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Accelerated quantum control in a three-level system by jumping along the geodesics

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2023-04-24
JournalPhysical review. A/Physical review, A
AuthorsMusang Gong, Min Yu, Ralf Betzholz, Yaoming Chu, Pengcheng Yang
InstitutionsSouth China Normal University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Citations11
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Technical Analysis and Documentation: Accelerated Quantum Control in NV Diamond

Section titled “Technical Analysis and Documentation: Accelerated Quantum Control in NV Diamond”

6CCVD Material Science Analysis of arXiv:2304.10672v1


This research successfully demonstrates a novel “jump protocol” for accelerated, high-fidelity quantum-state population transfer using the Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center in diamond. The findings are highly relevant to engineers developing next-generation quantum computing and sensing platforms.

  • Accelerated Control: The jump protocol achieved high-fidelity state transfer in significantly shorter evolution times, reducing the required duration by almost one order of magnitude compared to the traditional Stimulated Raman Adiabatic Passage (STIRAP).
  • High Fidelity: Near-unity population transfer efficiency (> 95%) was achieved in times as short as 500 ns (using N=4 pulses), whereas STIRAP achieved only ~60% efficiency at the same duration.
  • Robustness: The jump protocol demonstrated superior robustness against environmental magnetic noise (frequency detuning up to ± 2 MHz) compared to STIRAP, crucial for real-world quantum applications.
  • Platform: The experiment utilized the ground state triplet (ms = 0, ±1) of a single NV center in a solid-state diamond system, manipulated by resonant microwave fields (Rabi frequency Ω/2π = 4 MHz).
  • Implication for 6CCVD Clients: The demand for ultra-high purity, low-strain Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) substrates capable of supporting long coherence times (T2) and precise microwave integration is validated by this work.

The following hard data points were extracted from the experimental results comparing the jump protocol and STIRAP:

ParameterValueUnitContext
Quantum SystemNV Center Ground State TripletN/AThree-level system (
Rabi Frequency (Ω/2π)4MHzMicrowave driving field frequency setting.
Single Control Step Duration (τ)0.125”sDuration of one control step in the jump protocol (τ = π/Ω).
Total Evolution Time (T) - Jump (N=1)125nsTime required for full population transfer using a single jump pulse.
Transfer Efficiency (Jump, T=500 ns, N=4)~95%Efficiency achieved by the accelerated jump protocol.
Transfer Efficiency (STIRAP, T=500 ns)~60%Efficiency achieved by STIRAP at the same short duration.
Required STIRAP Time for > 95% Efficiency> 900nsDemonstrates the speed advantage of the jump protocol.
Magnetic Noise Robustness (Detuning Range)± 2MHzJump protocol maintained higher efficiency across this range compared to STIRAP.
Initialization/Readout Wavelength532nmGreen laser used for optical spin control and readout.

The experimental demonstration relied on precise control of the NV center spin states using high-quality diamond material and advanced microwave techniques.

  1. Material Selection: A single Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center in diamond was chosen as the solid-state spin system due to its long coherence time and robust control capabilities at ambient conditions.
  2. Spin State Preparation: The ground-state triplet (ms = 0, ±1) was used. The degeneracy of the ms = ±1 states was lifted via the Zeeman effect using an external magnetic field aligned with the NV axis.
  3. Optical Initialization and Readout: A 532-nm green laser, controlled by an Acousto-Optical Modulator (AOM), was used for optical ground-state initialization and subsequent spin readout via fluorescence measurement.
  4. Microwave Manipulation: Two microwave driving fields (Rabi frequencies Ω+ and Ω-) were generated by an Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) and applied, resonant with the |0> ↔ |±1> transitions.
  5. Jump Protocol Implementation: The accelerated adiabatic evolution was realized by decomposing the process into N successive control steps (Jj), each of duration τ = 0.125 ”s, corresponding to discrete jumps along the evolution path.
  6. Benchmarking: The performance (transfer efficiency and robustness) of the jump protocol was directly compared against the traditional STIRAP protocol, which utilized Gaussian-enveloped Raman control pulses.

The successful implementation of accelerated quantum control protocols, such as the jump protocol demonstrated here, critically depends on the quality and customization of the diamond substrate. 6CCVD provides the necessary materials and engineering services to replicate and advance this research.

To achieve the high fidelity and long coherence times required for this type of quantum control, the following 6CCVD material is essential:

  • Optical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD): Our SCD material offers ultra-low nitrogen content and minimal strain, ensuring maximum T2 coherence times and stable single NV center operation necessary for high-fidelity quantum manipulation.
  • Custom NV-Engineered Substrates: 6CCVD offers tailored nitrogen incorporation (during growth or post-growth) and precise annealing to optimize NV concentration and depth, facilitating the creation of high-quality single-spin platforms.

The experimental setup requires precise integration of microwave components and optical access. 6CCVD’s in-house capabilities directly address these needs:

Research Requirement6CCVD CapabilitySpecification / Advantage
Microwave Waveguide IntegrationCustom Metalization ServicesWe offer internal deposition of thin-film metal stacks (Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu) for creating high-frequency microwave antennas and transmission lines directly on the diamond surface.
Surface Quality for Low NoisePrecision PolishingOur SCD wafers are polished to an atomic level (Ra < 1 nm), minimizing surface defects that contribute to magnetic noise and decoherence, thereby supporting the demonstrated robustness.
Scalability and PrototypingCustom Dimensions and ThicknessWe supply SCD wafers in custom thicknesses (0.1 ”m to 500 ”m) and offer substrates up to 10 mm thick, allowing engineers to optimize thermal management and optical coupling for complex setups.
Large-Area ApplicationsInch-Size Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD)For ensemble NV sensing or large-area device prototyping, we provide PCD plates up to 125 mm diameter, polished to Ra < 5 nm.

The successful implementation of accelerated adiabatic passage requires deep expertise in both quantum physics and material science. 6CCVD’s in-house PhD team specializes in diamond material optimization for quantum applications. We can assist clients with:

  • Material selection to maximize T2 coherence times for quantum control and sensing projects.
  • Designing optimal metalization layouts for high-frequency microwave delivery.
  • Consultation on post-processing techniques (e.g., annealing, surface termination) to enhance NV center performance.

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

View Original Abstract

In a solid-state spin system, we experimentally demonstrate a protocol for quantum-state population transfer with an improved efficiency compared to traditional stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP). Using the ground-state triplet of the nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond, we show that the required evolution time for high-fidelity state transfer can be reduced by almost one order of magnitude. Furthermore, we establish an improved robustness against frequency detuning caused by magnetic noise as compared to STIRAP. These results provide a powerful tool for coherent spin manipulation in the context of quantum sensing and quantum computation.