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Spin control of a crystal defect
In this project, the student will familiarize themselves with the basics of single-photon microscopy, and coherent control of a two-level system using microwaves. Further work may include the investigation of novel defects in low-dimensional materials.
There are two paradigmatic model systems that are ubiquitous in modern physics: spins and
harmonic oscillators [1]. While we have good control over mechanical oscillators at the Photonics
Lab [2], this project strives to add a spin degree of freedom to the portfolio.
A spins is particularly interesting, since it can serve as a versatile non-linear quantum mechanical
resource. Some of the most interesting spin systems for technological applications are crystal
defects, which show an electronic structure resembling that of an atom, while being embedded in a
solid state host, easing handling and manipulation [3].
The goal of this project is to take the first steps towards controlling the electronic spin of a
NV defect in diamond [4]. These defects will be identified in a diamond sample using photoluminescence
microscopy. The spin degree of freedom of these NV defects will be addressed with
a microwave signal, to drive Rabi oscillations between the defect’s spin levels. In this project,
the student will familiarize themselves with the basics of single-photon microscopy, and coherent
control of a two-level system using microwaves. Further work may include the investigation of
novel defects in low-dimensional materials [5].
Prerequisites:
Basic experience with optics and electronics, quantitative approach, strong motivation
References:
[1] Exploring the Quantum: Atoms, Cavities, and Photons, Haroche and Raimond, Oxford University
Press
[2] Tebbenjohanns et al., Nature 595, 378 (2021)
[3] Rondin et al., Rep. Prog. Phys. 77, 056503 (2014)
[4] Sewani et al., Am. J. Phys. 88, 1156 (2020)
[5] Turiansky et al., Nature Materials 19, 487 (2020)
There are two paradigmatic model systems that are ubiquitous in modern physics: spins and harmonic oscillators [1]. While we have good control over mechanical oscillators at the Photonics Lab [2], this project strives to add a spin degree of freedom to the portfolio. A spins is particularly interesting, since it can serve as a versatile non-linear quantum mechanical resource. Some of the most interesting spin systems for technological applications are crystal defects, which show an electronic structure resembling that of an atom, while being embedded in a solid state host, easing handling and manipulation [3]. The goal of this project is to take the first steps towards controlling the electronic spin of a NV defect in diamond [4]. These defects will be identified in a diamond sample using photoluminescence microscopy. The spin degree of freedom of these NV defects will be addressed with a microwave signal, to drive Rabi oscillations between the defect’s spin levels. In this project, the student will familiarize themselves with the basics of single-photon microscopy, and coherent control of a two-level system using microwaves. Further work may include the investigation of novel defects in low-dimensional materials [5].
Prerequisites: Basic experience with optics and electronics, quantitative approach, strong motivation
References: [1] Exploring the Quantum: Atoms, Cavities, and Photons, Haroche and Raimond, Oxford University Press [2] Tebbenjohanns et al., Nature 595, 378 (2021) [3] Rondin et al., Rep. Prog. Phys. 77, 056503 (2014) [4] Sewani et al., Am. J. Phys. 88, 1156 (2020) [5] Turiansky et al., Nature Materials 19, 487 (2020)