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Robust population transfer of spin states by geometric formalism

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2022-05-23
JournalPhysical review. A/Physical review, A
AuthorsK. Z. Li, Guofu Xu
InstitutionsShandong University
Citations5
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Robust Geometric Control for Quantum Spin Transfer in Diamond NV Centers

Section titled “Robust Geometric Control for Quantum Spin Transfer in Diamond NV Centers”

This technical documentation analyzes the research paper “Robust population transfer of spin states by geometric formalism” (arXiv:2205.02701v1) and connects its requirements for high-fidelity, noise-robust quantum control to 6CCVD’s advanced MPCVD diamond material solutions.


This research introduces a novel, fast, and robust quantum control scheme for accurate population transfer between uncoupled or weakly coupled spin states, specifically demonstrated in the Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) center in diamond.

  • Core Achievement: Realization of high-fidelity spin population transfer (approaching 1) in a three-level system, overcoming the limitations of adiabatic evolution (STIRAP) and noise sensitivity (SRT).
  • Methodology: Combines invariant-based inverse engineering (Shortcuts to Adiabaticity, STA) with geometric formalism for robust quantum control.
  • Robustness: The scheme effectively suppresses the dominant noise source in spin systems—frequency errors ($\delta$) resulting from magnetic field fluctuations and dephasing.
  • Speed: The scheme is non-adiabatic, allowing for fast implementation (total evolution time T ≈ 2 ”s), which minimizes vulnerability to environment-induced decoherence.
  • Control Design: Control parameters (Rabi frequency, detuning, phase) are derived geometrically from the curvature ($\kappa(t)$) and torsion ($\tau(t)$) of a closed three-dimensional space curve.
  • Material Relevance: Numerical simulations confirm the scheme’s superiority for ground-state spin transfer in the $^{15}$N Nitrogen Vacancy center in high-purity diamond.

The following hard data points were extracted from the numerical simulations and theoretical framework:

ParameterValueUnitContext
Target Quantum System$^{15}$N NV CenterN/AThree-level V-type spin system in diamond
Required Material PurityHigh-Purity Type IIa DiamondN/AEssential for minimizing spin bath noise
Dominant Noise SourceFrequency Errors ($\delta$)MHzResulting from magnetic field fluctuation/dephasing
Simulated Noise Strength ($\delta$)0.5MHzUsed for robustness comparison
Longitudinal Spin Relaxation Rate ($\Gamma$)2KHzAdopted $T_1$ rate for NV center electron spin
Total Evolution Time (T)2.116”sTime corresponding to the arc length of the control curve
Required Final State Fidelity ($P_{+1}(T)$)> 0.99N/AAchieved under combined noise and relaxation
Control Parameter DerivationCurvature ($\kappa(t)$) and Torsion ($\tau(t)$)N/AGeometric formalism for robust control

The robust population transfer scheme relies on a geometric approach to design the time-dependent Hamiltonian $H(t)$ parameters ($\Omega(t)$, $\Delta(t)$, $\phi(t)$).

  1. Hamiltonian Definition: The three-level spin system is described using a Hamiltonian $H(t)$ expanded by spin-1 angular momentum operators ($K_x, K_y, K_z$).
  2. Evolution Parameterization: The evolution operator $U(t, 0)$ is parameterized using the eigenstates of the dynamical invariant $I(t)$ (Lewis-Riesenfeld theory).
  3. Noise Analysis: The dominant noise (frequency errors $\delta K_z$) is introduced as a perturbation $H’(t) = H(t) + \delta K_z$. The influence of this noise on fidelity is analyzed using Dyson series, defining a noise term $m(t)$.
  4. Geometric Mapping: The requirements for robust, high-fidelity transfer are mapped onto conditions for a three-dimensional space curve $r(t)$:
    • Robustness (Condition i): The curve must be closed ($r(T) = 0$) to suppress the noise term $m(T)=0$.
    • Transfer (Condition ii): The tangent vectors must be fixed at the start and end points ($r’(0) = (0,0,1)$ and $r’(T) = (0,0,-1)$).
  5. Control Parameter Derivation: The control functions are derived directly from the geometric properties of the chosen space curve $r(t)$:
    • The common Rabi frequency $\Omega(t)$ is equal to the curvature $\kappa(t) = ||r”(t)||$.
    • The detuning $\Delta(t)$ and phase $\phi(t)$ are derived from the torsion $\tau(t)$ of the space curve.
  6. Implementation Choice: The scheme allows flexibility to achieve transfer by either changing the detuning $\Delta(t)$ (while keeping $\phi(t)$ constant) or changing the phase $\phi(t)$ (while setting $\Delta(t)=0$), offering experimental convenience.

This research highlights the critical need for high-quality diamond substrates to enable robust quantum control in NV centers. 6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the necessary materials and customization services required to replicate and advance this work.

Research Requirement6CCVD Material SolutionTechnical Justification
High-Purity SubstrateOptical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD)Ultra-low nitrogen and defect concentrations minimize the surrounding nuclear spin bath, crucial for achieving the long coherence times ($T_2$) required for high-fidelity quantum gates.
Specific Doping/IsotopeCustom Doping (N, $^{15}$N, SiV, GeV)We offer precise control over nitrogen concentration during MPCVD growth, enabling targeted creation of NV centers (e.g., $^{15}$N NV centers used in this study) or other color centers.
Low Strain EnvironmentLow-Birefringence SCDOur MPCVD process yields highly uniform, low-strain material, essential for maintaining the energy level degeneracy and stability required for precise Rabi and Raman control.

To transition this robust geometric control scheme from simulation to practical device implementation, 6CCVD offers comprehensive customization capabilities:

  • Custom Dimensions and Thickness:
    • The paper implies standard NV substrates, but 6CCVD can provide SCD plates up to 125mm in custom shapes and sizes.
    • SCD thickness is available from 0.1 ”m up to 500 ”m, allowing engineers to select the optimal volume for NV creation and integration into specific microwave or optical setups.
  • Precision Surface Finishing:
    • Quantum experiments demand pristine surfaces. 6CCVD guarantees SCD polishing with roughness Ra < 1 nm, minimizing surface defects that can introduce noise or scattering.
  • Integrated Device Fabrication:
    • Implementing the driving Hamiltonian often requires integrated microwave or RF structures. 6CCVD offers in-house metalization services including deposition of Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, and Cu, allowing for the creation of custom antennas or electrodes directly on the diamond surface.
  • Engineering Support:
    • 6CCVD’s in-house PhD team specializes in material science for quantum applications. We provide consultation on material selection, doping strategies, and surface preparation necessary to optimize diamond substrates for robust geometric quantum control projects.

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

View Original Abstract

Accurate population transfer of uncoupled or weakly coupled spin states is\ncrucial for many quantum information processing tasks. In this paper, we\npropose a fast and robust scheme for population transfer which combines\ninvariant-based inverse engineering and geometric formalism for robust quantum\ncontrol. Our scheme is not constrained by the adiabatic condition and therefore\ncan be implemented fast. It can also effectively suppress the dominant noise in\nspin systems, which together with the fast feature guarantees the accuracy of\nthe population transfer. Moreover, the control parameters of the driving\nHamiltonian in our scheme are easy to design because they correspond to the\ncurvature and torsion of a three-dimensional visual space curve derived by\nusing geometric formalism for robust quantum control. We test the efficiency of\nour scheme by numerically simulating the ground-state population transfer in\n$^{15}$N nitrogen vacancy centers and comparing our scheme with stimulated\nRaman transition, stimulated Raman adiabatic passage and conventional shortcuts\nto adiabaticity based schemes, three types of popularly used schemes for\npopulation transfer. The numerical results clearly show that our scheme is\nadvantageous over these previous ones.\n