerge as a promising semiconductor quantum technology platform with excellent spin-optical coherences. However, recent efforts towards maximising the photonic efficiency via integration into nanophotonic structures proved to be challenging due to reduced spectral stabilities. Here, we provide a large-scale systematic investigation on silicon vacancy centres in thin silicon carbide membranes with thicknesses down to 0.25þinspace$\mu$m. Our membrane fabrication process involves a combination of chemical mechanical polishing, reactive ion etching, and subsequent annealing. This leads to highly reproducible membranes with roughness values of 3--4þinspace\AA, as well as negligible surface fluorescence. We find that silicon vacancy centres show close-to lifetime limited optical linewidths with almost no signs of spectral wandering down to membrane thicknesses of ˜0.7þinspace$\mu$m. For silicon vacancy centres in thinner membranes down to 0.25þinspace$\mu$m, we observe spectral wandering, however, optical linewidths remain below 200þinspaceMHz, which is compatible with spin-selective excitation schemes. Our work clearly shows that silicon vacancy centres can be integrated into sub-micron silicon carbide membranes, which opens the avenue towards obtaining the necessary improvements in photon extraction efficiency based on nanophotonic structuring.

Abstract

Spin defects in diamond are attracting interest because of their possible application in quantum information processing. One group of such defects are group 4 defects (G4V). They posses an inversion symmetry, which makes them (in first order) invariant under electric fields, allowing them to be placed inside nanophotonic structures. One of those defects is the tin-vacancy (SnV) center. It has an atom like energy structure with the zero phonon line (ZPL) at 620 nm and a Debye-Waller factor of 0.6. The lower two branches are separated by 850 GHz 1, which means that phonon induced dephasing can be neglected at 2 K.

Abstract

Spatial, momentum and energy separation of electronic spins in condensed-matter systems guides the development of new devices in which spin-polarized current is generated and manipulated1--3. Recent attention on a set of previously overlooked symmetry operations in magnetic materials4 leads to the emergence of a new type of spin splitting, enabling giant and momentum-dependent spin polarization of energy bands on selected antiferromagnets5--10. Despite the ever-growing theoretical predictions, the direct spectroscopic proof of such spin splitting is still lacking. Here we provide solid spectroscopic and computational evidence for the existence of such materials. In the noncoplanar antiferromagnet manganese ditelluride (MnTe2), the in-plane components of spin are found to be antisymmetric about the high-symmetry planes of the Brillouin zone, comprising a plaid-like spin texture in the antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground state. Such an unconventional spin pattern, further found to diminish at the high-temperature paramagnetic state, originates from the intrinsic AFM order instead of spin--orbit coupling (SOC). Our finding demonstrates a new type of quadratic spin texture induced by time-reversal breaking, placing AFM spintronics on a firm basis and paving the way for studying exotic quantum phenomena in related materials.

Abstract

Nuclear spins with hyperfine coupling to single electron spins are highly valuable quantum bits. Here we probe and characterize the particularly rich nuclear-spin environment around single silicon vacancy color centers (V⁢2) in 4H-SiC. By using the electron spin-3/2 qudit as a four level sensor, we identify several sets of 29Si and 13C nuclear spins through their hyperfine interaction. We extract the major components of their hyperfine coupling via optical detected nuclear magnetic resonance, and assign them to shells in the crystal via the density function theory simulations. We utilize the ground-state level anticrossing of the electron spin for dynamic nuclear polarization and achieve a nuclear-spin polarization of up to 98±6%. We show that this scheme can be used to detect the nuclear magnetic resonance signal of individual spins and demonstrate their coherent control. Our work provides a detailed set of parameters and first steps for future use of SiC as a multiqubit memory and quantum computing platform.

Abstract

Quantum technology is a new technological paradigm. Specifically, quantum sensing promises to revolutionize important technologic parameters, like sensitivity or specificity. It’s every day applicability is significantly hampered by technical obstacles such as the need for exotic operation conditions or the use of hard to integrate materials for sensing function. Hence, there is a pressing need for the invention of practical sensor systems as well as their integration into a useable periphery. This goal can be achieved by using dopants in wide band gap semiconductors which allow for room temperature operation and do have the potential to interface with common control environments. The present paper exemplifies the development process for a magnetic field quantum sensor based on dopants in diamond.

Abstract

Three-dimensional semiconductor chip architectures promise high-density memory and much faster computation, but self-heating and leakage currents still severely limit performance. While current-density mapping is crucial to studying these issues in situ, nondestructive imaging has been limited to two dimensions. The authors use ensembles of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond as nanoscale quantum sensors to probe all three vectorial components of magnetic fields associated with electric currents, for noninvasive imaging of three-dimensional currents in multilayer integrated circuits. Further improvements could reveal the local conductance of materials, to advance condensed matter physics.

Abstract

Advances in applications of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) spin centres in diamond for sensing and quantum metrology depend critically on the NV fabrication methods. One such technique combines epitaxial diamond growth and electron or ion irradiation (He, C, etc), where NVs are activated by vacancy trapping at the nitrogen donor atoms upon thermal diffusion. In this work we study the efficiency of such method by analyzing NV depth profiles created by 340 keV and also 4 keV He irradiation in high purity CVD and HPHT diamond crystals and subjected to sequent annealing at 950 °C and 1200 °C temperatures. This analysis is coupled with the measurement of NV density in the bulk of CVD diamonds with nitrogen doping at low-ppb and low-ppm levels, exposed to MeV electrons in a wide range of the doses. For data analysis we developed an atomistic model based on probabilistic atomic jumps in a crystal lattice, which considers competitive trapping between di- or multi-vacancy defects compared to that of NVs. The efficiency of NV formation was defined as a ratio of the corresponding capture cross sections: σ NV vs. . Applying this model to the experimental data, the ratio was estimated about 0.1–0.5, where the activation energy of vacancy diffusion of about 1.7 eV was evaluated by 3D localization of individual NVs in depth profiles in a confocal microscope and sampling their spin coherence properties (). In addition, we noted two subsidiary effects also discussed here: (i) reduction of NV density within the stopping range of the implanted He atoms after annealing and, (ii) partial suppression of NVs at near-surface areas visible only at low-dose electron exposures. The results of this study could be helpful to optimize the NV fabrication process reducing the density of ‘collateral’ lattice damage.

Abstract

Quantum sensors based on solid-state defects, such as the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, offer very good room-temperature sensitivity, long-term stability, and the potential for calibration-free measurements. However, most quantum sensors still suffer from a bulky size and weight, low energy efficiency, and high costs, prohibiting their widespread use. Here, we present custom-designed chip-integrated microwave (MW) electronics for a miniaturized, low-cost, and highly scalable quantum magnetometer based on NV centers in diamond. The presented electronics include a quadrature phase-locked loop (QPLL) chip to generate the required local oscillator signal at around 7 GHz with a wide tuning range of 22% and a low phase noise (PN) of $-$ 122 dBc/Hz at 1-MHz offset from a 7-GHz carrier for broadband low-noise magnetometry. In addition, the magnetometer electronics comprise a 4-channel transmitter chip, which can provide currents up to 412 mA $_pp$ into a custom-designed inductor over a wide frequency range from 6.4 to 8 GHz. In combination with a custom-designed coil, manufactured on a glass substrate for optical transparency, which features a large active area of ( $\pi180 180~m^2$ ), this current is sufficient to produce strong MW magnetic fields up to $B_1 = (1/2) B_ac = 170~T$ , enabling pulsed optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) experiments. In proof-of-concept ODMR experiments, the presented chip-based spin control system produces fast Rabi oscillations of 5.49 MHz. The measured dc and ac magnetic field limits of detection (LOD) of the presented magnetometer are 32 nT/Hz $^1/2$ and 300 pT/Hz $^1/2$ , respectively.

Abstract

The constant interplay and information exchange between cells and the microenvironment are essential to their survival and ability to execute biological functions. To date, a few leading technologies such as traction force microscopy, optical/magnetic tweezers, and molecular tension–based fluorescence microscopy are broadly used in measuring cellular forces. However, the considerable limitations, regarding the sensitivity and ambiguities in data interpretation, are hindering our thorough understanding of mechanobiology. Here, we propose an innovative approach, namely, quantum-enhanced diamond molecular tension microscopy (QDMTM), to precisely quantify the integrin-based cell adhesive forces. Specifically, we construct a force-sensing platform by conjugating the magnetic nanotags labeled, force-responsive polymer to the surface of a diamond membrane containing nitrogen-vacancy centers. Notably, the cellular forces will be converted into detectable magnetic variations in QDMTM. After careful validation, we achieved the quantitative cellular force mapping by correlating measurement with the established theoretical model. We anticipate our method can be routinely used in studies like cell-cell or cell-material interactions and mechanotransduction. An innovative quantum-enhanced diamond molecular tension microscopy has been developed to precisely quantify the cellular forces.

Abstract

The necessity for scalable, reliable and reproducible quantum systems is raising in the time for appealing potentialities in application of this technology. On-chip photonic solutions are a leading competitor by combining established classical fabrication technologies, integrated photonics and quantum optical effects. Lithium Niobate on insulator (LNOI) is one of the main contenders for the integration of on-chip functionality. Rare Earth Ions (REI) already proved many different good properties in term of optical and spin features as well as good integration through implantation. In particular, ¹⁷¹Ytterbium showed to have clock transitions in the zero phonon line at zero field which would screen magnetic noise from high spin materials. Here the possibility to create a reconfigurable interferometer on-chip by the employment of fabrication techniques has been showed with the creation of LN structures, interconnecting infrastructure and far field coupling from SU8 resist. Moreover, doping Lithium niobate photonic crystal cavities has been investigated to be employed as switchable single photon sources.

Abstract

Fault-tolerant operations based on stabilizer codes are the state of the art in suppressing error rates in quantum computations. Most such codes do not permit a straightforward implementation of non-Clifford logical operations, which are necessary to define a universal gate set. As a result, implementations of these operations must use either error-correcting codes with more complicated error correction procedures or gate teleportation and magic states, which are prepared at the logical level, increasing overhead to a degree that precludes near-term implementation. Here, we implement a small quantum algorithm, one-qubit addition, fault-tolerantly on a trapped-ion quantum computer, using the 8, 3, 2 color code. By removing unnecessary error correction circuits and using low-overhead techniques for fault-tolerant preparation and measurement, we reduce the number of error-prone two-qubit gates and measurements to 36. We observe arithmetic errors with a rate of ∼1.1 × 10−3 for the fault-tolerant circuit and ∼9.5 × 10−3 for the unencoded circuit. Using low-overhead fault-tolerant quantum operations, one-qubit numbers are added together, reducing error rate and overhead.

Abstract

Ideal projective quantum measurement makes the system state collapse in one of the observable operator eigenstates , making it a powerful tool for preparing the system in the desired pure state. Nevertheless, experimental realisations of projective measurement are not ideal. During the measurement time needed to overcome the classical noise of the apparatus, the system state is often (slightly) perturbed, which compromises the fidelity of initialisation. In this paper, we propose an analytical model to analyse the initialisation fidelity of the system performed by the single-shot readout. We derive a method to optimise parameters for the three most used cases of photon counting based readouts for NV colour centre in diamond, charge state, nuclear spin and low temperature electron spin readout. Our work is of relevance for the accurate description of initialisation fidelity of the quantum bit when the single-shot readout is used for initialisation via post-selection or real-time control.

Abstract

Charge state instabilities have been a bottleneck for the implementation of solid-state spin systems and pose a major challenge to the development of spin-based quantum technologies. Here we investigate the stabilization of negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) centers in phosphorus-doped diamond at liquid helium temperatures. Photoionization of phosphorous donors in conjunction with charge diffusion at the nanoscale enhances NV0 to NV− conversion and stabilizes the NV− charge state without the need for an additional repump laser. The phosphorus-assisted stabilization is explored and confirmed both with experiments and our theoretical model. Stable photoluminescence-excitation spectra are obtained for NV− centers created during the growth. The fluorescence is continuously recorded under resonant excitation to real-time monitor the charge state and the ionization and recombination rates are extracted from time traces. We find a linear laser power dependence of the recombination rate as opposed to the conventional quadratic dependence, which is attributed to the photo-ionization of phosphorus atoms.

Abstract

Nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are a major platform for the detection of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals at the nanoscale. To overcome the intrinsic electron spin lifetime limit in spectral resolution, a heterodyne detection approach is widely used. However, application of this technique at high magnetic fields is yet an unsolved problem. Here, we introduce a heterodyne detection method utilizing a series of phase coherent electron nuclear double resonance sensing blocks, thus eliminating the numerous Rabi microwave pulses required in the detection. Our detection protocol can be extended to high magnetic fields, allowing chemical shift resolution in NMR experiments. We demonstrate this principle on a weakly coupled 13C nuclear spin in the bath surrounding single NV centers, and compare the results to existing heterodyne protocols. Additionally, we identify the combination of NV-spin-initialization infidelity and strong sensor-target-coupling as linewidth-limiting decoherence source, paving the way towards high-field heterodyne NMR protocols with chemical resolution.

Abstract

A practical implementation of a quantum computer requires robust qubits that are protected against their noisy environment. Dynamical decoupling techniques have been successfully used in the past to offer protected high-fidelity gate operations in negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy ($NV^-$) centers in diamond, albeit under specific conditions with the intrinsic nitrogen nuclear spin initialized. In this work, we show how the sinusoidally modulated, always rotating, and tailored (SMART) protocol, an extension of the dressed-qubit concept, can be implemented for continuous protection to offer Clifford gate fidelities compatible with fault-tolerant schemes, whilst prolonging the coherence time of a single $NV^-$ qubit at room temperature. We show an improvement in the average Clifford gate fidelity from $0.940ıfmmode\pm\else±\fi0.005$ for the bare qubit to $0.993ıfmmode\pm\else±\fi0.002$ for the SMART qubit, with the nitrogen nuclear spin in a random orientation. We further show a $\gtrsim30$ times improvement in the qubit $T_2^*$ coherence times compared to the bare qubit.

Abstract

Efficient optical interfacing of spin-bearing quantum emitters is a crucial ingredient for quantum networks. A promising route therefore is to incorporate host materials as minimally processed membranes into open-access microcavities: it enables significant emission enhancement and efficient photon collection, minimizes deteriorating influence on the quantum emitter, and allows for full spatial and spectral tunability. Here, we study the properties of a high-finesse fiber Fabry-P'erot microcavity with integrated single-crystal diamond membranes by scanning cavity microscopy. We observe the spatially resolved effects of the diamond-air interface on the cavity-mode structure: a strong correlation of the cavity finesse and mode structure with the diamond thickness and surface topography, prevalent transverse-mode mixing under diamondlike conditions, and mode-character-dependent polarization-mode splitting. Our results reveal the influence of the diamond surface on the achievable Purcell enhancement, which helps to clarify the route towards optimized spin-photon interfaces.

Abstract

The ability to track and control the dynamics of a quantum system is the key to quantum technology. Despite its central role, the quantitative reconstruction of the dynamics of a single quantum system from the macroscopic data of the associated observable remains a problem. We consider this problem in the context of weak measurements of a single nuclear carbon spin in a diamond with an electron spin as a meter at room temperature, which is a well-controlled and understandable bipartite quantum system. In this work, based on a detailed theoretical analysis of the model of the experiment, we study the relationship between the statistical properties of the macroscopic readout signal of the spin of a single electron and the quantum dynamics of the spin of a single nucleus, which is characterized by a parameter associated with the strength of the measurement. We determine the parameter of measurement strength in separate experiments and use it to reconstruct the quantum correlation. We control the validity of our approach applying the Leggett-Garg test.

Abstract

High-pressure experiments are crucial in modern interdisciplinary research fields such as engineering quantum materials, yet local probing techniques remain restricted due to the tight confinement of the pressure chamber in certain pressure devices. Recently, the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (N-$V$) center has emerged as a robust and versatile quantum sensor in pressurized environments. There are two popular ways to implement N-$V$ sensing in a diamond anvil cell (DAC), which is a conventional workhorse in the high-pressure community: create implanted N-$V$ centers (IN-$Vs$) at the diamond anvil tip or immerse N-$V$-enriched nanodiamonds (NDs) in the pressure medium. Nonetheless, there are limited studies on comparing the local stress environments experienced by these sensor types as well as their performances as pressure gauges. In this work, by probing the N-$V$ energy levels with the optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) method, we experimentally reveal a dramatic difference in the partially reconstructed stress tensors of IN-$Vs$ and NDs incorporated in the same DAC. Our measurement results agree with computational simulations, concluding that IN-$Vs$ perceive a more nonhydrostatic environment dominated by a uniaxial stress along the DAC axis. This provides insights on the suitable choice of N-$V$ sensors for specific purposes and the stress distribution in a DAC. We further propose some possible methods, such as using NDs and diamond nanopillars, to extend the maximum working pressure of quantum sensing based on ODMR spectroscopy, since the maximum working pressure could be restricted by nonhydrostaticity of the pressure environment. Moreover, we explore more sensing applications of the N-$V$ center by studying how pressure modifies different aspects of the N-$V$ system. We perform a PL study using both IN-$Vs$ and NDs to determine the pressure dependence of the zero-phonon line, which helps developing an all-optical pressure sensing protocol with the N-$V$ center. We also characterize the spin-lattice relaxation ($T_1$) time of IN-$Vs$ under pressure to lay a foundation for robust pulsed measurements with N-$V$ centers in pressurized environments.

Abstract

Near-surface negatively charged nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers hold excellent promise for nanoscale magnetic imaging and quantum sensing. However, they often experience charge-state instabilities, leading to strongly reduced fluorescence and NV coherence time, which negatively impact magnetic imaging sensitivity. This occurs even more severely at 4 K and ultrahigh vacuum (UHV, p = 2 × 10–10 mbar). We demonstrate that in situ adsorption of H2O on the diamond surface allows the partial recovery of the shallow NV sensors. Combining these with band-bending calculations, we conclude that controlled surface treatments are essential for implementing NV-based quantum sensing protocols under cryogenic UHV conditions.

Abstract

Extracting useful signals is key to both classical and quantum technologies. Conventional noise filtering methods rely on different patterns of signal and noise in frequency or time domains, thus limiting their scope of application, especially in quantum sensing. Here, we propose a signal-nature-based (not signal-pattern-based) approach which singles out a quantum signal from its classical noise background by employing the intrinsic quantum nature of the system. We design a novel protocol to extract the quantum correlation signal and use it to single out the signal of a remote nuclear spin from its overwhelming classical noise backgrounds, which is impossible to be accomplished by conventional filter methods. Our Letter demonstrates the quantum or classical nature as a new degree of freedom in quantum sensing. The further generalization of this quantum nature-based method opens a new direction in quantum research.

Abstract

Magnetometers based on color centers in diamond are setting new frontiers for sensing capabilities due to their combined extraordinary performances in sensitivity, bandwidth, dynamic range, and spatial resolution, with stable operability in a wide range of conditions ranging from room to low temperatures. This has allowed for its wide range of applications, from biology and chemical studies to industrial applications. Among the many, sensing of bio-magnetic fields from muscular and neurophysiology has been one of the most attractive applications for NV magnetometry due to its compact and proximal sensing capability. Although SQUID magnetometers and optically pumped magnetometers (OPM) have made huge progress in Magnetomyography (MMG) and Magnetoneurography (MNG), exploring the same with NV magnetometry is scant at best. Given the room temperature operability and gradiometric applications of the NV magnetometer, it could be highly sensitive in the <mml:math id="M1" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:mtext>pT</mml:mtext><mml:mo>/</mml:mo><mml:msqrt><mml:mrow><mml:mtext>Hz</mml:mtext></mml:mrow></mml:msqrt></mml:math>-range even without magnetic shielding, bringing it close to industrial applications. The presented work here elaborates on the performance metrics of these magnetometers to the state-of-the-art techniques by analyzing the sensitivity, dynamic range, and bandwidth, and discusses the potential benefits of using NV magnetometers for MMG and MNG applications.

Abstract

The performance of qubit-based technologies can be strongly limited by environmental sources of noise and disorder that cause decoherence. Qubits used in quantum sensing are usually very close to the host surface to enhance their coupling to external targets. This leaves them vulnerable to the effects of the surrounding noisy electron spin bath near the surface, which is very challenging to eliminate. Here we developed an efficient method to engineer the immediate electrostatic environment of nitrogen vacancy centre qubits located several nanometres beneath the diamond surface. We adopt a `pull-and-push' strategy for near-surface charge manipulation using the strong local electric field of an atomic force microscope tip. Our technique is particularly effective for extremely shallow nitrogen vacancy centres, increasing their spin echo time by up to 20 fold. This corresponds to an 80-fold enhancement in the potential sensitivity for detecting individual external proton spins. Our work not only represents a step towards overcoming a fundamental restriction to applications of shallow nitrogen vacancy centres for quantum sensing but may also provide a general route for enhancing the coherence of solid-state qubits.

Abstract

Mapping the positions of single electron spins is a highly desired capability for applications such as nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging and quantum network characterization. Here, we demonstrate a method based on rotating an external magnetic field to identify the precise location of single electron spins in the vicinity of a quantum spin sensor. We use a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond as a quantum sensor and modulate the dipolar coupling to a proximate electron spin in the crystal by varying the magnetic field vector. The modulation of the dipolar coupling contains information on the coordinates of the spin, from which we extract its position with an uncertainty of 0.9 \AA. We show that the method can be used to locate electron spins with nanometer precision up to 10 nm away from the sensor. We discuss the applicability of the method to mapping hyperfine coupled electron spins and show that it may be applied to locating nitroxide radicals. The magnetic tomography method can be utilized for distance measurements for studying the structure of individual molecules.

Abstract

Conventional nonlinear spectroscopy, which use classical probes, can only access a limited set of correlations in a quantum system. Here we demonstrate that quantum nonlinear spectroscopy, in which a quantum sensor and a quantum object are first entangled and the sensor is measured along a chosen basis, can extract arbitrary types and orders of correlations in a quantum system. We measured fourth-order correlations of single nuclear spins that cannot be measured in conventional nonlinear spectroscopy, using sequential weak measurement via a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond. The quantum nonlinear spectroscopy provides fingerprint features to identify different types of objects, such as Gaussian noises, random-phased AC fields, and quantum spins, which would be indistinguishable in second-order correlations. This work constitutes an initial step toward the application of higher-order correlations to quantum sensing, to examining the quantum foundation (by, e.g., higher-order Leggett-Garg inequality), and to studying quantum many-body physics.

Abstract

Quantum sensors are known for their high sensitivity in sensing applications. However, this sensitivity often comes with severe restrictions on other parameters which are also important. Examples are that in measurements of arbitrary signals, limitation in linear dynamic range could introduce distortions in magnitude and phase of the signal. High frequency resolution is another important feature for reconstructing unknown signals. Here, we demonstrate a distortion-free quantum sensing protocol that combines a quantum phase-sensitive detection with heterodyne readout. We present theoretical and experimental investigations using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, showing the capability of reconstructing audio frequency signals with an extended linear dynamic range and high frequency resolution. Melody and speech based signals are used for demonstrating the features. The methods could broaden the horizon for quantum sensors towards applications, e.g. telecommunication in challenging environment, where low-distortion measurements are required at multiple frequency bands within a limited volume.

Abstract

Single color centers in solid have emerged as promising physical platforms for quantum information science. Creating these centers with excellent quantum properties is a key foundation for further technological developments. In particular, the microscopic understanding of the spin-bath environments is the key to engineer color centers for quantum control. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a distinct high-temperature annealing (HTA) approach for creating high-quality nitrogen vacancy (N-V) centers in implantation-free diamonds. Simultaneously using the created N-V centers as probes for their local environment we verify that no damage is microscopically induced by the HTA. Nearly all single N-V centers created in ultralow-nitrogen-concentration membranes possess stable and Fourier-transform-limited optical spectra. Furthermore, HTA strongly reduces noise sources naturally grown in ensemble samples, and leads to more than threefold improvements of decoherence time and sensitivity. We also verify that the vacancy activation and defect reformation, especially H3 and P1 centers, can explain the reconfiguration between spin baths and color centers. This distinct approach will become a powerful tool in vacancy-based quantum technology.

Abstract

We investigate, theoretically and experimentally, the thermodynamic performance of a minimal three-qubit heat-bath algorithmic cooling refrigerator. We analytically compute the coefficient of performance, the cooling power, and the polarization of the target qubit for an arbitrary number of cycles, taking realistic experimental imperfections into account. We determine their fundamental upper bounds in the ideal reversible limit and show that these values may be experimentally approached using a system of three qubits in a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond.

Abstract

The family of room temperature atomic scale magnetometers is currently limited to nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. However, nitrogen-vacancy centers are insensitive to strong off-axis magnetic fields. In this work, we show that the well-known TR12 radiative defect in diamond, exhibits strong optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) signal under optical saturation. We also demonstrate that the spin system responsible for the magnetic resonance is an excited triplet state that can be coherently controlled at room temperature on a single defect level. The high optically detected magnetic resonance contrast, which is maintained even for strong off-axis magnetic fields, suggests that TR12 centers can be used for vector magnetometry even at high field.

Abstract

Sub-shot-noise phase sensing is realized using a method that infers optical phase shifts through standard intensity measurements, and a human experience of quantum advantage is demonstrated.

Abstract

Recent progress in the realization of high-quality optical resonators and waveguides along with the possibility to incorporate rare-earth ions, make lithium niobate a promising material to build integrated platforms for quantum information processing. $^171Yb^3+$ is a particularly attractive system because it can show long coherence lifetimes at zero magnetic field thanks to transitions insensitive to magnetic field fluctuations. In this paper, we investigate the optical and spin properties of $^171Yb^3+$ ions in $LiNbO_3$ bulk crystals as well as implanted waveguides. Using hole-burning spectroscopy and optically detected magnetic resonance, we studied ground and excited state hyperfine structures and probed optical and spin spectral holes. Importantly, the hole linewidths suggest that part of the ions in the waveguides are in a similar environment as in the bulk sample. We furthermore characterized spin population relaxation and coherence lifetimes of $^171Yb^3+$ ions in the bulk crystal at temperatures between 50 mK and 9 K. At low temperatures, $T_2$ up to 9.5 $\mus$ (34 kHz homogeneous linewidth) and spin relaxation rates as long as $\approx100$ ms were measured. Our results show that $^171Yb^3+$:$LiNbO_3$ is a system that exhibits narrow optical homogeneous linewidths over a 50 GHz bandwidth together with an electron spin degree of freedom. This is of interest for a variety of applications in integrated quantum photonics such as quantum memories or quantum processors.

Abstract

Color centers in silicon carbide are emerging candidates for distributed spin-based quantum applications due to the scalability of host materials and the demonstration of integration into nanophotonic resonators. Recently, silicon vacancy centers in silicon carbide have been identified as a promising system with excellent spin and optical properties. Here, we fully study the spin-optical dynamics of the single silicon vacancy center at hexagonal lattice sites, namely V1, in 4H-polytype silicon carbide. By utilizing resonant and above-resonant sublifetime pulsed excitation, we determine spin-dependent excited-state lifetimes and intersystem-crossing rates. Our approach to inferring the intersystem-crossing rates is based on all-optical pulsed initialization and readout scheme, and is applicable to spin-active color centers with similar dynamics models. In addition, the optical transition dipole strength and the quantum efficiency of V1 defect are evaluated based on coherent optical Rabi measurement and local-field calibration employing electric field simulation. The measured rates well explain the results of spin-state polarization dynamics, and we further discuss the altered photoemission dynamics in resonant enhancement structures such as radiative lifetime shortening and Purcell enhancement. By providing a thorough description of the V1 center&#39;s spin-optical dynamics, our work provides deep understanding of the system, which guides implementations of scalable quantum applications based on silicon vacancy centers in silicon carbide.

Abstract

Electro-optical control of on-chip photonic devices is an essential tool for efficient integrated photonics. Lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) is an emerging platform for on-chip photonics due to its large electro-optic coefficient and high nonlinearity. Integrating quantum emitters into LNOI would extend their versatility in classic photonics to quantum computing and communication. Here, we incorporate rare-earth ion (REI) quantum emitters into electro-optical tunable lithium niobite (LN) thin films and demonstrate control of LN microcavities coupled to REIs over a frequency range of 160 GHz with 5 mu switching speed. Dynamic control of the cavities enables modulation of the Purcell enhancement of REIs with short time constants. Using Purcell enhancement, we show evidence of detecting single Yb3+ ions in LN cavities. Coupling quantum emitters in fast tunable photonic devices is an efficient method to shape the waveform of the emitter. It also offers a platform to encode quantum information in the integration of a spectral-temporal-spatial domain to achieve high levels of channel multiplexing, as well as an approach to generate deterministic single-photon sources. (C) 2022 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement

Abstract

Magnetism in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials has recently emerged as one of the most promising areas in condensed matter research, with many exciting emerging properties and significant potential for applications ranging from topological magnonics to low-power spintronics, quantum computing, and optical communications. In the brief time after their discovery, 2D magnets have blossomed into a rich area for investigation, where fundamental concepts in magnetism are challenged by the behavior of spins that can develop at the single layer limit. However, much effort is still needed in multiple fronts before 2D magnets can be routinely used for practical implementations. In this comprehensive review, prominent authors with expertise in complementary fields of 2D magnetism (i.e., synthesis, device engineering, magneto-optics, imaging, transport, mechanics, spin excitations, and theory and simulations) have joined together to provide a genome of current knowledge and a guideline for future developments in 2D magnetic materials research.

Abstract

In the last two decades, bulk, homoepitaxial, and heteroepitaxial growth of silicon carbide (SiC) has witnessed many advances, giving rise to electronic devices widely used in highpower and high-frequency applications. Recent research has revealed that SiC also exhibits unique optical properties that can be utilized for novel photonic devices. SiC is a transparent material from the UV to the infrared, possess nonlinear optical properties from the visible to the mid-infrared and it is a meta-material in the mid-infrared range. SiC fluorescence due to color centers can be associated with single photon emitters and can be used as spin qubits for quantum computation and communication networks and quantum sensing. This unique combination of excellent electronic, photonic and spintronic properties has prompted research to develop novel devices and sensors in the quantum technology domain. In this perspective, we highlight progress, current trends and prospects of SiC science and technology underpinning the development of classical and quantum photonic devices. Specifically, we lay out the main steps recently undertaken to achieve high quality photonic components, and outline some of the current challenges SiC faces to establish its relevance as a viable photonic technology. We will also focus on its unique potential to bridge the gap between classical and quantum photonics, and to technologically advance quantum sensing applications. We will finally provide an outlook on possible alternative applications where photonics, electronics, and spintronics could merge.

Abstract

The negatively charged boron-vacancy pair - the BV$^-$ center - was a missing defect in diamond. It is expectedly very similar to the NV$^-$ center, which is one of the most famous spin defects or spin qubits in semiconductors. The BV$^-$ center has now been identified by electron paramagnetic resonance on specially prepared diamonds. Its spin-triplet state resembles a lot that of NV$^-$, while its optically detected magnetic resonance signal was invisible, posing a puzzle why the BV$^-$ luminescence is so weak.

Abstract

Nuclei surrounding single electron spins are valuable resources for quantum technology. For application in this area, one is often interested in weakly coupled nuclei with coupling strength on the order of a few 10--100 kHz. In this paper, we compare methods to address single nuclear spins with this type of hyperfine coupling to a single electron spin. To achieve the required spectral resolution, we specifically focus on two methods, namely dynamical decoupling and correlation spectroscopy. We demonstrate spectroscopy of two single nuclear spins and present a method to derive components of their hyperfine coupling tensor from those measurements.

Abstract

Shallow nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are promising for nanomagnetometry, for they can be placed proximate to targets. To study the intrinsic magnetic properties, zero-field magnetometry is desirable. However, for shallow NV centers under zero field, the strain near diamond surfaces would cause level anticrossing between the spin states, leading to clock transitions whose frequencies are insensitive to magnetic signals. Furthermore, the charge noises from the surfaces would induce extra spin decoherence and hence reduce the magnetic sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate that the relatively strong hyperfine coupling (130 MHz) from a first-shell $^13C$ nuclear spin can provide an effective bias field to an NV center spin so that the clock-transition condition is broken and the charge noises are suppressed. The hyperfine bias enhances the dc magnetic sensitivity by a factor of 22 in our setup. With the charge noises suppressed by the strong hyperfine field, the ac magnetometry under zero field also reaches the limit set by decoherence due to the nuclear spin bath. In addition, the 130 MHz splitting of the NV center spin transitions allows relaxometry of magnetic noises simultaneously at two well-separated frequencies (\sim2.870 ıfmmode\pm\else±\fi 0.065 GHz), providing (low-resolution) spectral information of high-frequency noises under zero field. The hyperfine-bias-enhanced zero-field magnetometry can be combined with dynamical decoupling to enhance single-molecule magnetic resonance spectroscopy and to improve the frequency resolution in nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract

Optically addressable spin defects in silicon carbide (SiC) are an emerging platform for quantum information processing compatible with nanofabrication processes and device control used by the semiconductor industry. System scalability towards large-scale quantum networks demands integration into nanophotonic structures with efficient spin--photon interfaces. However, degradation of the spin-optical coherence after integration in nanophotonic structures has hindered the potential of most colour centre platforms. Here, we demonstrate the implantation of silicon vacancy centres (VSi) in SiC without deterioration of their intrinsic spin-optical properties. In particular, we show nearly lifetime-limited photon emission and high spin-coherence times for single defects implanted in bulk as well as in nanophotonic waveguides created by reactive ion etching. Furthermore, we take advantage of the high spin-optical coherences of VSi centres in waveguides to demonstrate controlled operations on nearby nuclear spin qubits, which is a crucial step towards fault-tolerant quantum information distribution based on cavity quantum electrodynamics.

Abstract

The quantum Fourier transformation (QFT) is a key building block for a whole wealth of quantum algorithms. Despite its proven efficiency, only a few proof-of-principle demonstrations have been reported. Here we utilize QFT to enhance the performance of a quantum sensor. We implement the QFT algorithm in a hybrid quantum register consisting of a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center electron spin and three nuclear spins. The QFT runs on the nuclear spins and serves to process the sensor---i.e., the NV electron spin signal. Specifically, we show the application of QFT for correlation spectroscopy, where the long correlation time benefits the use of the QFT in gaining maximum precision and dynamic range at the same time. We further point out the ability for demultiplexing the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals using QFT and demonstrate precision scaling with the number of used qubits. Our results mark the application of a complex quantum algorithm in sensing which is of particular interest for high dynamic range quantum sensing and nanoscale NMR spectroscopy experiments.

Abstract

The achievable bounds of cooling quantum systems, and the possibility to violate them is not well-explored experimentally. For example, among the common methods to enhance spin polarization (cooling), one utilizes the low temperature and high-magnetic field condition or employs a resonant exchange with highly polarized spins. The achievable polarization, in such cases, is bounded either by Boltzmann distribution or by energy conservation. Heat-bath algorithmic cooling schemes (HBAC), on the other hand, have shown the possibility to surpass the physical limit set by the energy conservation and achieve a higher saturation limit in spin cooling. Despite, the huge theoretical progress, and few principle demonstrations, neither the existence of the limit nor its application in cooling quantum systems towards the maximum achievable limit have been experimentally verified. Here, we show the experimental saturation of the HBAC limit for single nuclear spins, beyond any available polarization in solid-state spin system, the Nitrogen-Vacancy centers in diamond. We benchmark the performance of our experiment over a range of variable reset polarizations (bath temperatures), and discuss the role of quantum coherence in HBAC.

Abstract

Nitrogen-vacancy (N -V) centers in diamond have developed into a powerful solid-state platform for compact quantum sensors. However, high-sensitivity measurements usually come with additional constraints on the pumping intensity of the laser and the pulse control applied. Here, we demonstrate high-sensitivity N -V-ensemble-based magnetic field measurements with low-intensity optical excitation. Direct current magnetometry methods such as continuous-wave optically detected magnetic resonance and continuously excited Ramsey measurements combined with lock-in detection are compared to achieve an optimization. Gradiometry is also investigated as a step towards unshielded measurements of unknown gradients. The magnetometer demonstrates a minimum detectable field of 0.3-0.7 pT in a 73-s measurement when a flux guide with a sensing dimension of 2 mm is applied, corresponding to a magnetic field sensitivity of 2.6-6 pT/root Hz. Combined with our previous efforts on diamond ac magnetometry, the diamond magnetometer is promising for performing wide-bandwidth magnetometry with picotesla sensitivity and a cubic-millimeter sensing volume under ambient conditions.

Abstract

Microscopic studies on thin film superconductors play an important role for probing non-equilibrium phase transitions and revealing dynamics at the nanoscale. However, magnetic sensors with nanometer scale spatial and picosecond temporal resolution are essential for exploring these. Here, we present an all-optical, microwave-free method that utilizes the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond as a non-invasive quantum sensor and enables the spatial detection of the Meissner state in a superconducting thin film. We place an NV implanted diamond membrane on a 20nm thick superconducting La2−xSrxCuO4 (LSCO) thin film with Tc of 34K. The strong B-field dependence of the NV photoluminescence allows us to investigate the Meissner screening in LSCO under an externally applied magnetic field of 4.2mT in a non-resonant manner. The magnetic field profile along the LSCO thin film can be reproduced using Brandt’s analytical model, revealing a critical current density jc of 1.4×108A/cm2. Our work can be potentially extended further with a combination of optical pump probe spectroscopy for the local detection of time-resolved dynamical phenomena in nanomagnetic materials.

Abstract

Scattering experiments have revolutionized our understanding of nature. Examples include the discovery of the nucleus R. G. Newton, Scattering Theory of Waves and Particles (1982), crystallography U. Pietsch, V. Holý, T. Baumback, High-Resolution X-Ray Scattering (2004), and the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA J. D. Watson, F. H. C. Crick, Nature 171, 737–738. Scattering techniques differ by the type of particles used, the interaction these particles have with target materials, and the range of wavelengths used. Here, we demonstrate a two-dimensional table-top scattering platform for exploring magnetic properties of materials on mesoscopic length scales. Long-lived, coherent magnonic excitations are generated in a thin film of yttrium iron garnet and scattered off a magnetic target deposited on its surface. The scattered waves are then recorded using a scanning nitrogen vacancy center magnetometer that allows subwavelength imaging and operation under conditions ranging from cryogenic to ambient environment. While most scattering platforms measure only the intensity of the scattered waves, our imaging method allows for spatial determination of both amplitude and phase of the scattered waves, thereby allowing for a systematic reconstruction of the target scattering potential. Our experimental results are consistent with theoretical predictions for such a geometry and reveal several unusual features of the magnetic response of the target, including suppression near the target edges and a gradient in the direction perpendicular to the direction of surface wave propagation. Our results establish magnon scattering experiments as a platform for studying correlated many-body systems.

Abstract

Point defects in crystals provide important building blocks for quantum applications. Since we optically address these defect qubits, having an efficient optical interface is a highly important aspect. However, conventional confocal fluorescence microscopy of high-refractive-index crystals suffers from limited photon collection efficiency and spatial resolution. Here, we demonstrate high-resolution, high-contrast imaging of defects in diamonds using microsphere-assisted confocal microscopy. A microsphere provides an excellent optical interface for point defects with a magnified virtual image that increases the spatial resolution up to λ/5, as well as the optical signal-to-noise ratio by four times. These features enable individual optical addressing of single photons and single spins of multiple defects that are spatially unresolved in conventional confocal microscopy, with improved signal contrast. Combined with optical tweezers, this system also demonstrates the possibility of positioning or scanning the microspheres. The approach does not require any complicated fabrication or additional optical systems, but uses simple, off-the-shelf micro-optics. From these distinctive advantages of microspheres, our approach provides an efficient way to image and address closely spaced defects with much better resolution and sensitivity.

Abstract

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond can be used as quantum sensors to image the magnetic field with nanoscale resolution. However, nanoscale electric-field mapping has not been achieved so far because of the relatively weak coupling strength between NV and electric field. Here, using individual shallow NVs, we quantitatively image electric field contours from a sharp tip of a qPlus-based atomic force microscope (AFM), and achieve a spatial resolution of similar to 10nm. Through such local electric fields, we demonstrated electric control of NV's charge state with sub-5 nm precision. This work represents the first step towards nanoscale scanning electrometry based on a single quantum sensor and may open up the possibility of quantitatively mapping local charge, electric polarization, and dielectric response in a broad spectrum of functional materials at nanoscale.

Abstract

The emergence of atomically thin van der Waals magnets provides a new platform for the studies of two-dimensional magnetism and its applications. However, the widely used measurement methods in recent studies cannot provide quantitative information of the magnetization nor achieve nanoscale spatial resolution. These capabilities are essential to explore the rich properties of magnetic domains and spin textures. Here, we employ cryogenic scanning magnetometry using a single-electron spin of a nitrogen-vacancy center in a diamond probe to unambiguously prove the existence of magnetic domains and study their dynamics in atomically thin CrBr3. By controlling the magnetic domain evolution as a function of magnetic field, we find that the pinning effect is a dominant coercivity mechanism and determine the magnetization of a CrBr3 bilayer to be about 26 Bohr magnetons per square nanometer. The high spatial resolution of this technique enables imaging of magnetic domains and allows to locate the sites of defects that pin the domain walls and nucleate the reverse domains. Our work highlights scanning nitrogen-vacancy center magnetometry as a quantitative probe to explore nanoscale features in two-dimensional magnets. Van der Waals (vdW) magnets have allowed researchers to explore the two dimensional limit of magnetisation; however experimental challenges have hindered analysis of magnetic domains. Here, using an NV centre based probe, the authors analyse the nature of magnetic domains in the vdW magnet, CrBr3.

Abstract

Optically active solid-state spin registers have demonstrated their unique potential in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. Realizing scalability and increasing application complexity require entangling multiple individual systems, e.g., via photon interference in an optical network. However, most solid-state emitters show relatively broad spectral distributions, which hinders optical interference experiments. Here, we demonstrate that silicon vacancy centers in semiconductor silicon carbide (SiC) provide a remarkably small natural distribution of their optical absorption/emission lines despite an elevated defect concentration of

Abstract

A plethora of single-photon emitters have been identified in the atomic layers of two-dimensional van der Waals materials(1-8). Here, we report on a set of isolated optical emitters embedded in hexagonal boron nitride that exhibit optically detected magnetic resonance. The defect spins show an isotropic g(e)-factor of similar to 2 and zero-field splitting below 10 MHz. The photokinetics of one type of defect is compatible with ground-state electron-spin paramagnetism. The narrow and inhomogeneously broadened magnetic resonance spectrum differs significantly from the known spectra of in-plane defects. We determined a hyperfine coupling of similar to 10 MHz. Its angular dependence indicates an unpaired, out-of-plane delocalized pi-orbital electron, probably originating from substitutional impurity atoms. We extracted spin-lattice relaxation times T-1 of 13-17 mu s with estimated spin coherence times T-2 of less than 1 mu s. Our results provide further insight into the structure, composition and dynamics of single optically active spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride.

Abstract

Atomic spins for quantum technologies need to be individually addressed and positioned with nanoscale precision. C60 fullerene cages offer a robust packaging for atomic spins, while allowing in-situ physical positioning at the nanoscale. However, achieving single-spin level readout and control of endofullerenes has so far remained elusive. In this work, we demonstrate electron paramagnetic resonance on an encapsulated nitrogen spin (14N@C60) within a C60 matrix using a single near-surface nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond at 4.7 K. Exploiting the strong magnetic dipolar interaction between the NV and endofullerene electronic spins, we demonstrate radio-frequency pulse controlled Rabi oscillations and measure spin-echos on an encapsulated spin. Modeling the results using second-order perturbation theory reveals an enhanced hyperfine interaction and zero-field splitting, possibly caused by surface adsorption on diamond. These results demonstrate the first step towards controlling single endofullerenes, and possibly building large-scale endofullerene quantum machines, which can be scaled using standard positioning or self-assembly methods.

Abstract

Coupled micro- and nanomechanical oscillators are of fundamental and technical interest for emerging quantum technologies. Upon interfacing with long-lived solid-state spins, the coherent manipulation of the quantum hybrid system becomes possible even at ambient conditions. Although the ability of these systems to act as a quantum bus inducing long-range spin–spin interactions has been known, the possibility to coherently couple electron/nuclear spins to the common modes of multiple oscillators and map their mechanical motion to spin-polarization has not been experimentally demonstrated. We here report experiments on interfacing spins to the common modes of a coupled cantilever system and show their correlation by translating ultralow forces induced by radiation from one oscillator to a distant spin. Further, we analyze the coherent spin–spin coupling induced by the common modes and estimate the entanglement generation among distant spins.

Abstract

Cryogenic operation, in conjunction with new test--mass materials, promises to reduce the sensitivity limitations from thermal noise in gravitational-wave detectors. Currently, the most advanced materials under discussion are crystalline silicon as a substrate with amorphous silicon-based coatings. However, they require operational wavelengths around 2 μm to avoid laser absorption. Here we present a light source at 2128 nm based on a degenerate optical parametric oscillator to convert light from a 1064 nm nonplanar ring--oscillator. We achieve an external conversion efficiency of (87.1 ± 0.4)% at a pump power of 52 mW in periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate (internal efficiency was 93 %). With our approach, light from the established and existing laser sources can be efficiently converted to the 2 μm regime while retaining the excellent stability properties.

Abstract

Quantum emitters with long-lived quantum memories are a promising scalable quantum system for repeater-based quantum communications, quantum sensing, and distributed quantum computing networks. Although color centers in solids have been successful, further improvements in the efficiency of optical control and detection and scalability are necessary for practical uses. Here, we demonstrate that single nitrogen-vacancy centers can be efficiently coupled in diamond inverted nanocones that can be fabricated directly on the high-quality CVD diamond surface by the all-direction diagonal dry etching using a solid cone-shaped Faraday cage. Since the inverted cone shape allows efficient photon collection thanks to the single-directional guiding of photons, we report 20-fold enhancement in the photon collection efficiency from a single emitter while preserving a long electron spin coherence time. Furthermore, we show that an inverted nanocone can be picked and placed on the target position with desired orientation by using conventional microprobe tips. The demonstrated structure can also be applied to similar emitters in other solids; thus, it can be used for finding new possibilities for scalable photonic quantum devices.

Abstract

The ability to shape photon emission facilitates strong photon-mediated interactions between disparate physical systems, thereby enabling applications in quantum information processing, simulation and communication. Spectral control in solid state platforms such as color centers, rare earth ions, and quantum dots is particularly attractive for realizing such applications on-chip. Here we propose the use of frequency-modulated optical transitions for spectral engineering of single photon emission. Using a scattering-matrix formalism, we find that a two-level system, when modulated faster than its optical lifetime, can be treated as a single-photon source with a widely reconfigurable photon spectrum that is amenable to standard numerical optimization techniques. To enable the experimental demonstration of this spectral control scheme, we investigate the Stark tuning properties of the silicon vacancy in silicon carbide, a color center with promise for optical quantum information processing technologies. We find that the silicon vacancy possesses excellent spectral stability and tuning characteristics, allowing us to probe its fast modulation regime, observe the theoretically-predicted two-photon correlations, and demonstrate spectral engineering. Our results suggest that frequency modulation is a powerful technique for the generation of new light states with unprecedented control over the spectral and temporal properties of single photons.

Abstract

Significance: Wide-field measurement of cellular membrane dynamics with high spatiotemporal resolution can facilitate analysis of the computing properties of neuronal circuits. Quantum microscopy using a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center is a promising technique to achieve this goal. Aim: We propose a proof-of-principle approach to NV-based neuron functional imaging. Approach: This goal is achieved by engineering NV quantum sensors in diamond nanopillar arrays and switching their sensing mode to detect the changes in the electric fields instead of the magnetic fields, which has the potential to greatly improve signal detection. Apart from containing the NV quantum sensors, nanopillars also function as waveguides, delivering the excitation/emission light to improve sensitivity. The nanopillars also improve the amplitude of the neuron electric field sensed by the NV by removing screening charges. When the nanopillar array is used as a cell niche, it acts as a cell scaffolds which makes the pillars function as biomechanical cues that facilitate the growth and formation of neuronal circuits. Based on these growth patterns, numerical modeling of the nanoelectromagnetics between the nanopillar and the neuron was also performed. Results: The growth study showed that nanopillars with a 2-μm pitch and a 200-nm diameter show ideal growth patterns for nanopillar sensing. The modeling showed an electric field amplitude as high as ≈1.02  ×  1010  mV  /  m at an NV 100 nm from the membrane, a value almost 10 times the minimum field that the NV can detect. Conclusion: This proof-of-concept study demonstrated unprecedented NV sensing potential for the functional imaging of mammalian neuron signals.

Abstract

There are diverse interdisciplinary applications for nanoscale-resolution electrometry of elementary charges under ambient conditions. These include characterization of two-dimensional electronics, charge transfer in biological systems, and measurement of fundamental physical phenomena. The nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond is uniquely capable of such measurements, however electrometry thus far has been limited to charges within the same diamond lattice. It has been hypothesized that the failure to detect charges external to diamond is due to quenching and surface screening, but no proof, model, or design to overcome this has yet been proposed. In this work we affirm this hypothesis through a comprehensive theoretical model of screening and quenching within a diamond electrometer and propose a solution using controlled nitrogen doping and a fluorine-terminated surface. We conclude that successful implementation requires further work to engineer diamond surfaces with lower surface-defect concentrations.

Abstract

Machine learning (ML) has become an attractive tool for solving various problems in different fields of physics, including the quantum domain. Here, we show how classical reinforcement learning (RL) could be used as a tool for quantum state engineering (QSE). We employ a measurement based control for QSE where the action sequences are determined by the choice of the measurement basis and the reward through the fidelity of obtaining the target state. Our analysis clearly displays a learning feature in QSE, for example in preparing arbitrary two-qubit entangled states and delivers successful action sequences that generalise previously found human solutions from exact quantum dynamics. We provide a systematic algorithmic approach for using RL for quantum protocols that deal with a non-trivial continuous state space, and discuss the scaling of these approaches for the preparation of larger entangled (cluster) states.

Abstract

In current long-distance communications, classical information carried by large numbers of particles is intrinsically robust to some transmission losses but can, therefore, be eavesdropped without ...

Abstract

Sensing vector magnetic fields is critical to many applications in fundamental physics, bioimaging, and material science. Magnetic field sensors exploiting nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) centers are particularly compelling as they offer high sensitivity and spatial resolution even at the nanoscale. Achieving vector magnetometry, however, often requires applying microwaves sequentially or simultaneously, limiting the sensors’ applications under cryogenic temperature. Here, we propose and demonstrate a microwave-free vector magnetometer that simultaneously measures all Cartesian components of a magnetic field using N-V ensembles in diamond. In particular, the present magnetometer leverages the level anticrossing in the triplet ground state at 102.4 mT, allowing the measurement of both longitudinal and transverse fields with a wide bandwidth from zero to the megahertz range. Full vector sensing capability is proffered by modulating fields along the preferential N-V axis and in the transverse plane and subsequent demodulation of the signal. This sensor exhibits a root-mean-square noise floor that approximately equals 300 pT/√Hz in all directions. The present technique is broadly applicable to both ensemble sensors and potentially also to single-N-V sensors, extending the vector capability to nanoscale measurements under ambient temperatures.

Abstract

Single rare-earth ions are hard to observe and even harder to use as qubits. However, with the help of coupling to an optical cavity and clever engineering of selection rules, a big step has been taken to establish their new role in the quantum world.

Abstract

Addressing and coherent control of single atoms in solids, with both optical and nuclear spin degrees of freedom is of particularly interest for applications ranging from nanoscale sensing to quantum computing. Here, we performed the spectroscopy study of single praseodymium ions in an yttrium aluminum garnet crystal at cryogenic temperature. The single nuclear spin of individual praseodymium ions is detected through a background-free optical upconversion readout technique. Single ions show stable photoluminescence with spectrally resolved hyperfine splitting of the praseodymium ground state. Based on this measurement, optical Rabi and optically detected nuclear magnetic resonance measurements are performed to study their spin coherence properties. We find short the spin coherence times of praseodymium nuclear spins which we attribute to spin phonon coupling.

Abstract

4H-silicon carbide (SiC) shows the capability of hosting a large number of promising emitters for quantum technology. However, due to its high refractive index, the collection of photoluminescence emission is compromised for further applications. Here, we demonstrate a scalable approach of manufacturing solid-immersion lenses (SILs) on 4H-SiC. The procedure results in SILs with high effective NA. The fluorescence collection efficiency of single quantum emitters under the SILs shows 3.4 times enhancement confirmed by confocal microscopy of individual

Abstract

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond has been found to be a powerful tool for various sensing applications. In particular, in ensemble-based sensors, the main "workhorse" so far has been optically detected electron resonance. Utilization of the nuclear spin has the potential to significantly improve sensitivity in rotation and magnetic field sensors. Ensemble-based sensors consume a substantial amount of power, leading to noticeable heating of the diamond and thus requiring an understanding of temperature-related shifts. In this paper, we provide a detailed study of the temperature shift of the hyperfine components of the NV center.

Abstract

Paramagnetic ions in solid state crystals form the basis for many advanced technologies such as lasers, masers, frequency standards, and quantum-enhanced sensors. One of the most-studied examples is the Cr3+ ion in sapphire (Al2O3), also known as ruby, which has been intensely studied in the 1950s and 1960s. However, despite decades of research on ruby, some of its fundamental optical and spin properties have not yet been characterized at ultralow temperatures. In this paper, we present optical measurements on a ruby crystal in a dilution refrigerator at ultralow temperatures down to 20 mK. Analyzing the relative populations of its (4)A(2) ground-state spin levels, we extract a lattice temperature of 143 +/- 7mK under continuous laser excitation. We perform spin-lattice relaxation T-1 measurements in excellent agreement with the direct, one-phonon model. Furthermore, we perform optically detected magnetic resonance measurements showing magnetically driven transitions between the ground-state spin levels for various magnetic fields. Our measurements characterize some of ruby's low-temperature spin properties, and lay the foundations for more advanced spin control experiments.

Abstract

Quantum systems combining indistinguishable photon generation and spin-based quantum information processing are essential for remote quantum applications and networking. However, identification of suitable systems in scalable platforms remains a challenge. Here, we investigate the silicon vacancy centre in silicon carbide and demonstrate controlled emission of indistinguishable and distinguishable photons via coherent spin manipulation. Using strong off-resonant excitation and collecting zero-phonon line photons, we show a two-photon interference contrast close to 90% in Hong-Ou-Mandel type experiments. Further, we exploit the system’s intimate spin-photon relation to spin-control the colour and indistinguishability of consecutively emitted photons. Our results provide a deep insight into the system’s spin-phonon-photon physics and underline the potential of the industrially compatible silicon carbide platform for measurement-based entanglement distribution and photonic cluster state generation. Additional coupling to quantum registers based on individual nuclear spins would further allow for high-level network-relevant quantum information processing, such as error correction and entanglement purification.

Abstract

The prototype of a quantum random number generator is a single photon which impinges onto a beam splitter and is then detected by single photon detectors at one of the two output paths. Prior to detection, the photon is in a quantum mechanical superposition state of the two possible outcomes with –ideally– equal amplitudes until its position is determined by measurement. When the two output modes are observed by a single photon detector, the generated clicks can be interpreted as ones and zeros – and a raw random bit stream is obtained. Here we implement such a random bit generator based on single photons from a defect center in diamond. We investigate the single photon emission of the defect center by an anti-bunching measurement. This certifies the “quantumness” of the supplied photonic input state, while the random “decision” is still based on the vacuum fluctuations at the open port of the beam-splitter. Technical limitations, such as intensity fluctuations, mechanical drift, and bias are discussed. A number of ways to suppress such unwanted effects, and an a priori entropy estimation are presented. The single photon nature allows for a characterization of the non-classicality of the source, and allows to determine a background fraction. Due to the NV-center’s superior stability and optical properties, we can operate the generator under ambient conditions around the clock. We present a true 24/7 operation of the implemented random bit generator.

Abstract

Quantum technology relies on proper hardware, enabling coherent quantum state control as well as efficient quantum state readout. In this regard, wide-bandgap semiconductors are an emerging material platform with scalable wafer fabrication methods, hosting several promising spin-active point defects. Conventional readout protocols for defect spins rely on fluorescence detection and are limited by a low photon collection efficiency. Here, we demonstrate a photo-electrical detection technique for electron spins of silicon vacancy ensembles in the 4H polytype of silicon carbide (SiC). Further, we show coherent spin state control, proving that this electrical readout technique enables detection of coherent spin motion. Our readout works at ambient conditions, while other electrical readout approaches are often limited to low temperatures or high magnetic fields. Considering the excellent maturity of SiC electronics with the outstanding coherence properties of SiC defects, the approach presented here holds promises for scalability of future SiC quantum devices.

Abstract

Control over the formation and fluorescence properties of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds (NDs) is an important factor for their use in medical and sensor applications. However, reports providing a deep understanding of the potential factors influencing these properties are rare and focus only on a few influencing factors. The current contribution targets this issue and we report a comprehensive study of the fluorescence properties of NVs in nanodiamonds as a function of electron irradiation fluence and surface termination. Here we show that process parameters such as defect center interactions, in particular, different nitrogen defects and radiation induced lattice defects, as well as surface functionalities have a strong influence on the fluorescence intensity, fluorescence lifetime and the charge state ratio of the NV centers. By employing a time-correlated single photon counting approach we also established a method for fast macroscopic monitoring of the fluorescence properties of ND samples. We found that the fluorescence properties of NV centers may be controlled or even tuned depending upon the radiation treatment, annealing, and surface termination.

Abstract

Scalable quantum networking requires quantum systems with quantum processing capabilities. Solid state spin systems with reliable spin-optical interfaces are a leading hardware in this regard. However, available systems suffer from large electron-phonon interaction or fast spin dephasing. Here, we demonstrate that the negatively charged silicon-vacancy centre in silicon carbide is immune to both drawbacks. Thanks to its (4)A(2) symmetry in ground and excited states, optical resonances are stable with near-Fourier-transform-limited linewidths, allowing exploitation of the spin selectivity of the optical transitions. In combination with millisecond-long spin coherence times originating from the high-purity crystal, we demonstrate high-fidelity optical initialization and coherent spin control, which we exploit to show coherent coupling to single nuclear spins with similar to 1 kHz resolution. The summary of our findings makes this defect a prime candidate for realising memory-assisted quantum network applications using semiconductor-based spin-to-photon interfaces and coherently coupled nuclear spins.

Abstract

Novel magnetic sensing modalities using quantum sensors or nanoscale probes have drastically improved the sensitivity and hence spatial resolution of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) down to the nanoscale. Recent demonstrations of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) with paramagnetic colour centres include single molecule sensitivity, and sub-part-per-million spectral resolution. Mostly, these results have been obtained using well-characterised single sensors, which only permit extended imaging by scanning-probe microscopy. Here, we enhance multiplexed MRI with a thin layer of ensemble spin sensors in an inhomogeneous control field by optimal control spin manipulation to improve ensemble sensitivity and field of view (FOV). We demonstrate MRI of fluorine in patterned thin films only 1.2 nm in thickness, corresponding to a net moment of 120 nuclear spins per sensor spin. With the aid of the NMR signal, we reconstruct the nanoscale depth distribution of the sensor spins within the substrate. In addition, we exploit inhomogeneous ensemble control to squeeze the point spread function of the imager to about 100 nm and show that localisation of a point-like NMR signal within 40 nm is feasible. These results pave the way to quantitive NMR ensemble sensing and magnetic resonance microscopy with a resolution of few ten nanometers.

Abstract

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center is a well utilized system for quantum technology, in particular quantum sensing and microscopy. Fully employing the NV center's capabilities for metrology requires a strong understanding of the behavior of the NV center with respect to changing temperature. Here, we probe the NV electronic spin density as the surrounding crystal temperature changes from 10 K to 700 K by examining the hyperfine interactions with a nearest-neighbor C-13. These results are corroborated with ab initio calculations and demonstrate that the change in hyperfine interaction is small and dominated by a change in the hybridization of the orbitals constituting the spin density, thus indicating that the defect and local crystal geometry is returning towards an undistorted structure at higher temperature.

Abstract

Electron spins in solids constitute remarkable quantum sensors. Individual defect centers in diamond were used to detect individual nuclear spins with a nanometer scale resolution, and ensemble magnetometers rival SQUID and vapor cell magnetometers when taking into account room temperature operation and size. NV center spins can also detect electric field vectors, despite their weak coupling to electric fields. Here, we employ ensembles of NV center spins to measure macroscopic AC electric fields with high precision. We utilize low strain, C-12 enriched diamond to achieve the maximum sensitivity and tailor the spin Hamiltonian via the proper magnetic field adjustment to map out the AC electric field strength and polarization and arrive at refined electric field coupling constants. For high-precision measurements, we combine classical lock-in detection with aspects from quantum phase estimation for the effective suppression of technical noise. Eventually, this enables t(-1/2) uncertainty scaling of the electric field strength over extended averaging periods, enabling us to reach a precision down to 10(-7) V/mu m for an AC electric field with a frequency of 2 kHz and an amplitude of 0.012 V/mu m.

Abstract

Single photon emitters in silicon carbide (SiC) are attracting attention as quantum photonic systems (Awschalom et al. Nat. Photonics 2018, 12, 516-527; Atatiire et al. Nat. Rev. Mater. 2018, 3, 38-51). However, to achieve scalable devices, it is essential to generate single photon emitters at desired locations on demand. Here we report the controlled creation of single silicon vacancy (V-Si) centers in 4H-SiC using laser writing without any postannealing process. Due to the aberration correction in the writing apparatus and the nonannealing process, we generate single V-Si centers with yields up to 30%, located within about 80 nm of the desired position in the transverse plane. We also investigated the photophysics of the laser writing V-Si centers and concluded that there are about 16 photons involved in the laser writing V-Si center process. Our results represent a powerful tool in the fabrication of single V-Si centers in SiC for quantum technologies and provide further insights into laser writing defects in dielectric materials.

Abstract

A single organic dye molecule at cryogenic conditions is resonantly excited in a confocal microscope. Under strong laser illumination it undergoes Rabi oscillations. Mathematically, this was well described and had been experimentally implemented. These oscillations can be measured as side-bands on their resonance fluorescence, e.g. in the Mollow-Triplet. An alternative method is to research this effect by an analysis of the single molecule anti-bunched photon statistics. This has been performed in this work. Here we research on the detuning dependence of this signal-it is experimentally demanding since the utilized laser might drift or single emitters are not necessarily spectrally stable enough, such that the spectrum can be measured indefinitely. Wetherefore apply a measurement technique in which the photon correlation signal is acquired in detuning dependent steps. This is performed by continuous laser sweeps over the single molecule excitation spectrum. A single recording of the anti-bunched photons takes 20-50 ms. After approx. 1 h of repetitive laser detunings a full anti-bunching curve is reconstructed for each spectral position. An alternative technique with 100 ns laser pulses allows us to acquire a set of comparable data. Our study is derived from a single dibenzanthanthrene molecule with a natural linewidth of 2 pi x16 MHz. It emits under resonant excitation more than 380.000 photons per second. Under spectral detuning, Rabi-oscillations are observed up to Omega(Rabi) = 2 pi x160 MHz.

Abstract

Defect centers such as the negatively charged nitrogen- vacancy defect and the neutral silicon-vacancy and germanium vacancy defect in tiny spherical nanodiamonds are investigated in this work. Quantum mechanical simulations based on density functional theory are performed in order to assess the influence of the surface termination and the defect type in the electronic structure of the defective nanodiamonds. Three elements are taken for the surface termination: hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Specific insight is given on the relative shift in the electronic energy levels with respect to ideal nanodiamonds. The variation of the charge density around the defect and the spatial distribution of the frontier orbitals of the defective nanodiamonds are analyzed. In the end, this work provides a comparative analysis of the termination effect on the three types of vacancy defect centers for their deeper understanding in view of their technological relevance.

Abstract

Single dopant atoms or dopant-related defect centers in a solid state matrix are of particular importance among the physical systems proposed for quantum computing and communication, due to their potential to realize a scalable architecture compatible with electronic and photonic integrated circuits. Here, using a deterministic source of single laser-cooled Pr+ ions, we present the fabrication of arrays of praseodymium color centers in yttrium-aluminum-garnet substrates. The beam of single Pr+ ions is extracted from a Paul trap and focused down to 30(9) nm. Using a confocal microscope, we determine a conversion yield into active color centers of up to 50% and realize a placement precision of 34 nm.

Abstract

We demonstrate the role of measurement back action of a coherent spin environment in the dynamics of a spin (qubit) coupled to it, by inducing nonclassical (quantum random walk-like) statistics on its measurement trajectory. We show how the long lifetime of the spin bath correlates with measurements of the qubit over many repetitions. We use nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond as a model system and projective single-shot readout of the electron spin at low temperatures to simulate these effects. The employed measurement control could be used for purification of spin ensembles to desired quantum states.

Abstract

Color centers with long-lived spins are established platforms for quantum sensing and quantum information applications. Color centers exist in different charge states, each of them with distinct optical and spin properties. Application to quantum technology requires the capability to access and stabilize charge states for each specific task. Here, we investigate charge state manipulation of individual silicon vacancies in silicon carbide, a system which has recently shown a unique combination of long spin coherence time and ultrastable spin-selective optical transitions. In particular, we demonstrate charge state switching through the bias applied to the color center in an integrated silicon carbide optoelectronic device. We show that the electronic environment defined by the doping profile and the distribution of other defects in the device plays a key role for charge state control. Our experimental results and numerical modeling evidence that control of these complex interactions can, under certain conditions, enhance the photon emission rate. These findings open the way for deterministic control over the charge state of spin-active color centers for quantum technology and provide novel techniques for monitoring doping profiles and voltage sensing in microscopic devices.

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of single spins have recently been detected by quantum sensors. However, the spectral resolution has been limited by the sensor's relaxation to a few kHz at room temperature. This can be improved by using quantum memories, at the expense of sensitivity. In contrast, classical signals can be measured with exceptional spectral resolution by using continuous measurement techniques, without compromising sensitivity. When applied to single-spin NMR, it is critical to overcome the impact of back action inherent of quantum measurement. Here we report sequential weak measurements on a single 13C nuclear spin. The back-action causes the spin to undergo a quantum dynamics phase transition from coherent trapping to coherent oscillation. Single-spin NMR at room-temperature with a spectral resolution of 3.8 Hz is achieved. These results enable the use of measurement-correlation schemes for the detection of very weakly coupled single spins.

Abstract

Ensembles of nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) centers in diamonds are widely utilized for magnetometry, magnetic field imaging, and magnetic resonance detection. At zero ambient field, Zeeman sublevels in the N-V centers lose first-order sensitivity to magnetic fields, as they are mixed due to crystal strain or electric fields. In this work, we realize a zero-field (ZF) magnetometer using polarization-selective microwave excitation in a C-13-depleted crystal sample. We employ circularly polarized microwaves to address specific transitions in the optically detected magnetic resonance and perform magnetometry with a noise floor of 250 pT/root Hz. This technique opens the door to practical applications of N-V sensors for ZF magnetic sensing, such as ZF nuclear magnetic resonance and investigation of magnetic fields in biological systems.

Abstract

Correlations of fluctuations are the driving forces behind the dynamics and thermodynamics in quantum many-body systems. For qubits embedded in a quantum bath, the correlations in the bath are key to understanding and combating decoherence-a critical issue in quantum information technology. However, there is no systematic method for characterizing the many-body correlations in quantum baths beyond the second order or the Gaussian approximation. Here we present a scheme to characterize the correlations in a quantum bath to arbitrary order. The scheme employs a weak measurement of the bath via the projective measurement of a central system. The bath correlations, including both the "classical" and the "quantum" parts, can be reconstructed from the correlations of the measurement outputs. The possibility of full characterization of many-body correlations in a quantum bath forms the basis for optimizing quantum control against decoherence in realistic environments, for studying the quantum characteristics of baths, and for the quantum sensing of correlated clusters in quantum baths.

Abstract

Scalable spin-to-photon interfaces require quantum emitters with strong optical-transition dipole moment and low coupling to phonons and stray electric fields. It is known that particularly for coupling to stray electric fields, these conditions can be simultaneously satisfied for emitters that show inversion symmetry. Here, we show that inversion symmetry is not a prerequisite criterion for a spectrally stable quantum emitter. We find that identical electron density in ground and excited states can eliminate the coupling to the stray electric fields. Further, a strong optical-transition dipole moment is achieved in systems with altering sign of the ground and excited wave functions. We use density-functional perturbation theory to investigate an optical center that lacks inversion symmetry. Our results show that this system close to ideally satisfies the criteria for an ideal quantum emitter. Our study opens an additional rationale in seeking promising materials and point defects towards the realization of robust spin-to-photon interfaces.

Abstract

Narrow-band filtering of light is widely used in optical spectroscopy. Atomic filters, which rely on the Faraday effect, allow for GHz-wide transmission spectra, which are intrinsically matched to an atomic transition. We present an experimental realization and a theoretical study of a Faraday filter based on cesium and its D₁-line-transition (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$6^2S_1/26^2P_1/2$</tex-math></inline-formula>) around 894 nm. We also present the prospects and visions for combining this filter with the single photon emission of a single quantum dot, which matches with the atomic transition. The option to lock the spectral position of a quantum dot is discussed at the end of this letter.

Abstract

The individual and coherent control of solid-state based electron spins is important covering fields from quantum information processing and quantum metrology to material research and medical imaging. Especially for the control of individual spins in nanoscale networks, the generation of strong, fast, and localized magnetic fields is crucial. Highly engineered devices that demonstrate most of the desired features are found in nanometer size magnetic writers of hard disk drives (HDD). Currently, however, their nanoscale operation in particular comes at the cost of excessive magnetic noise. Here, we present HDD writers as a tool for the efficient manipulation of single as well as multiple spins. We show that their tunable gradients of up to 100 μT/nm can be used to spectrally address individual spins on the nanoscale. Their gigahertz bandwidth allows one to switch control fields within nanoseconds, faster than characteristic time scales such as Rabi and Larmor periods, spin–spin couplings, or optical transitions, thus extending the set of feasible spin manipulations. We used the fields to drive spin transitions through nonadiabatic fast passages or to enable the optical readout of spin states in strong misaligned fields. Building on these techniques, we further apply the large magnetic field gradients for microwave selective addressing of single spins and show its use for the nanoscale optical colocalization of two emitters.

Abstract

Quantum mechanics implies that a single photon can be in the superposition of two distant spatial modes and enable nonlocal interferences. The most vivid example is the two-photon coalescence on a 50:50 beam splitter, known as Hong-Ou-Mandel interference. In the past decade, this experiment has been used to characterize the suitability of different single-photon sources for linear optical quantum gates. This characterization alone cannot guarantee the suitability of the photons in a scalable quantum network. As for a deeper insight, we perform a number of nonclassical interference measurements of single photons emitted by a single organic molecule that are optimized by an atomic Faraday filter. Our measurements reveal near unity visibility of the quantum interference, and a one-port correlation measurement proves the ideal Fourier limited nature of our single-photon source. A delayed choice quantum eraser allows us to observe a constructive interference between the photons, and a Hong-Ou-Mandel peak is formed additionally to the commonly observed dip. These experiments comprehensively characterize the involved photons for their use in a future quantum Internet, and they attest to the fully efficient interaction of the molecular photons with a next subsequent quantum node. They can be adapted to other emitters and will allow us to gain insights to their applicability for quantum information processing. We introduce a quality number that describes the photon's properties for their use in a quantum network; this states that effectively 97% of the utilized molecular photons can be used in a scalable quantum optical system and interact with other quantum nodes. The experiments are based on a hybridization of solid state quantum optics, atomic systems, and all-optical quantum information processing.

Abstract

The ability to optically initialize the electronic spin of the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond has long been considered a valuable resource to enhance the polarization of neighboring nuclei, but efficient polarization transfer to spin species outside the diamond crystal has proven challenging. Here we demonstrate variable-magnetic-field, microwave-enabled cross-polarization from the NV electronic spin to protons in a model viscous fluid in contact with the diamond surface. Further, slight changes in the cross-relaxation rate as a function of the wait time between successive repetitions of the transfer protocol suggest slower molecular dynamics near the diamond surface compared to that in bulk. This observation is consistent with present models of the microscopic structure of a fluid and can be exploited to estimate the diffusion coefficient near a solid-liquid interface, of importance in colloid science.

Abstract

Future quantum networks will need flying qubits and stationary nodes. As for the generation of single photons which may act as flying qubits, resonantly excited single-semiconductor quantum dots are ideal in terms of their on-demand single-photon emission, indistinguishability, and brightness. Atomic systems can effectively act as mediators for photons; photon interactions, storage media, or building blocks for stationary qubits. Here, we hybridize these two systems and investigate the non-classical interference of spectral Lorentzian-shaped photons, fine-tuned between the cesium (Cs)-D1 hyperfine resonances. The temporal delay in the dispersive hot atomic cesium vapor amounts up to 50 times the photons; initial width and reveals beats on the single quanta. The photons; indistinguishability is preserved even after atomic-enabled delay. This proves that the interaction with the Cs vapor conserves the photons; coherence. The role of spectral diffusion in the solid-state emitter is studied in single- and two-photon experiments in light of the strong frequency dependence of the atomic medium. Our results pave the way for efficient hybrid interfaces between quantum dots and hot atomic vapors as storage media in future quantum networks.

Abstract

Abstract Sculpturing desired shapes in single crystal diamond is ever more crucial in the realization of complex devices for nanophotonics, quantum computing, and quantum optics. The crystallographic orientation dependent wet etch of single crystalline silicon in potassium hydroxide (KOH) allows a range of shapes to be formed and has significant impacts on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and microfluidics. Here, a crystal direction dependent dry etching principle in an inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etcher is presented, which selectively reveals desired crystal planes in monocrystalline diamond by controlling the etching conditions. Using this principle, monolithic diamond nanopillars for magnetometry using nitrogen vacancy centers are fabricated. In these nanopillars, a half‐tapering angle up to 21° is achieved, the highest angle reported in the literature, which leads to a high photon efficiency and high mechanical strength of the nanopillar. These results represent the first demonstration of a crystallographic orientation dependent reactive ion etching principle, which opens a new window for shaping specific nanostructures which is at the heart of nanotechnology. It is believed that this principle will prove to be valuable for the structuring and patterning of other single crystal materials as well.

Abstract

Single-photon emitting devices have been identified as an important building block for applications in quantum information and quantum communication. They allow us to transduce and collect quantum information over a long distance via photons as so-called flying qubits. In addition, substrates like silicon carbide provide an excellent material platform for electronic devices. In this work, we combine these two features and show that one can drive single photon emitters within a silicon carbide p-i-n-diode. To achieve this, we specifically designed a lateral oriented diode. We find a variety of new color centers emitting non-classical lights in the visible and near-infrared range. One type of emitter can be electrically excited, demonstrating that silicon carbide can act as an ideal platform for electrically controllable single photon sources.

Abstract

Spins of impurities in solids provide a unique architecture to realize quantum technologies. A quantum register of electron and nearby nuclear spins in the lattice encompasses high-fidelity state manipulation and readout, long-lived quantum memory, and long-distance transmission of quantum states by optical transitions that coherently connect spins and photons. These features, combined with solid-state device engineering, establish impurity spins as promising resources for quantum networks, information processing and sensing. Focusing on optical methods for the access and connectivity of single spins, we review recent progress in impurity systems such as colour centres in diamond and silicon carbide, rare-earth ions in solids and donors in silicon. We project a possible path to chip-scale quantum technologies through sustained advances in nanofabrication, quantum control and materials engineering.

Abstract

A central goal in quantum optics and quantum information science is the development of quantum networks to generate entanglement between distributed quantum memories. Experimental progress relies on the quality and efficiency of the light--matter quantum interface connecting the quantum states of photons to internal states of quantum emitters. Quantum emitters in solids, which have properties resembling those of atoms and ions, offer an opportunity for realizing light--matter quantum interfaces in scalable and compact hardware. These quantum emitters require a material platform that enables stable spin and optical properties, as well as a robust manufacturing of quantum photonic circuits. Because no emitter system is yet perfect and different applications may require different properties, several light--matter quantum interfaces are being developed in various platforms. This Review highlights the progress in three leading material platforms: diamond, silicon carbide and atomically thin semiconductors.

Abstract

Abstract Fluorescent nanodiamonds with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers respond to local changes in electric and magnetic fields. These responses can be read optically as changes in fluorescence. NV centers do not suffer from photoblinking or photobleaching, making nanodiamonds a viable platform for long-term imaging of processes inside living cells. However, for any bioapplication, the surface of these particles must be modified to prevent aggregation and nonspecific protein adsorption and to effectively transduce the changes in local environment to NV center. Modular biomimetic interface has been developed on nanodiamonds with remarkable sensitivity for relaxometric readout that takes advantage of self-assembled phospholipid bilayers supported by the nanoparticle surface. This rapid and robust approach provides synthetic pathway to tunable composition, demonstrated by tuning surface charge and content of spin labels on nanodiamond. The supported phospholipid bilayer interface increases the detection sensitivity about one-order-of-magnitude. Also, a theoretical model of the system is provided, which shows excellent agreement with experimental results. Merging biocompatibility, modularity, and outstanding spin sensitivity in one nanomaterial provides a foundation for development of multifunctional nanoparticles suitable for highly sensitive monitoring of local magnetic field fluctuations and paramagnetic species under physiological conditions.

Abstract

We present an optimized scheme for nanoscale measurements of temperature in a complex environment using the nitrogen-vacancy center in nanodiamonds (NDs). To this end we combine a Ramsey measurement for temperature determination with advanced optimal control theory. We test our new design on single nitrogen-vacancy centers in bulk diamond and fixed NDs, achieving better readout signal than with common soft or hard microwave control pulses. We demonstrate temperature readout using rotating NDs in an agarose matrix. Our method opens the way to measure temperature fluctuations in complex biological environment. The used principle is universal and not restricted to temperature sensing.