Abstract
We investigate the potential for optical quantum technologies of Pr3+:Y2O3 in the form of monodisperse spherical nanoparticles. We measured optical inhomogeneous lines of 27 GHz, and optical homogeneous linewidths of 108 kHz and 315 kHz in particles of 400 nm and 150 nm average diameters respectively for the 1D2(0)--> 3H4(0) transition at 1.4 K. Furthermore, ground state and 1D2 excited state hyperfine structures in Y2O3 are here for the first time determined by spectral hole burning and modeled by complete Hamiltonian calculations. Ground-state spin transitions have energies of 5.99 MHz and 10.42 MHz for which we demonstrate spin inhomogeneous linewidths of 42 and 45 kHz respectively. Spin T2 up to 880 microseconds was obtained for the +-3/2-->+-5/2 transition at 10.42 MHz, a value which exceeds that of bulk Pr3+ doped crystals so far reported. These promising results confirm nanoscale Pr3+:Y2O3 as a very appealing candidate to integrate quantum devices. In particular, we discuss here the possibility of using this material for realizing spin photon interfaces emitting indistinguishable single photons.
Highlights
Solid-state spins are extensively investigated for quantum-state storage, quantum computation and quantum communications [1,2,3,4]
We investigate the potential for optical quantum technologies of Pr3+:Y2O3 in the form of monodisperse spherical nanoparticles
Ground state and 1D2 excited state hyperfine structures in Y2O3 are here for the first time determined by spectral hole burning and modeled by complete Hamiltonian calculations
Summary
Solid-state spins are extensively investigated for quantum-state storage, quantum computation and quantum communications [1,2,3,4]. Using nanoscale crystals facilitates reaching the single emitter level [18] whereas the cavity coupling provides stronger light-matter interactions [20,15] and Purcell-enhanced spontaneous emission rates [19] Exploiting this approach to build novel quantum devices strongly relies on developping RE nanocystals with narrow optical and spin homogeneous lines. A disadvantage of Eu3+ is that it presents weak oscillator strength (∼10−8 in Y2O3 [28]) and low emission branching ratio for the 7F0 ↔5D0 line (∼0.016 [19]) This reduces the achievable Purcell enhancement by a factor 60 for this ion [19].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
