Extending the Quantum Coherence of a Near-Surface Qubit by Coherently Driving the Paramagnetic Surface Environment

Surfaces enable useful functionalities for quantum systems, e.g., as interfaces to sensing targets, but often result in surface-induced decoherence where unpaired electron spins are common culprits. Here we show that the coherence time of a near-surface qubit is increased by coherent radio-frequency driving of surface electron spins, where we use a diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center as a model qubit. This technique is complementary to other methods of suppressing decoherence and, importantly, requires no additional materials processing or control of the qubit. Further, by combining driving with the increased magnetic susceptibility of the double-quantum basis, we realize an overall fivefold sensitivity enhancement in NV magnetometry. Informed by our results, we discuss a path toward relaxation-limited coherence times for near-surface NV centers. The surface-spin driving technique presented here is broadly applicable to a wide variety of qubit platforms afflicted by surface-induced decoherence.