Solid-state Qubits Research Articles

Semiconductor Membranes for Electrostatic Exciton Trapping in Optically Addressable Quantum Transport Devices

Combining the capabilities of gate-defined quantum transport devices in $\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{As}$-based heterostructures and of optically addressed self-assembled quantum dots could open up broad perspectives in quantum technologies. For example, interfacing stationary solid-state qubits with photonic quantum states would open up a pathway towards the realization of a quantum network with extended quantum processing capacity in each node. While gated devices allow very flexible confinement of electrons or holes, the confinement of excitons without some element of self-assembly is much harder. To address this limitation, we introduce a technique to realize exciton traps in quantum wells via local electric fields by thinning a heterostructure down to a 220-nm-thick membrane. We show that mobilities over $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{6}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{V}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ can be retained and that quantum point contacts and Coulomb oscillations can be observed on this structure, which implies that the thinning does not compromise the heterostructure quality. Furthermore, the local lowering of the exciton energy via the quantum-confined Stark effect is confirmed, thus forming exciton traps. These results lay the technological foundations for devices like single-photon sources, spin-photon interfaces and eventually quantum network nodes in $\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{As}$ quantum wells, realized entirely with a top-down fabrication process.

Characterization and correction of the pulse width effects on quantum sensing experiments using solid-state spin qubits

Pulse-level protocols are commonly used in quantum information and sensing experiments. However, finite pulse width, inevitable in many cases due to experimental conditions, can affect the overall performance of the quantum measurement. Here, we study the effect of finite pulse width on quantum sensing experiments based on the solid-state spin qubits: nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. We perform magnetic sensing experiments of DC and AC fields using canonical sensing protocols: Ramsey interferometry, Hahn echo, and XY8 dynamical decoupling. By varying the width of π/2 and π pulse used in the protocols, we estimate the amount of phase accumulation during the pulses and correct their effects by compensating the qubit evolution time for time offsets due to the phase accumulation. In this way, we are able to recover optimal conditions for maximum sensitivity.

Quantum repeater using two-mode squeezed states and atomic noiseless amplifiers

We perform a theoretical investigation into how a two-mode squeezed vacuum state, which has undergone photon loss, can be stored and purified using noiseless amplification with a collection of solid-state qubits. The proposed method may be used to probabilistically increase the entanglement between the two parties sharing the state. The proposed amplification step is similar in structure to a set of quantum scissors. However, in this work the amplification step is realized by a state transfer from an optical mode to a set of solid-state qubits, which act as a quantum memory. We explore two different applications, the generation of entangled many-qubit registers and the construction of quantum repeaters for long-distance quantum key distribution.

Dynamic reactions of defects in ion-implanted 4H-SiC upon high temperature annealing

Single-photon emitters based on intrinsic defects in silicon carbide (SiC) are promising as solid-state qubits for the quantum information storage, whereas defect engineering in a controllable manner still remains challenging. Herein, the thermally-driven defect dynamic reaction in the ion implanted 4H-SiC has been exploited through the optical emission spectra of defects. For the heavy-ion (Si or Ar) implanted samples with abundant Frenkel pairs, the silicon vacancies (VSi) are energetically converted into the carbon antisite-vacancy pair (CSi-VC) upon annealing till 1300 °C for 30 min, accompanied with the gradual lattice recovery and local strain relaxation. The further temperature elevation dissociates the metastable CSi-VC into carbon antisite (CSi) and carbon vacancy (VC), as supported by the consequent quenching of the (CSi-VC)-related emission at 700 nm. Thus, the whole defect reaction is probed as the vacancy interconversion from VSi to VC with the byproduct of stacking faults. In contrast, the intermediate CSi-VC complexes are not energetically favorable during the annealing of the H-implanted sample, which results from the negligible generation of Frenkel pairs, as supported by the x-ray diffraction patterns and Raman scattering analysis. These findings provide guidance for defect engineering in SiC toward the creation of reliable single photon emitters.

Long distance multiplexed quantum teleportation from a telecom photon to a solid-state qubit

Quantum teleportation is an essential capability for quantum networks, allowing the transmission of quantum bits (qubits) without a direct exchange of quantum information. Its implementation between distant parties requires teleportation of the quantum information to matter qubits that store it for long enough to allow users to perform further processing. Here we demonstrate long distance quantum teleportation from a photonic qubit at telecom wavelength to a matter qubit, stored as a collective excitation in a solid-state quantum memory. Our system encompasses an active feed-forward scheme, implementing a conditional phase shift on the qubit retrieved from the memory, as required by the protocol. Moreover, our approach is time-multiplexed, allowing for an increase in the teleportation rate, and is directly compatible with the deployed telecommunication networks, two key features for its scalability and practical implementation, that will play a pivotal role in the development of long-distance quantum communication.

Self-induced quantum noise prompting ferron states transition in anti-ferromagnetic cluster: Solid state qubits

The paper models a two-level system due to an impurity in an antiferromagnetic cluster and interacting with the phonon and magnon cloud or their coupling (so-called f-quantum-noise field) forming the so-called blended ferron which is subjected to an applied magnetic field that tailors the dynamics of individual states resulting in qubit formation as well as Landau–Zener-type transitions. The exact transition amplitude is calculated via the dynamic matrix approach (DMA). The transition probability is observed to be tailored by the electron–phonon and electron–magnon coupling constants while the renormalized probability by the f-quantum-noise field effects. The fast-driven-regime provokes system’s complete blockage while the blended ferron survives in the initial states where the transitions are forbidden. The slow-driven-regime provokes LZ-type-transition with the final states resulting in qubit formation.

Greedy versus map-based optimized adaptive algorithms for random-telegraph-noise mitigation by spectator qubits

In a scenario where data-storage qubits are kept in isolation as far as possible, with minimal measurements and controls, noise mitigation can still be done using additional noise probes, with corrections applied only when needed. Motivated by the case of solid-state qubits, we consider dephasing noise arising from a two-state fluctuator, described by random telegraph process, and a noise probe which is also a qubit, a so-called spectator qubit (SQ). We construct the theoretical model assuming projective measurements on the SQ, and derive the performance of different measurement and control strategies in the regime where the noise mitigation works well. We start with the Greedy algorithm; that is, the strategy that always maximizes the data qubit coherence in the immediate future. We show numerically that this algorithm works very well, and find that its adaptive strategy can be well approximated by a simpler algorithm with just a few parameters. Based on this, and an analytical construction using Bayesian maps, we design a one-parameter ($\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Theta}}$) family of algorithms. In the asymptotic regime of high noise sensitivity of the SQ, we show analytically that this $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Theta}}$ family of algorithms reduces the data qubit decoherence rate by a divisor scaling as the square of this sensitivity. Setting $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Theta}}$ equal to its optimal value, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Theta}}}^{★}$, yields the Map-based Optimized Adaptive Algorithm for Asymptotic Regime (MOAAAR). We show, analytically and numerically, that MOAAAR outperforms the Greedy algorithm, especially in the regime of high noise sensitivity of SQ.

All-Optical Noise Spectroscopy of a Solid-State Spin.

Noise spectroscopy elucidates the fundamental noise sources in spin systems, thereby serving as an essential tool toward developing spin qubits with long coherence times for quantum information processing, communication, and sensing. But existing techniques for noise spectroscopy that rely on microwave fields become infeasible when the microwave power is too weak to generate Rabi rotations of the spin. Here, we demonstrate an alternative all-optical approach to performing noise spectroscopy. Our approach utilizes coherent Raman rotations of the spin state with controlled timing and phase to implement Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequences. Analyzing the spin dynamics under these sequences enables us to extract the noise spectrum of a dense ensemble of nuclear spins interacting with a single spin in a quantum dot, which has thus far been modeled only theoretically. By providing spectral bandwidths of over 100 MHz, our approach enables studies of spin dynamics and decoherence for a broad range of solid-state spin qubits.

Recent advances in theab initiotheory of solid-state defect qubits

AbstractSolid-state defects acting as single photon sources and quantum bits are leading contenders in quantum technologies. Despite great efforts, not all the properties and behaviours of the presently known solid-state defect quantum bits are understood. Furthermore, various quantum technologies require novel solutions, thus new solid-state defect quantum bits should be explored to this end. These issues call to developab initiomethods which accurately yield the key parameters of solid-state defect quantum bits and vastly accelerate the identification of novel ones for a target quantum technology application. In this review, we describe recent developments in the field including the calculation of excited states with quantum mechanical forces, treatment of spatially extended wavefunctions in supercell models, methods for temperature-dependent Herzberg–Teller fluorescence spectrum and photo-ionisation thresholds, accurate calculation of magneto-optical parameters of defects consisting of heavy atoms, as well as spin-phonon interaction responsible for temperature dependence of the longitudonal spin relaxationT1time and magneto-optical parameters, and finally the calculation of spin dephasing and spin-echo times. We highlight breakthroughs including the description of effective-mass like excited states of deep defects and understanding the leading microscopic effect in the spin-relaxation of isolated nitrogen-vacancy centre in diamond.

NV-centers in SiC: A solution for quantum computing technology?

Spin S = 1 centers in diamond and recently in silicon carbide, have been identified as interesting solid-state qubits for various quantum technologies. The largely-studied case of the nitrogen vacancy center (NV) in diamond is considered as a suitable qubit for most applications, but it is also known to have important drawbacks. More recently it has been shown that divacancies (VSiVC)° and NV (VSiNC)- centers in SiC can overcome many of these drawbacks such as compatibility with microelectronics technology, nanostructuring and n- and p-type doping. In particular, the 4H-SiC polytype is a widely used microelectronic semiconductor for power devices for which these issues are resolved and large-scale substrates (300mmm) are commercially available. The less studied 3C polytype, which can host the same centers (VV, NV), has an additional advantage, as it can be epitaxied on Si, which allows integration with Si technology. The spectral range in which optical manipulation and detection of the spin states are performed, is shifted from the visible, 632 nm for NV centers in diamond, to the near infrared 1200–1300 nm (telecom wavelength) for divacancies and NV centers in SiC. However, there are other crucial parameters for reliable information processing such as the spin-coherence times, deterministic placement on a chip and controlled defect concentrations. In this review, we revisit and compare some of the basic properties of NV centers in diamond and divacancies and NV centers in 4H and 3C-SiC.

Spin Dynamics of a Solid-State Qubit in Proximity to a Superconductor.

A broad effort is underway to understand and harness the interaction between superconductors and spin-active color centers with an eye on hybrid quantum devices and novel imaging modalities of superconducting materials. Most work, however, overlooks the interplay between either system and the environment created by the color center host. Here we use a diamond scanning probe to investigate the spin dynamics of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center proximal to a superconducting film. We find that the presence of the superconductor increases the NV spin coherence lifetime, a phenomenon we tentatively rationalize as a change in the electric noise due to a superconductor-induced redistribution of charge carriers near induced redistribution of charge carriers near the NV. We then build on these findings to demonstrate transverse-relaxation-time-weighted imaging of the superconductor film. These results shed light on the dynamics governing the spin coherence of shallow NVs, and promise opportunities for new forms of noise spectroscopy and imaging of superconductors.

Random-telegraph noise mitigation and qubit decoherence in solid-state experiments

We investigate the recently proposed theoretical models and algorithms in Song et al. [1] for mitigating decoherence in solid-state qubit systems, where qubits are affected by charge (random telegraph) noises. The model includes a setup of a logical qubit (data qubit) and a spectator qubit, where the latter is used as a probe of the noise. The probe results can be used in correcting the phase error in order to improve the decoherence of the data qubit. In this work, we apply the proposed model with parameters extracted from recent solid-state qubit experiments. We extract parameters such as the noise switching rates, the qubit sensitivities to noise, and the measurement dead time. Using these parameters, we then numerically simulate the data qubit’s phase and the qubit decoherence. We also show that the proposed phase-correction technique using Bayesian estimation can improve the data qubit decoherence significantly.

Universal quantum computation with symmetric qubit clusters coupled to an environment

One of the most challenging problems for the realization of a scalable quantum computer is to design a physical device that keeps the error rate for each quantum processing operation low. These errors can originate from the accuracy of quantum manipulation, such as the sweeping of a gate voltage in solid state qubits or the duration of a laser pulse in optical schemes. Errors also result from decoherence, which is often regarded as more crucial in the sense that it is inherent to the quantum system, being fundamentally a consequence of the coupling to the external environment. Grouping small collections of qubits into clusters with symmetries may serve to protect parts of the calculation from decoherence. In this work, we use four-level cores with a straightforward generalization of discrete rotational symmetry, called $\ensuremath{\omega}$-rotation invariance, to encode pairs of coupled qubits and universal two-qubit logical gates. We include quantum errors as a main source of decoherence, and show that symmetry makes logical operations particularly resilient to untimely anisotropic qubit rotations. We propose a scalable scheme for universal quantum computation where cores play the role of quantum-computational transistors, or quansistors for short. Initialization and readout are achieved by tunnel-coupling the quansistor to leads. The external leads are explicitly considered and are assumed to be the other main source of decoherence. We show that quansistors can be dynamically decoupled from the leads by tuning their internal parameters, giving them the versatility required to act as controllable quantum memory units. With this dynamical decoupling, logical operations within quansistors are also symmetry-protected from unbiased noise in their parameters. We identify technologies that could implement $\ensuremath{\omega}$-rotation invariance. Many of our results can be generalized to higher-level $\ensuremath{\omega}$-rotation-invariant systems, or adapted to clusters with other symmetries.

A Pair of Coupled Waveguides as a Classical Analogue for a Solid-State Qubit.

We have determined conditions when a pair of coupled waveguides, a common element for integrated room-temperature photonics, can act as a qubit based on a system with a double-well potential. Moreover, we have used slow-varying amplitude approximation (SVA) for the "classical" wave equation to study the propagation of electromagnetic beams in a couple of dielectric waveguides both analytically and numerically. As a part of an extension of the optical-mechanical analogy, we have considered examples of "quantum operations" on the electromagnetic wave state in a pair of waveguides. Furthermore, we have provided examples of "quantum-mechanical" calculations of nonlinear transfer functions for the implementation of the considered element in optical neural networks.

Coherence enhancement of solid-state qubits by local manipulation of the electron spin bath

Coherence enhancement of solid-state qubits by local manipulation of the electron spin bath

Tailoring the Emission Wavelength of Color Centers in Hexagonal Boron Nitride for Quantum Applications.

Optical quantum technologies promise to revolutionize today’s information processing and sensors. Crucial to many quantum applications are efficient sources of pure single photons. For a quantum emitter to be used in such application, or for different quantum systems to be coupled to each other, the optical emission wavelength of the quantum emitter needs to be tailored. Here, we use density functional theory to calculate and manipulate the transition energy of fluorescent defects in the two-dimensional material hexagonal boron nitride. Our calculations feature the HSE06 functional which allows us to accurately predict the electronic band structures of 267 different defects. Moreover, using strain-tuning we can tailor the optical transition energy of suitable quantum emitters to match precisely that of quantum technology applications. We therefore not only provide a guide to make emitters for a specific application, but also have a promising pathway of tailoring quantum emitters that can couple to other solid-state qubit systems such as color centers in diamond.

Spin relaxation in a single-electron graphene quantum dot

The relaxation time of a single-electron spin is an important parameter for solid-state spin qubits, as it directly limits the lifetime of the encoded information. Thanks to the low spin-orbit interaction and low hyperfine coupling, graphene and bilayer graphene (BLG) have long been considered promising platforms for spin qubits. Only recently, it has become possible to control single-electrons in BLG quantum dots (QDs) and to understand their spin-valley texture, while the relaxation dynamics have remained mostly unexplored. Here, we report spin relaxation times (T1) of single-electron states in BLG QDs. Using pulsed-gate spectroscopy, we extract relaxation times exceeding 200 μs at a magnetic field of 1.9 T. The T1 values show a strong dependence on the spin splitting, promising even longer T1 at lower magnetic fields, where our measurements are limited by the signal-to-noise ratio. The relaxation times are more than two orders of magnitude larger than those previously reported for carbon-based QDs, suggesting that graphene is a potentially promising host material for scalable spin qubits.

Creation of multiple NV centers by phthalocyanine ion implantation

A nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond is known as a solid-state spin qubit at room temperature. NV centers coherently coupled by dipole–dipole interactions have a potential to accomplish quantum registers at room temperature. This study reports to develop a phthalocyanine ion implantation technique to fabricate multiple dipole-coupled NV centers. Photon counts and optically detected magnetic resonance spectra show that up to four NV centers were successfully created in a confocal spot. The histogram of photon counts is fitted by a Poisson distribution, and the ratio of multiple NV spots suggests the potential for a five NV centers creation.

Qubit teleportation between non-neighbouring nodes in a quantum network

Future quantum internet applications will derive their power from the ability to share quantum information across the network1,2. Quantum teleportation allows for the reliable transfer of quantum information between distant nodes, even in the presence of highly lossy network connections3. Although many experimental demonstrations have been performed on different quantum network platforms4–10, moving beyond directly connected nodes has, so far, been hindered by the demanding requirements on the pre-shared remote entanglement, joint qubit readout and coherence times. Here we realize quantum teleportation between remote, non-neighbouring nodes in a quantum network. The network uses three optically connected nodes based on solid-state spin qubits. The teleporter is prepared by establishing remote entanglement on the two links, followed by entanglement swapping on the middle node and storage in a memory qubit. We demonstrate that, once successful preparation of the teleporter is heralded, arbitrary qubit states can be teleported with fidelity above the classical bound, even with unit efficiency. These results are enabled by key innovations in the qubit readout procedure, active memory qubit protection during entanglement generation and tailored heralding that reduces remote entanglement infidelities. Our work demonstrates a prime building block for future quantum networks and opens the door to exploring teleportation-based multi-node protocols and applications2,11–13.

Quantum Fisher information measurement and verification of the quantum Cramér–Rao bound in a solid-state qubit

The quantum Cramér–Rao bound sets a fundamental limit on the accuracy of unbiased parameter estimation in quantum systems, relating the uncertainty in determining a parameter to the inverse of the quantum Fisher information. We experimentally demonstrate near saturation of the quantum Cramér–Rao bound in the phase estimation of a solid-state spin system, provided by a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond. This is achieved by comparing the experimental uncertainty in phase estimation with an independent measurement of the related quantum Fisher information. The latter is independently extracted from coherent dynamical responses of the system under weak parametric modulations, without performing any quantum-state tomography. While optimal parameter estimation has already been observed for quantum devices involving a limited number of degrees of freedom, our method offers a versatile and powerful experimental tool to explore the Cramér–Rao bound and the quantum Fisher information in systems of higher complexity, as relevant for quantum technologies.