On-Surface Atomic Spins with Outstanding Quantum Coherence

Introduction

The quantum nature of a physical system often emerges from its fundamental building blocks and demands a profound understanding to harvest its advantages for quantum devices. Their design requires knowledge about the atomic-scale environment of a quantum object to protect it from noise and energy exchange.

Atomic Workbench

For that purpose, spins on surfaces studied and controlled by a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and electron spin resonance (ESR) have emerged as an atomic workbench that permits the resolution of quantum systems such as single atoms and molecules.

Current Limitations

However, up to now, the coherent properties, in particular the phase coherence time, remain much worse than in other quantum architectures such as nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond or superconducting qubits.

Project Goals

In ATOMQUANT, I aim to improve the coherent properties of spins on surfaces by several orders of magnitude. The main goal is to create a new atomic-force microscopy (AFM)-based architecture for quantum information processing and magnetic sensing operating on the atomic scale.

Strategies to Achieve Goals

I aim to achieve this goal through the following strategies:

1. Improvements in Instrumentation:

   • Here, I will set up single spin resonance in a milliKelvin-AFM setup, based on the technique of magnetic exchange force microscopy.

2. Utilizing Remote Substrate Nuclear Spins:

   • I will address remote substrate nuclear spins and utilize them as a highly coherent quantum resource. This will be realized by 25Mg nuclear spins that are found in the commonly used magnesium oxide substrate.

3. Overcoming Detection Challenges:

   • I will work on overcoming major challenges for the detection of spins on surfaces, such as requirements for low temperatures and hurdles for device integration.

Potential Impact

The results of ATOMQUANT will have the potential to bring quantum research to the atomic limit, allowing for exploration of potential qubit systems with outstanding quantum properties in-situ and atom-by-atom.

Previous Experience

My previous extensive experience in the field of ESR-STM provides the best possible conditions to conduct this innovative high-potential research endeavor.