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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Coherence of an optically illuminated single nuclear spin qubit
L Jiang1, M V Gurudev Dutt, E Togan
1Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Nuclear spin quantum bits in diamond maintain coherence during optical interrogation of nearby nitrogen-vacancy centers. This spin-fluctuator model preserves nuclear spin coherence through a motional averaging-like process.
Area of Science:
- Quantum information science
- Solid-state physics
- Diamond quantum computing
Background:
- Individual nuclear spins in diamond serve as quantum bits.
- Nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) centers are crucial for quantum applications.
- Interrogating N-V centers optically affects nearby nuclear spins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coherence properties of nuclear spin qubits.
- To understand the impact of optical interrogation of N-V centers on nuclear spin coherence.
- To explore methods for preserving nuclear spin coherence.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a spin-fluctuator model to describe nuclear spin dynamics.
- Analyzing time-dependent hyperfine interactions during optical excitation.
- Comparing theoretical predictions with experimental results.
Main Results:
- Nuclear spin coherence is preserved despite optical interrogation cycles.
- A process analogous to motional averaging in NMR enhances coherence.
- Theoretical analysis aligns well with experimental observations.
Conclusions:
- Optical interrogation of N-V centers can be managed to preserve nuclear spin coherence.
- A novel approach is presented for isolating nuclear spins from their electronic environment.
- This research offers a pathway for robust quantum information processing in diamond.
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