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Recent progress of quantum control in solid-state single-spin systems

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2022-01-01
JournalActa Physica Sinica
AuthorsTingwei Li, Xing Rong, Jiangfeng Du
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Technical Documentation & Analysis: High-Fidelity Quantum Control using Diamond NV Centers

Section titled “Technical Documentation & Analysis: High-Fidelity Quantum Control using Diamond NV Centers”

This analysis addresses the critical material requirements and experimental methodologies detailed in the research paper, demonstrating how 6CCVD’s high-purity CVD diamond solutions enable the replication, scaling, and advancement of solid-state quantum control research.


The reviewed research details significant progress in achieving ultra-high-fidelity quantum control in solid-state systems using Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, a key requirement for fault-tolerant quantum computing and high-precision sensing.

  • Core Achievement: Demonstrated universal quantum control sequences (e.g., BBlinC, SUPCODE) achieving single-qubit gate fidelities up to 0.999952 ± 0.000006, exceeding commonly cited fault-tolerance thresholds.
  • Material Platform: High-purity Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) is confirmed as the foundational platform, offering long intrinsic spin coherence times (T1 in milliseconds) at room temperature.
  • Decoherence Mitigation: Advanced dynamic decoupling pulse sequences effectively suppressed both quasi-static Overhauser noise ($\delta_{0}$) and control field noise ($\delta_{1}$), extending the effective coherence time (T$_{DCCG}$) to hundreds of microseconds.
  • Time Optimization: Implementation of Time-Optimal Control (TOC) via geodesic trajectories significantly reduced the two-qubit controlled-U gate time to 446.1 ns, crucial for maximizing operations within the coherence window.
  • Advanced Physics: Successful experimental realization and observation of Parity-Time (PT) symmetric Hamiltonian evolution and the associated exceptional points, opening new avenues for non-Hermitian quantum physics and ultra-sensitive measurement.
  • 6CCVD Value: Replicating these world-class results demands ultra-pure SCD substrates. 6CCVD specializes in Electronic Grade MPCVD diamond necessary to minimize intrinsic spin noise sources like P1 centers.

The following quantitative data points summarize the performance metrics and physical parameters relevant to NV center quantum control reported in the research.

ParameterValueUnitContext
NV Center Zero-Field Splitting (D)2870MHzElectronic spin ground state splitting (S=1).
Optical Excitation Range500-600nmUsed for spin initialization and readout.
Longitudinal Relaxation Time (T1)MillisecondMsIntrinsic thermal spin lifetime at room temperature.
Free Induction Decay Time (T$_{\phi}$)1.68 ± 0.03”sLimited by quasi-static Overhauser field ($\delta_{0}$).
Rabi Oscillation Decay Time (T$_{2\rho}$)73 ± 7”sLimited by control field noise ($\delta_{1}$).
Dynamic Decoupling Coherence Time (T$_{DCCG}$)690 ± 40”sAchieved using 5-piece SUPCODE sequence (T$_{\text{1}\rho}$ limit).
Single-Qubit Gate Fidelity (BBlinC)0.999952 ± 0.000006N/AHighest measured fidelity, exceeding fault tolerance (99.995%).
Two-Qubit CNOT Gate Fidelity0.9920 ± 0.0001N/AAchieved using optimized pulse sequences (exceeds 99.2% fault tolerance).
Time-Optimal Two-Qubit Gate Time446.1nsTotal gate time reduction demonstrated via Time-Optimal Control (TOC).
Nucleus-Electron Coupling (A) Error ($\delta$A)0.02MHzEstimated error in hyperfine coupling measurement.

The research utilizes several advanced techniques in material preparation, quantum control, and measurement protocols to achieve high fidelity and extended coherence.

  1. Material Platform Selection: Employed high-pquality Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) to host NV- centers, leveraging the diamond lattice’s exceptional T1 (long spin lifetime) at room temperature.
  2. Spin Initialization and Readout: Used 532 nm laser pulses for efficient optical pumping to polarize the electron spin state (to $|m_{s} = 0\rangle$) and subsequent fluorescence detection (637-750 nm) for readout.
  3. Universal Quantum Control: Implemented single-qubit gates (R($\hat{n}$, $\theta$)) via microwave (MW) pulses tuned to the NV electron spin resonance (ESR) frequency (D $\approx$ 2.87 GHz), and nuclear spin control via radio frequency (RF) pulses.
  4. Decoherence Suppression: Utilized sophisticated pulse sequences:
    • SUPCODE: Suppresses quasi-static environmental noise ($\delta_{0}$) to sixth order, crucial for long-duration gates.
    • BB1 / BBlinC: Suppresses control field noise ($\delta_{1}$), with BBlinC optimized to simultaneously suppress both $\delta_{0}$ (to fourth order) and $\delta_{1}$ (to second order).
  5. Gate Optimization (Time-Optimal Control - TOC): Calculated geodesic trajectories in the control landscape to derive pulse sequences that execute target gates (e.g., CNOT) in the absolute minimum time (446.1 ns), minimizing environmental interaction.
  6. Fidelity Verification: Employed Randomized Benchmarking (RB) protocols to precisely measure the average gate fidelity and error ($\epsilon$), effectively mitigating errors introduced by State Preparation and Measurement (SPAM).

6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the advanced diamond materials and processing services necessary to replicate and scale the breakthrough quantum control research detailed in this paper. Achieving millisecond T${1}$ and microsecond T${2}$ coherence times depends critically on the material purity, lattice quality, and surface finish—all core strengths of 6CCVD’s MPCVD technology.

Research Requirement6CCVD Recommended SolutionTechnical Justification
Ultra-Low Spin NoiseElectronic Grade SCD (Single Crystal Diamond)Required to minimize background nitrogen (P1 centers) and other paramagnetic defects, which are the primary sources of $\delta_{0}$ noise and limit T$_{2}$ coherence.
NV Precursor/HostHigh-Purity SCD SubstratesProvides the necessary crystalline perfection and structural integrity for stable NV center formation (via implantation or in-situ growth) and low-strain quantum operations.
High Density NV ArraysHigh-Purity PCD (Polycrystalline Diamond)If scaling the quantum sensor arrays or control structures is required, 6CCVD offers large format PCD plates (up to 125 mm) with stringent purity control.
Non-Hermitian PhysicsBoron-Doped Diamond (BDD)For extending control to superconducting hybrid systems or electro-optic modulation, BDD thin films offer necessary conductivity and integration capabilities.

The experimental implementation of high-fidelity quantum gates necessitates complex, high-precision interfaces for optical, microwave, and RF manipulation. 6CCVD offers end-to-end material and fabrication services to support these requirements.

  • Precision Substrates: We provide custom dimensions and thickness control for SCD wafers ranging from 0.1 ”m films to 500 ”m plates. This is critical for integrating NV centers into specific micro-wave resonators (such as striplines or coplanar waveguides).
  • Surface Finish: Achieving high-fidelity optical readout and minimizing surface defects (a source of noise) requires exceptional surface quality. 6CCVD guarantees ultra-smooth polishing down to Ra < 1 nm for SCD substrates and Ra < 5 nm for inch-size PCD.
  • Integrated Metalization: The application of optimized pulse sequences (SUPCODE, BBlinC) requires robust, low-loss on-chip microwave delivery lines. We offer in-house, custom metalization services including Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, and Cu layer deposition tailored for high-frequency quantum control circuits.
  • Scalability: While the paper focuses on single-spin control, 6CCVD’s capacity to produce inch-size SCD and large-area PCD (up to 125mm) plates provides a clear pathway for scaling up multi-qubit and quantum sensing arrays.

6CCVD maintains an in-house team of PhD-level material scientists and engineers specializing in MPCVD diamond growth, processing, and defect engineering. This expertise is available to assist researchers and engineers in selecting the optimal diamond grade (nitrogen concentration, isotopic purity) and processing parameters required to maximize T${1}$ and T${2}$ coherence times for high-fidelity solid-state single-spin control and quantum sensing projects. We offer global shipping (DDU default, DDP available) to expedite research timelines worldwide.

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

View Original Abstract

In the field of quantum physics, quantum control is essential. Precise and efficient quantum control is a prerequisite for the experimental research using quantum systems, and it is also the basis for applications such as in quantum computing and quantum sensing. As a solid-state spin system, the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond has a long coherence time at room temperature. It can be initialized and read out by optical methods, and can achieve universal quantum control through the microwave field and radio frequency fields. It is an excellent experimental platform for studying quantum physics. In this review, we introduce the recent results of quantum control in NV center and discuss the following parts: 1) the physical properties of the NV center and the realization method of quantum control, 2) the decoherence mechanism of the NV center spin qubit, and 3) the application of single-spin quantum control and relevant research progress.