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Microwave quantum heterodyne sensing using a continuous concatenated dynamical decoupling protocol
Charlie J Patrickson1, Valentin Haemmerli2, Shi Guo2
1Department of Engineering, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK. cp728@exeter.ac.uk.
Nature Communications
|May 12, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a continuous microwave scheme to enhance spin coherence for precise magnetic field measurements. The new method achieves high amplitude and phase sensitivity, improving quantum sensing in 2D materials.
Area of Science:
- Quantum sensing
- Condensed matter physics
- Nanoscale magnetic field detection
Background:
- Quantum heterodyne schemes offer high precision for AC signals but struggle with spin coherence in broadened systems.
- Limited spin coherence protection impacts amplitude sensitivity in existing protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a continuous microwave scheme that extends spin coherence and improves magnetic field measurement sensitivity.
- To resolve frequency, amplitude, and phase of MHz to GHz magnetic fields with enhanced precision.
Main Methods:
- Implemented a continuous microwave scheme to extend spin coherence.
- Utilized an ensemble of boron vacancies in hexagonal boron nitride as the sensing platform.
- Integrated the scheme with quantum heterodyne detection.
Main Results:
- Achieved extended spin coherence towards the effective limit.
- Demonstrated high amplitude sensitivity () and phase sensitivity () for magnetic fields.
- Recorded a GHz signal with sub-Hertz resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR=235) over 10s.
Conclusions:
- The developed scheme significantly enhances spin coherence and magnetic field sensitivity.
- Compatibility with quantum heterodyne detection enables high-resolution GHz signal recording.
- This advancement in 2D materials opens avenues for probing nanoscale condensed matter systems.
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