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Coherent spin dynamics between electron and nucleus within a single atom.
Lukas M Veldman1, Evert W Stolte1, Mark P Canavan1
1Department of Quantum Nanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
Nature Communications
|September 11, 2024
Summary
Researchers observed the nanosecond dynamics of coupled nuclear and electron spins using scanning tunnelling microscopy. This breakthrough offers new insights into fundamental quantum spin interactions at the atomic level.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Surface science
- Atomic-scale magnetism
Background:
- Nuclear spins offer long coherence times for quantum experiments.
- Electron spin resonance (ESR) with scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) studies single-atom nuclear spins.
- Observing nuclear spin dynamics has been a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To resolve the nanosecond coherent dynamics of nuclear and electron spins.
- To investigate the hyperfine-driven flip-flop interaction at the single-atom level.
- To demonstrate a new method for probing coupled spin systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ESR-STM with local magnetic field control from the STM tip.
- Achieved spin tuning via avoided level crossings.
- Employed a DC pump-probe scheme to measure spin system evolution.
- Polarized electron and nuclear spins via tunnelling electron scattering.
Main Results:
- Resolved nanosecond coherent dynamics of coupled electron-nuclear spins.
- Observed complex interfering coherent oscillations in the spin system.
- Provided direct evidence of hyperfine interaction dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated a method to probe hyperfine physics at the single-atom level.
- Opened new avenues for quantum experiments with nuclear spins.
- Advanced the understanding of spin interactions in nanoscale systems.
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