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Detecting Single Microwave Photons with NV Centers in Diamond
Olivia Woodman1,2, Abdolreza Pasharavesh1,3, Christopher Wilson1,3
1Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 28, 2023
Summary
We developed a method to detect single microwave photons using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. This technique achieves high efficiency and fidelity for quantum information applications.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Solid-State Physics
- Quantum Information Science
Background:
- Single microwave photon detection is crucial for quantum computing and communication.
- Nitrogen-vacancy (NV-) centers in diamond offer promising spin properties for quantum applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and analyze a novel scheme for single microwave photon detection.
- To leverage dipole-induced transparency (DIT) in an optical cavity coupled to NV- centers.
Main Methods:
- Derivation of the master equation governing the system dynamics.
- Numerical simulations using direct integration and Monte Carlo methods.
- Investigation of parameter effects on detection performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved high-fidelity spin state readout of the NV- center.
- Demonstrated potential for detection efficiencies approaching 90%.
- Identified optimized parameters for enhanced detection performance.
Conclusions:
- The proposed DIT-based scheme offers a viable route for efficient single microwave photon detection.
- High detection efficiencies and fidelities are achievable with realistic experimental parameters.
- This method has significant implications for advancing quantum technologies.

