Non-classical measurement statistics induced by a coherent spin environment

TL;DR

This paper explores how a coherent spin environment influences a coupled qubit's measurement statistics, revealing non-classical behaviors useful for quantum state engineering, demonstrated through NV centers in diamond.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical model explaining non-classical measurement statistics induced by a coherent spin bath in NV centers, enabling quantum state engineering.

Findings

Observation of non-classical measurement statistics in NV centers

Theoretical model matches experimental data

Potential for quantum state control using spin environments

Abstract

We demonstrate the role of measurement back-action of a coherent spin environment on the dynamics of a spin (qubit) coupled to it, by inducing non-classical (Quantum Random Walk like) statistics on its measurement trajectory. We show how the long-life time of the spin-bath allows it to correlate measurements of the qubit over many repetitions. We have used Nitrogen Vacancy centers in diamond as a model system, and the projective single-shot readout of the electron spin at low temperatures to simulate these effects. We show that the proposed theoretical model, explains the experimentally observed statistics and their application for quantum state engineering of spin ensembles towards desired states.