Large quantum superpositions of a levitated nanodiamond through spin-optomechanical coupling

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to create and observe large quantum superpositions in levitated nanodiamonds by leveraging spin-mechanical coupling with nitrogen-vacancy centers, enabling the study of macroscopic quantum phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to generate large non-Gaussian quantum states in nanodiamonds via spin-optomechanical coupling, advancing quantum superposition experiments.

Findings

Enables creation of superpositions with millions of atoms

Allows observation of spatial quantum interference

Operates under feasible experimental conditions

Abstract

We propose a method to generate and detect large quantum superposition states and arbitrary Fock states for the oscillational mode of an optically levitated nanocrystal diamond. The nonlinear interaction required for the generation of non-Gaussian quantum states is enabled through the spin-mechanical coupling with a built-in nitrogen-vacancy center inside the nanodiamond. The proposed method allows the generation of large superpositions of nanoparticles with millions of atoms and the observation of the associated spatial quantum interference under reasonable experimental conditions.