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Ramsey Interferences and Spin Echoes from Electron Spins Inside a Levitating Macroscopic Particle
T Delord1, P Huillery1, L Schwab1
1Laboratoire Pierre Aigrain, Ecole normale supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, 24 rue Lhomond, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France.
Physical Review Letters
|August 18, 2018
Summary
We observed electron spin coherence and echoes in levitating diamonds using nitrogen-vacancy centers. This demonstrates the potential for strong coupling between NV spins and diamond
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Optomechanics
- Materials science
Background:
- Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are promising quantum systems.
- Levitating macroscopic objects offer unique environments for studying quantum phenomena.
- Combining NV centers with levitation could enable new quantum technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Ramsey interferences and spin echoes from electron spins in levitating diamond particles.
- To assess the coherence time of NV electron spins within a levitated system.
- To evaluate the angular stability of levitated diamonds under vacuum conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers hosted in micron-sized diamonds.
- Employed a Paul trap to levitate the diamond particles.
- Performed experiments under both atmospheric and vacuum conditions.
- Applied spin echo techniques to measure coherence times.
- Monitored NV spin properties to assess diamond's angular stability.
Main Results:
- Observed Ramsey interferences and spin echoes from electron spins within levitating diamonds.
- Demonstrated coherence times exceeding microseconds for embedded electron spins.
- Confirmed high angular stability of the levitated diamond, even under vacuum.
- Showcased the Paul trap's ability to preserve electron spin coherence.
Conclusions:
- Levitating diamonds with NV centers maintain significant electron spin coherence.
- The experimental setup provides high angular stability for levitated diamonds.
- These findings represent crucial advancements towards achieving strong coupling between NV spins and the rotational modes of levitating diamonds.
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