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Updated: Jun 25, 2025
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Experimental Methods for Spin- and Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy Combined with Polarization-Variable Laser
Published on: June 28, 2018
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A quantum coherent spin in hexagonal boron nitride at ambient conditions
Hannah L Stern1,2, Carmem M Gilardoni3, Qiushi Gu3
1Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. hannah.stern@manchester.ac.uk.
Nature Materials
|May 20, 2024
Summary
Researchers demonstrate room-temperature quantum coherent control of single spins in hexagonal boron nitride. This breakthrough advances quantum networks and sensors by enabling robust spin qubits under ambient conditions.
Area of Science:
- Quantum information science
- Materials science
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Solid-state spin-photon interfaces are crucial for quantum networks and sensors.
- Achieving quantum coherent single spins at room temperature remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report quantum coherent control of a single-photon-emitting defect spin in hexagonal boron nitride under ambient conditions.
- To introduce a new platform for room-temperature quantum technologies.
Main Methods:
- Investigated a carbon-related defect in hexagonal boron nitride with a spin-triplet electronic ground-state manifold.
- Employed decoupling protocols to prolong spin coherence.
- Analyzed spin coherence governed by coupling to proximal nuclei.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated quantum coherent control of a single defect spin at room temperature.
- Identified the spin-triplet nature of the defect.
- Showcased that spin coherence is influenced by proximal nuclei and can be extended via decoupling.
Conclusions:
- Hexagonal boron nitride hosts a promising platform for room-temperature spin qubits.
- This system can be integrated into multiqubit quantum registers or nanoscale quantum sensors.
- The findings pave the way for practical quantum devices operating under ambient conditions.
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