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Fast magnetic field manipulations and nonadiabatic geometric phases of nitrogen-vacancy center spin in diamond

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2017-07-11
JournalJournal of Physics D Applied Physics
AuthorsWen Qi Fang, Bang-Gui Liu
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Technical Analysis: Fast Nonadiabatic Geometric Phases in Diamond NV Centers

Section titled “Technical Analysis: Fast Nonadiabatic Geometric Phases in Diamond NV Centers”

This documentation analyzes the research detailing the use of fast, time-dependent magnetic fields to achieve nonadiabatic geometric phase (NGP) manipulation of Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center spins in diamond, a crucial step for realizing fault-tolerant quantum computation.


  • Core Achievement: Demonstrated the theoretical design of fast quantum logic gates using Nonadiabatic Geometric Phases (NGP) realized via optimized time-dependent magnetic fields applied to the NV center spin in diamond.
  • Speed & Efficiency: Achieves ultra-fast quantum operations with minimum pulse durations in the nanosecond (ns) range ($T_{1} \approx 1.689 \text{ ns}$), essential for minimizing environmental decoherence.
  • Methodology: Constructed exact evolution operators for the three-level NV system, allowing for the precise calculation and design of three distinct, physically reasonable magnetic field pulses ($\Theta_{1}, \Theta_{2}, \Theta_{3}$).
  • Fault Tolerance: Geometric phases are inherently robust against specific types of control errors, making this mechanism a strong candidate for building fault-tolerant quantum computers (Holonomic Quantum Computation).
  • Material Dependence: The stability and rapid manipulation of the spin qubit rely entirely on the exceptional crystalline purity and low-defect density characteristics of high-quality Single Crystal Diamond (SCD).
  • Validation: Confirms that the geometric phase is manipulable by varying the control pulse function $\Theta(t)$, suggesting practical applicability in future spin echo interferometry experiments.

The following table summarizes the key physical and performance parameters extracted from the theoretical analysis of the NV center spin system.

ParameterValueUnitContext
System QubitNitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Center SpinN/ASolid-State Qubit hosted in Diamond
Zero-Field Splitting (D)2.87GHzFundamental property governing the spin energy levels
Gyromagnetic Ratio ($\gamma$)2.8MHz/GCoupling constant between spin and magnetic field
Minimal Pulse Duration ($T_1$)$\approx 1.689$nsTime required for fast quantum gate (Pulse 1)
Minimal Pulse Duration ($T_2$)$\approx 1.702$nsTime required for fast quantum gate (Pulse 2)
Applied Field MechanismTime-Dependent Magnetic Field ($\vec{B}(t)$)N/AUsed to drive nonadiabatic spin evolution
Total Evolution Cycle$2T_1$ or $2T_2$nsTime for the state to return to the initial state
Geometric Phase (Case 1)$\pi$, 4.2705RadiansGeometric phase achieved for evolution from state $
Geometric Phase (Case 2)$-\pi$, -4.2705RadiansGeometric phase achieved for evolution from state $
Qubit Target$0\rangle \leftrightarrow\pm\rangle$ Transfer

The research relies on advanced quantum control theory to design the magnetic field pulses necessary for achieving rapid, geometrically driven quantum gates in the diamond NV system.

  1. Hamiltonian Definition: The system dynamics are governed by the NV center Hamiltonian $H$, incorporating the zero-field splitting $D$ and interaction with the time-dependent magnetic field $\vec{B}(t)$.
  2. Evolution Operator Construction: An exact analytical evolution operator $U_{O}$ was systematically constructed (using a method similar to the Moessbauer method) to precisely map the spin state evolution over time.
  3. Pulse Design (Angular Parameterization): Three specific, physically relevant angular functions ($\Theta_{1}(t), \Theta_{2}(t), \Theta_{3}(t)$) were designed to define the time-dependence of the magnetic field direction.
    • $\Theta_1(t) = \kappa_1 \sin^2(\pi t / T_1)$
    • $\Theta_2(t) = \kappa_2 \sin^2(\pi t / T_2)(1 - \cos(\lambda t - T_2))$
    • $\Theta_3(t) = \kappa_3 \sin^2(\pi t / T_2)(1 - \cos(\eta(t - T_2)))$
  4. Parameter Optimization: Self-consistent equations were solved numerically to find the optimal pulse parameters ($\kappa_{i}$) and the minimal gate times ($T_1, T_2$) required to ensure the target state is reached (e.g., $|\bar{u}{11}(T{1,2})| = 0$).
  5. Geometric Phase Calculation: The Nonadiabatic Geometric Phase ($\gamma_{g}$) was calculated as the difference between the total phase ($\gamma_{t}$) and the dynamical phase ($\gamma_{d}$) across a cyclic evolution path ($t=0 \to 2T_{1,2}$).
  6. Symmetry and Manipulation: Demonstrated that the geometric phase is symmetrical for different initial states ($|0\rangle$ vs. $|q\rangle$) and showed that the magnitude of the geometric phase can be controlled directly by tailoring the pulse function $\Theta(t)$.

6CCVD provides the enabling platform material—high-purity MPCVD diamond—essential for replicating and advancing this solid-state quantum research. The feasibility of ultra-fast nanosecond control hinges on diamond quality that preserves spin coherence ($T_2$).

Area6CCVD Requirement FulfillmentValue Proposition for Quantum Computing
Applicable MaterialsOptical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD). High Purity SCD is mandatory.NV center experiments require exceptionally low native nitrogen and defect concentrations to maximize the coherence time ($T_2$) of the NV spin qubit, ensuring the ns-scale quantum gate operations designed in this paper are viable.
Thickness & DimensionsSCD wafers available from $0.1 \mu\text{m}$ to $500 \mu\text{m}$. Wafers up to $125 \text{mm}$ (PCD) available for integration.Provides optimal thicknesses for NV creation (implantation depth control) and for integrating large-scale quantum processors utilizing high-homogeneity diamond wafers.
Custom MetalizationIn-House Capability: Ti, Pt, Au, Pd, W, Cu. Custom deposition layers and patterns.The fast magnetic field manipulations discussed require integrated microwave/RF strip lines directly deposited onto the diamond surface. 6CCVD offers the necessary precision metalization services for fabricating these control electrodes.
Surface PreparationUltra-low roughness polishing: Ra < 1 nm (SCD).Surface quality is critical for minimizing noise sources that lead to decoherence. Our precision polishing ensures an optimal interface for deposited quantum circuitry and external optical interrogation.
Customization PotentialAdvanced laser cutting and shaping services.Allows researchers to obtain specific micro-structures (e.g., pillars, waveguides, cantilever tips) required for coupling the NV centers to resonant microwave or optical fields to enhance gate speeds.
Engineering SupportAccess to 6CCVD’s in-house PhD material science and technical engineering team.We assist researchers in optimizing material selection (e.g., managing post-growth NV creation processes, understanding substrate orientation) to ensure the diamond material meets the exact demands for demanding NGP experiments.

For custom specifications or material consultation concerning high-coherence diamond required for fast nonadiabatic geometric quantum control, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.

View Original Abstract

Fast quantum spin manipulation is needed to design spin-based quantum logic gates and other quantum applications. Here, we construct exact evolution operator of the nitrogen-vacancy-center (NV) spin in diamond under external magnetic fields and investigate the nonadiabatic geometric phases, both cyclic and non-cyclic, in these fast-manipulated NV spin systems. It is believed that the nonadiabatic geometric phases can be measured in future experiments and these fast quantum manipulations can be useful in designing spin-based quantum applications.