Optomechanical Quantum Control of a Nitrogen Vacancy Center in Diamond
This paper presents the empirical realization of optomechanical quantum control of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, as situated within the resolved-sideband regime, a condition where the mechanical frequency exceeds the decoherence rate of the optical transitions involved. By harnessing a dual coupling mechanism involving optical fields and surface acoustic waves (SAWs), this paper demonstrates the execution of optomechanically driven Rabi oscillations and the observation of quantum interferences.
The research builds upon prior efforts where electromagnetic and SAWs have individually been explored for controlling quantum systems, presenting a hybrid approach that merges both acoustic and optical interactions through phonon-assisted transitions. Such transitions emulate techniques successfully proven in trapped ions and recent advancements in cavity optomechanics, facilitating control over both internal and motional states of NV center systems. This dual capability enriches the quantum control arsenal and aligns NV centers as potent solid-state alternatives to trapped ions, introducing innovations in quantum computing and engineering of quantum states like Schrödinger cat states.
The experimental scenario involves the NV center being subject to a laser field and a propagating SAW, with a setup comprising a piezoelectric ZnO layer on diamond for SAW generation and detection using inter-digital transducers (IDTs). Through meticulous preparation and configuration, this paper observes quantum interferences between optomechanical sidebands and direct optical transitions. Such manifestations affirm coherent interaction between the two modalities of excitation, unveiling a coherent mechanism for quantum control that extends beyond traditional optical limits.
Quantitative analyses indicate robust electron-phonon coupling within the NV excited state, offering insights into optomechanically driven Rabi oscillations. The resultant oscillations reflect the NV center's coherence evolution, constrained by spontaneous emission and dephasing. Moreover, the authors provide precise measurements for the SAW excitation amplitude necessary for driving Rabi oscillations, which validates the efficiency of optomechanical processes in NV systems.
Practically, these findings unlock transformative possibilities for NV centers in diamond within quantum information science. Given diamond's low mechanical loss characteristics, NV systems are poised to bridge the gap in realizing solid-state platforms comparable to trapped ions for quantum computations. By integrating extensive MEMS and SAW technologies, these systems could pioneer advancements in on-chip quantum communications and control scenarios.
Future research may delve into optimizing NV systems for higher fidelity quantum operations by refining optomechanical interactions further. Novel applications of quantum state engineering and leveraging long ground-state spin coherence times could further enhance the robustness and utility of NV centers in quantum technologies.
In conclusion, this paper delineates a substantive advancement in optomechanical quantum control, opening pathways for enhancing artificial atoms’ functionality and revolutionizing quantum computation methodologies through hybrid approaches integrating optical and acoustic technologies. The implications are substantial, positioning NV centers as crucial components for next-generation quantum technoscience frameworks.