Ultralong spin coherence times for rubidium atoms in solid parahydrogen via dynamical decoupling

TL;DR

This paper reports achieving ultralong spin coherence times of 0.1 seconds for rubidium atoms in solid parahydrogen, highlighting their potential for advanced quantum sensing and information applications.

Contribution

Demonstrated unprecedented long coherence times for rubidium atoms in solid parahydrogen and analyzed the physics limiting these times, opening new avenues for quantum technologies.

Findings

Achieved 0.1 s spin coherence time for rubidium in parahydrogen

Identified physics factors limiting coherence times

Potential for quantum sensing and MRI applications

Abstract

Coherence time is an essential parameter for quantum sensing, quantum information, and quantum computation. In this work, we demonstrate electron spin coherence times as long as 0.1 s for an ensemble of rubidium atoms trapped in a solid parahydrogen matrix. We explore the underlying physics limiting the coherence time. The properties of these matrix isolated atoms are very promising for future applications, including quantum sensing of nuclear spins. If combined with efficient single-atom readout, this would enable NMR and magnetic resonance imaging of single molecules cotrapped with alkali-metal atom quantum sensors within a parahydrogen matrix.