Optical Control of a Single Nuclear Spin in the Solid State

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new all-optical method to coherently control individual nuclear spins in solid-state systems, specifically using NV centers in diamond, advancing quantum information processing capabilities.

Contribution

The paper presents the first demonstration of optical control of a single nuclear spin in a solid-state environment via NV centers, highlighting the physical limitations involved.

Findings

Successful optical control of a $^{14}$N nuclear spin using Raman techniques

Control performance limited by hyperfine coupling and radiative decay rates

Discussion of potential extensions to other color centers

Abstract

We demonstrate a novel method for coherent optical manipulation of individual nuclear spins in the solid state, mediated by the electronic states of a proximal quantum emitter. Specifically, using the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color center in diamond, we demonstrate control of a proximal $^{14}$N nuclear spin via an all-optical Raman technique. We evaluate the extent to which the intrinsic physical properties of the NV center limit the performance of coherent control, and find that it is ultimately constrained by the relative rates of transverse hyperfine coupling and radiative decay in the NV center's excited state. Possible extensions and applications to other color centers are discussed.