Atomic scale coherent manipulation of the electron spin in semiconductors

Introduction

Currently, a great deal of experimental research is dedicated to implementing qubits on a wide variety of physical systems. In the last decade, researchers have observed optically-active point defects in 2D materials which serve as single photon sources and present spin-dependent optical emission, making them promising spin-photon interfaces.

Recent Developments

In parallel, new local probe techniques have been developed to detect magnetic resonance on single atomic spins. More recently, these techniques have demonstrated controlled charging and positioning of point-centres in 2D semiconductors. OneSPIN lies at the junction of these very active fields.

Proposal Overview

Inspired by the opportunity that these recent findings bring, I propose to coherently probe single electronic spins localized at point-centres in 2D semiconductors and to engineer their atomic environment. The ultimate goal of this proposal is the demonstration of long spin coherence times for quantum information applications.

Methodology

To achieve this ambitious goal, I will develop a novel approach based on a unique scanning tunnelling microscopy technique which allows for the engineering, excitation, and optical detection of single spin resonance. This approach provides a solution to the current lack of tools capable of:

1. Simultaneously recording the atomic and electronic structure of defects.
2. Measuring their optoelectronic response.
3. Assessing the coherence properties of their spins.

Using this tool, it will be possible to not only determine the role of the environment on spin coherence but also to engineer it by deterministically moving localization centres over the surface, creating tailored ensembles of localized spin states.

Materials and Applications

I will use 2D semiconductors which, being chemically stable and “all surface”, are systems that can naturally be addressed, manipulated, and engineered using local probe techniques. OneSPIN has the potential to open new opportunities in the fields of material science, quantum information, and semiconductor-based quantum technologies.