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Canonical Hamiltonian ensemble representation of dephasing dynamics and the impact of thermal fluctuations on quantum-to-classical transition

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2021-05-11
JournalScientific Reports
AuthorsHongbin Chen, Yueh-Nan Chen
InstitutionsNational Cheng Kung University
Citations14
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Technical Documentation & Analysis: Canonical Hamiltonian Ensemble Representation in Diamond NV Centers

Section titled “Technical Documentation & Analysis: Canonical Hamiltonian Ensemble Representation in Diamond NV Centers”

This document analyzes the research paper detailing the Canonical Hamiltonian Ensemble Representation (CHER) and its proposed experimental realization using Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. It outlines the technical requirements of the research and directly maps them to 6CCVD’s specialized MPCVD diamond capabilities, focusing on high-purity, isotopically engineered materials necessary for advanced quantum dynamics studies.


  • Core Value Proposition: The research introduces the Canonical Hamiltonian Ensemble Representation (CHER) as a frequency-domain tool to characterize the nonclassical nature of open quantum system dynamics.
  • Key Finding (Thermal Effects): Thermal fluctuations are shown to broaden the CHER distribution, leading to a diminishment of nonclassical traits and driving the system toward a quantum-to-classical transition.
  • Dynamical Transitions: By varying environmental temperature and spectral density Ohmicity ($s$), the study demonstrates transitions between Markovian and non-Markovian dynamics, observable through the deformation of the CHER.
  • Experimental Viability: The practical viability of CHER theory is underpinned by a proposed experimental realization using Free Induction Decay (FID) measurements of the electron spin in the Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV-) center in diamond.
  • Material Requirement: The NV center platform is ideal because the spin qubit relaxation time ($T_1$) is three orders of magnitude longer than the dephasing time ($T_2$), allowing the qubit dynamics to be accurately approximated by pure dephasing.
  • Methodology: The experimental protocol utilizes a modified Ramsey pulse sequence (532-nm laser initialization, MW pulses) to reconstruct the dephasing factor $\Phi(t)$ and subsequently determine the CHER $\rho(\omega)$.

The following hard data points and material parameters are extracted from the research paper, focusing on the proposed NV center experimental platform and theoretical modeling constraints.

ParameterValueUnitContext
NV Center Ground StateElectron spin-1 tripletN/AUsed as the logical qubit ($
Zero-Field Splitting ($D$)2.87GHzEnergy gap between $m_s = 0$ and $m_s = \pm 1$ states
Initialization/Readout Wavelength532nmGreen laser used for spin state manipulation
Qubit Relaxation Time ($T_1$)Order of millisecondsmsLong coherence time at room temperature
Qubit Dephasing Time ($T_2$)Order of microseconds”sLimited primarily by environmental noise
Noise Source13C nuclear spin bath (1.1% natural abundance)%Primary cause of dephasing limiting $T_2$
Simulated Temperature Range$T = 0$ to $T = 5$N/AUsed to model thermal fluctuation impact on CHER broadening
Spectral Density Ohmicity ($s$)$s = 1.5$ to $s = 6.5$N/AParameter governing Markovian/non-Markovian transition

The research relies on a combination of advanced theoretical modeling (CHER, Spin-Boson model) and a specific experimental protocol utilizing the NV center in diamond.

  1. Theoretical Foundation: The Canonical Hamiltonian Ensemble Representation (CHER) is established by recasting the time evolution of the reduced system into a Fourier transform expression of a (quasi-)distribution function $\rho(\lambda)$ over the frequency domain.
  2. Model Application: The Spin-Boson model (Total Hamiltonian $H_T$) is employed to simulate qubit pure dephasing dynamics, incorporating the environmental spectral density $J(\omega)$ and temperature $T$.
  3. Dephasing Factor Derivation: The dephasing factor $\Phi(t)$ is analytically solved, separating the vacuum $\Phi^{(\text{vac})}(t)$ and thermal $\Phi^{(\text{th})}(t)$ contributions, which are crucial for analyzing the impact of thermal fluctuations.
  4. Experimental Platform Selection: The negatively charged NV- center in diamond is chosen due to its robust spin properties and the large ratio of $T_1$ to $T_2$, validating the pure dephasing approximation.
  5. Spin Initialization: The electron spin is initialized to the $|0\rangle$ state using a 532-nm green laser pulse.
  6. FID Measurement (X-Axis): A standard Ramsey pulse sequence (MW $(\pi/2)_x$ pulse, FID time, MW $(\pi/2)_x$ pulse) is executed, and the normalized fluorescence $I_x(t)$ is recorded via laser readout.
  7. FID Measurement (Y-Axis): A modified Ramsey sequence (MW $(\pi/2)_x$ pulse, FID time, MW $(\pi/2)_y$ pulse) is used to measure the orthogonal phase information, yielding $I_y(t)$.
  8. Dephasing Factor Reconstruction: The dephasing factor $\Phi(t)$ is reconstructed from the two measured fluorescence signals: $\Phi(t) = -[2I_x(t) - 1] + i[2I_y(t) - 1]$.
  9. CHER Determination: The final CHER $\rho(\omega)$ is obtained by performing the inverse Fourier transform of the reconstructed $\Phi(t)$.

The successful replication and extension of this research—particularly the achievement of long coherence times and high-fidelity optical control—are critically dependent on the quality and engineering of the diamond substrate. 6CCVD specializes in providing the custom MPCVD diamond materials required for cutting-edge quantum research.

Research Requirement6CCVD Solution & CapabilityTechnical Advantage for Quantum Dynamics
Ultra-Low Noise Environment (Mitigating 13C nuclear spin bath)Isotopically Purified Single Crystal Diamond (SCD)We supply SCD with ultra-low 13C concentration (typically < 5 ppm), which significantly prolongs the $T_2$ coherence time, enabling clearer observation of non-Markovian dynamics and CHER features.
High Optical Quality Substrates (532-nm laser access)Optical Grade SCD PlatesOur SCD wafers feature superior surface quality (Ra < 1 nm polishing) and low defect density, ensuring minimal scattering and high transmission necessary for efficient NV center initialization and readout at 532 nm.
Custom Dimensions & Thickness (Integration into MW setups)Custom SCD Wafers and Plates6CCVD offers precise thickness control for SCD (0.1 ”m to 500 ”m) and substrates up to 10 mm, allowing engineers to optimize the diamond geometry for efficient microwave delivery and thermal management.
Integrated Microwave Circuitry (MW pulse delivery)In-House Custom Metalization ServicesWe provide internal metalization capabilities (Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu) for depositing thin films directly onto the diamond surface, essential for fabricating coplanar waveguides and integrated microwave circuits required for Ramsey pulse sequences.
Defect Control & Doping (NV creation and charge state stability)Controlled Nitrogen DopingWe offer precise control over nitrogen concentration during MPCVD growth, optimizing the density and charge state stability of NV centers for high-yield qubit fabrication.
Global Research Support (Complex material specification)Expert Engineering Consultation6CCVD’s in-house PhD team provides specialized material consultation to assist researchers in selecting the optimal diamond specifications (e.g., SCD vs. PCD, doping levels, isotopic purity) for similar quantum sensing and quantum-to-classical transition projects.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.

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  2. 2012 - Quantum Dissipative Systems [Crossref]
  3. 2009 - Energy Transfer Dynamics in Biomaterial Systems [Crossref]